The Royal Albert Hall, a venue steeped in musical history, played host to the culmination of Ville Valo’s Neon Noir era, offering the perfect backdrop for a night of sonic transcendence. With support acts Zerta and Eivør adding their unique flavours to the mix, anticipation hung heavy as fans eagerly awaited an unforgettable evening.
Kicking off the night was Zerta, whose dark and entrancing aesthetic immediately gripped the early arrivals. The juxtaposition of gloomy imagery with an alluring sound set the tone for the evening, perfectly complementing the lineup. As the haunting melodies filled the iconic venue, it was evident that Zerta had struck a chord with the audience. The addition of Svalbard’s Serena Cherry lending her vocals to ‘Starfall’ added an extra layer of depth to their performance, captivating fans and leaving them hungry for more.
Following Zerta’s mesmerizing set, Eivør took to the stage, armed with her impressive vocal range and trusty shamanic drum. From the moment she began to sing, it was clear that she possessed a rare talent for captivating an audience. The mix of peace and panic that fueled her performance seemed to resonate deeply with the crowd, creating an electrifying atmosphere within the hallowed halls of the Royal Albert Hall. As her cross-cultural music reverberated through the venue, it was as if the very walls themselves were alive with the sound of her music. By the end of her set, Eivør had undoubtedly left a lasting impression on the VV fandom, cementing her status as a force to be reckoned with in the music industry.
Finally, it was time for the main event. Ville Valo, adorned with his iconic Heartagram, took to the stage amidst a roar of applause and cheers. From the first note to the last, VV delivered a performance that was nothing short of electrifying. Blasting through a set list that included hits from his own repertoire as well as classics from HIM, VV left no stone unturned in his quest to leave his mark on the Royal Albert Hall. The energy and passion with which he performed were palpable, igniting a fire in the hearts of all those in attendance.
Songs like ‘Neon Noir’, ‘Rip Out the Wings of a Butterfly’, and ‘The Funeral of Hearts’ elicited an overwhelmingly emotional response from the crowd, with fans singing, dancing, and even shedding tears of joy. The iconic Heartagram, illuminated against the backdrop of the stage, served as a beacon of hope and solidarity for all those who had gathered to witness this momentous occasion.
As the final notes of ‘When Love and Death Embrace’ faded into the night, there was a sense of collective euphoria that swept over the crowd. Ville Valo had delivered a performance for the ages, capping off an incredible run of Neon Noir in spectacular fashion. The Royal Albert Hall had borne witness to a night of musical brilliance that would be remembered for years to come, solidifying VV’s place as one of the finest talents in the industry.
Review and All Photos By Nick Davarias Photography
https://www.instagram.com/nick.davarias/
Zerta
Eivør
Ville Valo,
