Ville Valo

{{Infobox person

| name = Ville Valo

| image = Ville Valo & Agents 9 3 2019 (1).jpg

| image_size =

| caption = Valo performing with Agents in 2019

| alias = {{flat list|

Balo the Singing Janitor
Bil Bao
Lux Airam
Rambo Rimbaud
VV

}}

| birth_date = {{birth date and age|df=y|1976|11|22}}

| birth_place = Helsinki, Finland

| occupation = {{flat list|

Singer
songwriter
musician
producer

}}

| relatives = Jesse Valo (brother)

| spouse =

| partner =

| module = {{Infobox musical artist|embed=yes

| instrument = {{flat list|

Vocals

}}

| genre =

| years_active = 1991–present

| label = {{flatlist|

}}

| current_member_of =

| past_member_of = {{flatlist|

}}

| signature = Ville Valo Signature.png

}}

Ville Hermanni Valo ({{IPA|fi|ˈʋilːe ˈʋɑlo|pron|fi-Ville Valo.ogg}}; born 22 November 1976) is a Finnish singer, songwriter and musician. He is best known as the vocalist of the gothic rock band HIM.

Born and raised in Helsinki to a Hungarian mother and Finnish father, Valo began his career playing bass and drums in various bands around the city. In 1991, he co-founded and became the singer and main songwriter of HIM, which would go on to become one of the most successful Finnish bands of all time and the first to receive a gold record in the United States. Outside of HIM, Valo has collaborated with various other bands and artists during his career, including Agents, The 69 Eyes, and Apocalyptica. In 2020, Valo embarked on a solo career under the moniker VV. His debut album Neon Noir was released in 2023.

He is also the creator of the heartagram, HIM's trademarked symbol, which has achieved great popularity outside of the band's fanbase. Valo has received several accolades in the music industry and has been regarded as a sex symbol by several publications.

Early life

Ville Hermanni Valo was born in Helsinki, Finland, on 22 November 1976,{{sfn|Juntunen|2002|p=9}} the son of a Hungarian mother and a Finnish father.{{cite news |url=https://www.hs.fi/tulosta/HS20050104SI1KU024op/ |title=Kansalaisten juorukirja nykyaikaistuu |last1=Stenbäck |first1=Irma |date=4 January 2005 |newspaper=Helsingin Sanomat |language=fi |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071123222818/https://www.hs.fi/tulosta/HS20050104SI1KU024op/ |archive-date=23 November 2007 |access-date=13 November 2018 }} His mother Anita worked as a shoe saleswoman and later for the city of Helsinki.{{cite interview |last1=Valo |first1=Ville |subject-link1=Ville Valo |title=An Interview with Ville Valo |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5pwYiQN8wx8 |work=MAD TV |date=6 April 2003 |via=YouTube |access-date=8 September 2021 |language=fi}}{{cite interview |last1=Valo |first1=Ville |subject-link1=Ville Valo |title=An Interview with Ville Valo |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5pwYiQN8wx8 |work=ShockHound |year=2010 |via=YouTube |access-date=8 September 2021 |language=fi}} His father Kari worked as a taxi driver, before opening a sex shop, where Valo would later work as a teenager.{{cite magazine |last=Everley |first=Dave |date=April 2013 |title=Ville Valo Q&A |url=https://www.loudersound.com/features/ville-valo-him-interview-2013-tears-on-tape |magazine=Metal Hammer presents: HIM - Tears On Tape (Official Fanpack Magazine) |pages=8{{ndash}}25 |publisher=Future plc |location=London, England |access-date=5 September 2021 |via=Louder}}{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PaSOTXJSLYw |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/PaSOTXJSLYw| archive-date=2021-12-11 |url-status=live|title= HIM's Ville Valo - Loud Legacy (Full Documentary) |work=Loudwire |via=YouTube |date=25 February 2015 |access-date=8 September 2021}}{{cbignore}} Valo also has a younger brother Jesse, who, like his older brother, embarked on a music career, before turning to professional kickboxing.{{cite web|url=https://yle.fi/aihe/artikkeli/2013/06/06/ville-valo-antaa-muusikkoveljelleen-henkista-konsultaatiota |title=Ville Valo antaa muusikkoveljelleen henkistä konsultaatiota |last=Poikelus |first=Jenni |publisher=YleX |via=Yle |date=6 June 2013 |access-date=2 July 2017 |language=fi}} A few months after Valo was born, the family moved from Vallila to Oulunkylä, where later Valo attended comprehensive school.{{sfn|Juntunen|2002|p=9}} Valo's earliest musical memories pertain to his father, who would often listen to Finnish folk artists such as Tuomari Nurmio and Tapio Rautavaara while driving his taxi. Valo's mother also recounted how Rauli "Badding" Somerjoki's "Paratiisi" was the only thing that would sooth Valo as an infant.{{sfn|Juntunen|2002|p=10}} At age eight, Valo bought the album Animalize by Kiss, which sparked his interest in music.{{sfn|Juntunen|2002|p=12}}

