The surviving members of CHILDREN OF BODOM have announced a tribute concert to their late frontman Alexi Laiho, called “A Celebration of Music”, set to take place at Helsinki’s legendary Tavastia club on February 26, 2026.
The event will reunite bassist Henkka Seppälä, drummer Jaska Raatikainen, keyboardist Janne Wirman, guitarist Alexander Kuoppala, and honorary chaos ambassador Samy Elbanna of Lost Society — basically everyone who ever tried (and failed) to keep up with Alexi’s hangover tempo.
The band issued a heartfelt statement:
“We want to celebrate the life’s work of our band and the musical legacy of our friend and bandmate Alexi. The gig will be played at Tavastia, which is important to us — and at the same time, we’ll fulfill the long-standing wish of our fans.”
But then, in the unfiltered spirit of Finnish honesty, they reportedly added:
“Yeah, we’ve been talking shit about him for years, the band disbanded, but let’s be real — we’re short on money, and Tavastia doesn’t pay for itself. Besides, who doesn’t want to cash in on nostalgia and liver damage?”
The show promises a mix of beloved Bodom classics, awkward small talk, and enough alcohol to reanimate Alexi’s ghost. Organizers confirmed that the bar will serve all of Laiho’s favorite poisons — whiskey, vodka, and regret — with proceeds allegedly going to “band expenses and emotional damage compensation.”
When asked if the event might seem hypocritical given their past internal drama, drummer Jaska Raatikainen replied:
“Hypocritical? Maybe. But also — profitable.”
Meanwhile, Finnish fans are already calling the event “Rehab Reunion 2026,” promising to bring candles, guitar picks, and a collective hangover large enough to summon the Northern Lights.
Tickets go on sale October 29 at 9:00 a.m. via Tiketti.fi, and are expected to sell out faster than Alexi could down a bottle of Southern Comfort.
Because if there’s one thing Finland knows how to do — it’s mourn loudly, drink proudly, and turn tragedy into a sold-out night at Tavastia.
