HIM Live at Irving Plaza 3/14/14
Review by Deborah J. Draisin
Photos by Deborah J. Draisin and Justine Perez
It’s
been a hot minute since H.I.M. (the acronym for the band’s
former identity, His Infernal Majesty) played New York City,
or anyplace in America really. Plagued by illnesses, injuries
and other manifestations of crappy luck, the band finally
got the opportunity to showcase last year’s release,
“Tears On Tape” in a live setting here in the
States, and it was well worth the wait.
Playing a tight 90-minute set jam-packed with both cool,
newer cuts like “Into The Night” as well as
crowd favorites, such as “Your Sweet 666,” “Wings
Of A Butterfly” “Join Me In Death” and
their cover of Chris Isaak’s iconic “Wicked
Game” while cracking jokes at one another’s
expense (vocalist Ville Valo was momentarily rendered unable
to sing as he both chuckled at and sympathized with bassist
Mikko Paananen’s slip onto his butt due to spilled
beer onstage, which a tech rushed to wipe up after the fact.)
The
crowd was awesome: responsive, loving, and screaming back
every word. The band looked positively jubilant (even tough
manager Janne Tamminen was beaming at the prospect of a
second show in town as his girlfriend joked about shopping
for two days straight on Madison Avenue.)
It was a triumphant return for a band who has more than
braved their share of trials and tribulations while, amazingly,
remaining intact (this lineup contains all of the founding
members, although drummers and keyboardists have come and
go here and there – a rare sight for bands of any
era.) Their appreciation for one another is clearly apparent
to spectators, and their respect for their fans (much eye
contact was made, many thanks were given and many drumsticks
and picks were distributed) a tangible thing.
Here’s hoping that they will be able to return sooner
next time.
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