By Chyrisse Tabone, Rock At Night Tampa
Live Review: Ville Valo at Jannus Live – St. Petersburg, Florida – September 12, 2023
Finnish solo artist Ville Valo, (VV) and lead singer of HIM, is currently on tour with Black Veil Brides (BVB). They recently collaborated on the single “Temple of Love” by Sisters of Mercy. Rock At Night caught VV at Jannus Live, St. Petersburg, Florida on September 12, 2023.
Upon arrival at Jannus Live, the courtyard of the outdoor venue was jampacked with concertgoers all dressed in black (not a single white shirt in sight). Many of the folks, who appeared to be 50/50 men and women, were dressed in goth attire to honor VV or BVB.
The stage was filled with black smoke and VV’s familiar ‘heartagram’ shone brightly at the rear of the stage. VV came out on stage dressed in black himself—a suit, undershirt, and a newsboy cap. With his striking eyes, I couldn’t help but think, “He looks like Tommy Shelby from Peaky Blinders.” But gangster, he was not—and he delivered a performance showing off his wide vocal range. The audience knew all the evening’s songs as many sang along.
The set lasted a good hour, as he sang non-stop except for a short break to drink water and chat with the audience saying,”I am always wearing a black suit no matter what the weather…and I am fucking dying.” The evening was indeed sweltering hot and increased through the evening. Some of the security guards handed out bottles of water to those in the front row.
For fans of HIM, this was a dream come true. VV delivered their hits and put on one hell of a show.
PHOTO GALLERY
I grew up in a household full of rock music, studied journalism in college, and then became a scientist.Although my science career has served me well, music has always played a major role in my life. I grew up reading "Creem" magazine; I play several musical instruments as a "hobby";and it seems a camera has always been in my hand. Now, I am combining what I love the most--music and photography--serving as editor of Rock At Night. I travel between the US and UK seeking my dream! My motto: life is short...no regrets. Chyrisse
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