In two days, the Finnish music sensation known as HIM will take to the stage of the Hammerstein Ballroom in NYC for the very last time. This show marks the end of their North American tour and then its back to Europe and eventually Finland where they will close the book on the band with a final show on New Year’s Eve. In honor of the historic tour, photographer Ville Juurikkala has come to New York City and is showcasing a number of band photographs that he has taken over the years at the awesome Morrison Hotel Gallery. I’ve noted before that Juurikkala has pointed the lens at other great Finnish artists like Michael Monroe, The 69 Eyes, Amorphis and even Nightwish. This show is all about His Infernal Majesty however (and no, they don’t call themselves that anymore in case you wondered). I hit the gallery a little early to get a few minutes with Ville so I could share the scoop with those of you who would never be able to be there for yourself. Here’s Ville in front of two works that I liked a lot.
Now let’s get a clear look at each of the photographs that were being showcased. There were “10” in all being shown on the wall and each came in a few different sizes if you wanted to purchase the print. I had a few favorites from these. Can you guess which ones they were?
Aren’t those awesome? I think so for sure and now it’s time to have a little fun as the opening ceremony was now on and there were people to meet and stories to share about the band and its ardent fans. Here we go. I’ll chime in now and again when necessary.
Here’s Ville and gallery directory Marcelle Murdock and a gallery guest.
The legendary Bob Gruen and Ville Juurikkala. It was so great to be able to say hello to Bob. I’d love to find an exhibit of his most famous works happening at the gallery.
Here’s Bob and Ville and some Morrison Hotel Gallery staff.
Here’s our buddy Jani and a lovely companion. We haven’t seen him in a minute and the last time was with the band Santa Cruz who he works with. That’s a band you should be looking up in case the name is news to you. It shouldn’t be of course if you follow our discussions here.
Charming guests at the opening party.
This is Tony Mann on the left and Jimmy Webb on the right. By the way, Jimmy has recently opened a store on the LES called “I Need More” so do drop in and spend some money.
Ville and Wendy Scripps of Wendigo Productions. She also runs a gallery called “Art On A Gallery” and I need to check out what they have doing there. Makes mental note.
Bob Gruen and Jimmy Webb
It was great to see Ville having such a nice time and laughing at jokes and other silliness.
Our own Joe Kaufman with Bob Gruen.
Joe and Samuel enjoying the festivities of the opening.
Gallery director Marcelle Murdock in front of one of her favorites of the showcase.
The staff of Morrison Hotel Gallery and Ville do a final group shot. Everyone worked hard on delivering a wonderful evening.
Yes even I can be in the pictures sometimes.
Not a bad crowd at all. It was wonderful to meet everyone that we did this evening.
The fine team of staff of Morrison Hotel Gallery was keeping our thirst quenched and appetites sated with an assortment of beverages and some eats. There were also some finger sandwiches which I didn’t manage to photograph. The foodie in me is crying just a little since I am a bit of a completist. Nicely done MHG 🙂
This exhibit will run until November 27th so don’t miss out, especially if you are coming to NYC for the final HIM USA show on Friday. Though I don’t know how long Photographer Ville will be in town and at the show, I am sure that the staff at Morrison Hotel Gallery will answer your inquiries if you give them a call. This was surely a good time and definitely a place I would like to see more of this kind of Rock being showcased. The last time that I did any sort of coverage here was when they showcased a series of photographs of The Beatles. I documented that night on THIS LINK back in 2014. Maybe Ville can return and do a show with numerous artists that he has shot from the Finnish Rock scene. What do you think Marcelle? Sound like a good idea? My hopes also is that Ville decides to do a book on HIM photography like he did with The 69 Eyes some years ago. Now the countdown begins for me for the last HIM show that NYC will ever have (until a reunion of course). It’s going to be sad and awesome to be a part of the attending media for the gig. Maybe I will get some good tips from Ville about them. It can’t hurt. Until next time.
Official Websites:
Ville Juurikkala: http://www.villejuurikkala.com
HIM: http://www.heartagram.com
Morrison Hotel Gallery: http://www.morrisonhotelgallery.com