After second grade, Valo was accepted into music-oriented class, where he took up bass guitar, inspired by Gene Simmons of Kiss.{{sfn|Juntunen|2002|p=12}} During third grade, Valo befriended Mikko "Mige" Paananen, who played bass as well.{{sfn|Juntunen|2002|p=19}} Around fourth or fifth grade, Valo joined his first band B.L.O.O.D., which played its first and only show in front of Valo's class.{{sfn|Juntunen|2002|p=13}} Afterwards Valo joined the Eloveena Boys, who performed a variety of U2 and Dire Straits covers at school dances. Valo also wrote his first song while in the band.{{sfn|Juntunen|2002|p=13}} During seventh grade, Valo met guitarist Mikko "Linde" Lindström, with whom he joined Aurora, which featured Valo on drums. During lower secondary school, Valo attended the Helsinki Pop & Jazz Conservatory, whilst playing bass and drums in various other bands as well.{{sfn|Juntunen|2002|p=16}} Afterwards he applied to the music-oriented Sibelius Upper Secondary School, but was rejected. Valo eventually dropped out of school altogether to concentrate on his music career.{{cite interview |last1=Valo |first1=Ville |subject-link1=Ville Valo |title=Subtv kohtaamisia: Ville Valo |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mFrihZMkcnE |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/mFrihZMkcnE| archive-date=2021-12-11 |url-status=live|work=Subtv |date=30 April 2003 |via=YouTube |access-date=8 September 2021 |language=fi}}{{cbignore}} He was also allowed to skip Finland's national military service due to his asthma.

Career

= HIM =

File:Ville Valo performing.jpg 2007]]

In 1991, Valo and Mikko "Mige" Paananen formed His Infernal Majesty. However, the band broke up in 1993 when Mige began his national military service.{{sfn|Juntunen|2002|p=23}} His Infernal Majesty was reformed in 1995 by Valo and Mikko "Linde" Lindstöm.{{sfn|Juntunen|2002|pp=47{{ndash}}48}} After being rejoined by Mige, as well as adding keyboardist Antto Melasniemi and drummer Juhana "Pätkä" Rantala, His Infernal Majesty, now simply called HIM, released its debut album Greatest Lovesongs Vol. 666 in 1997.{{cite magazine |last=Roberts |first=Chris |date=April 2013 |title=Greatest Lovesongs Vol. 666 |magazine=Metal Hammer presents: HIM - Tears On Tape (Official Fanpack Magazine) |pages=112{{ndash}}113 |publisher=Future plc |location=London, England}} In 2000, now with drummer Mika "Gas Lipstick" Karppinen and keyboardist Juska Salminen, HIM released Razorblade Romance, which reached the number one in Finland, Austria and Germany.{{cite web|url=https://www.ifpi.fi/lista/artistit/him/razorblade+romance/ |title=HIM – Razorblade Romance |publisher=Musiikkituottajat |language=fi |access-date=30 August 2021}}{{cite web | url = https://austriancharts.at/showitem.asp?interpret=HIM&titel=Razorblade+Romance&cat=a | title = HIM – Razorblade Romance |access-date = 30 August 2021 | work = Austriancharts.at | publisher = Media Control Charts |language=de}}{{cite web |url=https://www.offiziellecharts.de/album-details-3179 |title=HIM – Razorblade Romance |publisher=Offizielle Deutsche Charts |language=de|access-date=30 August 2021}} After replacing Salminen with Janne "Burton" Puurtinen, the band released Deep Shadows and Brilliant Highlights (2001) and Love Metal (2003), which continued to further HIM's success across Europe. The albums also paved the way for HIM's first tours in the United Kingdom and the United States.{{cite magazine |last=Lawson |first=Dom |date=April 2013 |title=Deep Shadows and Brilliant Highlights |magazine=Metal Hammer presents: HIM - Tears On Tape (Official Fanpack Magazine) |pages=116{{ndash}}117 |publisher=Future plc |location=London, England}}{{cite magazine |last=Everley |first=Dave |date=April 2013 |title=Love Metal |magazine=Metal Hammer presents: HIM - Tears On Tape (Official Fanpack Magazine) |pages=118{{ndash}}119 |publisher=Future plc |location=London, England}}

In 2005, HIM released Dark Light, which became the group's most commercially successful album to date. It also gave HIM the distinction of being the first Finnish group in history to receive a gold record in the United States.{{cite news |title=HIM 20 vuotta raskasta romantiikkaa |url=http://www.hs.fi/paivanlehti/kulttuuri/HIM+20+vuotta+raskasta+romantiikkaa/a1348803599621?src=haku&ref=arkisto%2F |last=Mattila |first=Ilkka |newspaper=Helsingin Sanomat |date=29 September 2012 |access-date=1 September 2021 |language=fi}} Dark Light was followed up by 2007's Venus Doom. While not as successful as its predecessor, it gave HIM its highest chart position in the United States and garnered the band its first and only Grammy nomination.{{cite web |url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/billboard-200/2007-10-06 |title=Billboard 200 - Week of October 6, 2007 |publisher=Billboard |access-date=8 September 2021}}{{cite news |url=http://www.mtv.fi/viihde/musiikki/artikkeli/him-jai-ilman-grammya/2840352 |title=HIM jäi ilman Grammya |website=MTV Uutiset |date=11 February 2008 |access-date=7 September 2021 |archive-date=1 August 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160801172130/http://www.mtv.fi/viihde/musiikki/artikkeli/him-jai-ilman-grammya/2840352 |url-status=dead }} After 2010's Screamworks: Love in Theory and Practice, HIM entered an extended hiatus after Gas Lipstick was forced to take medical leave. Following several months of uncertainty, the band regrouped and released Tears on Tape in 2013. Gas Lipstick later announced his departure from the band in 2015. He was replaced by Jukka "Kosmo" Kröger.{{Cite web |title=HIM's Ville Valo Talks New Drummer, Upcoming Studio Album |date=15 August 2015 |website=Blabbermouth.net |url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/hims-ville-valo-talks-new-drummer-upcoming-studio-album-video/ |access-date=7 September 2021}} Preliminary work on another album was started, but the band ultimately felt like "there was nothing left to give collectively".{{cite interview |last1=Valo |first1=Ville |subject-link1=Ville Valo |interviewer=Laura Vähähyyppä |title=Radio Rockin Iltavuoro: Ville Valo |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yz5zlgRil4o |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/yz5zlgRil4o| archive-date=2021-12-11 |url-status=live|work=Radio Rock |date=1 July 2017 |via=YouTube |access-date=7 September 2021 |language=fi}}{{cbignore}} On 5 March 2017, HIM announced that the band would be disbanding following a farewell tour.{{Cite magazine |title=Uutispommi: HIM ilmoittaa lopettavansa uransa – jäljellä on jäähyväiskiertue, ja sitten se on siinä |date=5 March 2017 |last=Schildt |first=Saku |magazine=Soundi |url =http://www.soundi.fi/uutiset/uutispommi-him-ilmoittaa-lopettavansa-uransa-jaljella-jaahyvaiskiertue-siina/ |access-date=5 March 2017 |language=fi}}{{Cite news |title=HIM lopettaa 26 vuoden jälkeen – massiivinen jäähyväiskiertue julki |date=5 March 2017 |last=Makkonen |first=Nita |newspaper=Ilta-Sanomat |url=http://www.is.fi/viihde/art-2000005115246.html |access-date=5 March 2017 |language=fi}} HIM played its final show on New Year's Eve 2017 as a part of its annual Helldone Festival.{{cite web |title=HIM to bid farewell at Tavastia Club on New Year's Eve |url=https://www.tiketti.fi/HIM-to-bid-farewell-at-Tavastia-Club-on-New-Years-Eve-uutiset/10877 |website=Tiketti |date=7 August 2017 |access-date=7 September 2021}}

= Collaborations and solo career =

Over the course of his career, Valo has contributed to numerous releases by other artists, including The 69 Eyes, Anathema, Andy McCoy, Bloodhound Gang, Cradle of Filth, Jeff Walker, Lullacry, MGT, The Mission and Tehosekoitin. Valo was also a member of Daniel Lioneye, a side project formed by Valo and fellow HIM members Linde Lindström and Mige. Valo played drums on the group's 2001 album The King of Rock 'n Roll, and its accompanying tour.{{sfn|Juntunen|2002|p=185}} In 2014, the band's original line-up reunited at the Helldone Festival.{{cite news |title=HIM-superprojekti kasasi vaihteeksi rivinsä – Kuvasetti nähtävissä |url=https://www.soundi.fi/uutiset/him-superprojekti-kasasi-vaihteeksi-rivinsa-kuvasetti-nahtavissa/ |language=fi |magazine=Soundi |date=31 December 2014 |access-date=7 September 2021}}

File:HIM @ Steel Blue Oval (1 3 2010) (4416157285).jpg]]

In 1999, Valo appeared as guest vocalist on the television show Laulava sydän, where he performed three songs with Finnish schlager group Agents.{{cite news |title=Nyt on raudanluja yhdistelmä: Ville Valo ja Agents yhdistivät voimansa, levyttivät Baddingin tuotantoa |url =https://www.soundi.fi/uutiset/nyt-on-raudanluja-yhdistelma-ville-valo-ja-agents-yhdistivat-voimansa-levyttivat-baddingin-tuotantoa/ |language=fi |last=Schildt |first=Saku |magazine=Soundi |date=30 August 2018 |access-date=5 September 2021}} In 2004, Apocalyptica released "Bittersweet", which featured guest vocals by Valo and Lauri Ylönen of The Rasmus. The song reached number one in Finland,{{cite web |url=https://www.ifpi.fi/lista/artistit/apocalyptica+feat.+ville+valo+%26+lauri+yl%C3%B6nen/bittersweet/ |title=Suomen virallinen lista – Artistit: Apocalyptica feat. Ville Valo & Lauri Ylönen – Bittersweet |publisher=Musiikkituottajat |access-date= 5 September 2021 |language= fi }} while also cracking the top ten in Germany and Switzerland.{{cite web |url=https://www.offiziellecharts.de/titel-details-6385 |title= Apocalyptica feat. Ville Valo & Lauri Ylönen – Bittersweet |publisher=Offiziele Deutsche Charts |access-date=6 March 2019 |language=de}}{{cite web |url=https://hitparade.ch/song/Apocalyptica-feat.-Ville-Valo-and-Lauri-Yloenen/Bittersweet-6385 |title=Apocalyptica feat. Ville Valo and Lauri Ylönen – Bittersweet |publisher=HitParade.ch |access-date=5 September 2021 |language=de}} Valo and Ylönen performed the song with Apocalyptica live for the first and only time in January 2005 at the Yhteinen ASIA benefit concert for victims of the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami.{{cite AV media |last1=Valo |first1=Ville |subject-link1=Ville Valo |interviewer=((Jussi 69)) |title=Rock 'n' Roll Circus: Ville Valo |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7LGOIa50CAE |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/7LGOIa50CAE| archive-date=2021-12-11 |publisher=Radio Rock |date=29 April 2016 |via=YouTube |access-date=6 September 2021 |language=fi}}{{cbignore}} In 2006, Valo contributed vocals to the compilation album Synkkien laulujen maa. He performed the tracks "Kun minä kotoani läksin" and "Täällä Pohjantähden alla", the latter of which was a duet with famed Finnish singer Kari Tapio.{{cite magazine |title=Eri esittäjiä: Synkkien laulujen maa |url=https://www.soundi.fi/levyarviot/eri-esittajia-synkkien-laulujen-maa/ |last=Alanko |first=Tero |magazine=Soundi |date=20 April 2007 |access-date=3 September 2021 |language=fi}}{{cite news |title=Suomi on synkkien laulujen maa |url=https://www.ts.fi/kulttuuri/1074157506 |newspaper=Turun Sanomat |date=30 October 2008 |access-date=3 September 2021 |language=fi}} Valo later described recording the song with Tapio as one of the greatest experiences of his musical career. In 2007, Valo and German actress-singer Natalia Avelon recorded a cover version of Lee Hazlewood's "Summer Wine" for the film Eight Miles High.{{cite news |title=Ville Valo duetoi saippuatähden kanssa |url =https://www.is.fi/viihde/art-2000000040435.html |language=fi |newspaper=Ilta-Sanomat |date=18 January 2007 |access-date=5 September 2021}} The song charted at number one in Finland and Greece,{{cite web |url=https://www.ifpi.fi/lista/artistit/ville+valo+%26+natalia+avelon/summer+wine/ |title=Suomen virallinen lista – Artistit: Ville Valo & Natalia Avelon – Summer Wine |publisher=Musiikkituottajat |access-date= 5 September 2021 |language= fi }}{{cite web |url=http://www.ifpi.gr:80/chart03.htm |title=Ελληνικό Chart – Top 50 Singles Εβδομάδα 10/2007 |language=el |publisher=IFPI Greece |access-date=5 September 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070324041323/http://www.ifpi.gr/chart03.htm |archive-date=24 March 2007 }} as well as number two in Germany and Switzerland.{{cite web |url=https://www.offiziellecharts.de/titel-details-271634 |title=Ville Valo & Natalia Avelon – Summer Wine |publisher=Offiziele Deutsche Charts |access-date=6 March 2019 |language=de}}{{cite web |url=https://hitparade.ch/song/Ville-Valo-&-Natalia-Avelon/Summer-Wine-271634 |title=Ville Valo & Natalia Avelon – Summer Wine |publisher=HitParade.ch |access-date=6 March 2019 |language=de}} It would later be certified platinum in Finland and Germany.{{cite web |url=https://www.ifpi.fi/tutkimukset-ja-tilastot/kulta-ja-platinalevyt/artistit/ville+valo+%26+natalia+avelon/ |title=Kulta- ja platinalevyt - Artistit: Ville Valo & Natalia Avelon |publisher=Musiikkituottajat |access-date= 6 September 2021 |language= fi }}{{cite web |url=https://www.musikindustrie.de/markt-bestseller/gold-/platin-und-diamond-auszeichnung/datenbank/?action=suche&strTitel=Summer+Wine&strInterpret=Ville+Valo+%26+Natalia+Avelon&strTtArt=alle&strAwards=checked |title= Gold-/Platin-Datenbank: Ville Valo & Natalia Avelon – Summer Wine |publisher=Bundesverband Musikindustrie |access-date= 6 September 2021 |language= de}}

At 2014 edition of Helldone, Valo made his solo live debut, when he performed a set of songs under the pseudonym Rambo Rimbaud.{{Cite web |title=HIM Frontman Ville Valo's Solo Project Rambo Rimbaud Performs At Helldone Festival (Video) |date=11 January 2015 |website=Blabbermouth.net |url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/him-frontman-ville-valos-solo-project-rambo-rimbaud-performs-at-helldone-festival-video/ |access-date = 12 June 2016}} In 2016, Valo released a cover version of "Olet mun kaikuluotain" (a Finnish version of John Denver's "Annie's Song") to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Love Records.{{cite news |title=Kuuntele: Ville Valo tulkitsee legendaarisen hitin suomeksi: "Saa ihon kananlihalle" |url =https://www.is.fi/musiikki/art-2000001213216.html |language=fi |newspaper=Ilta-Sanomat |date=4 July 2016 |access-date=5 September 2021}} The single reached number one on the Finnish Digital Song Sales Chart.{{cite web |url=https://www.ifpi.fi/lista/artistit/ville+valo/olet+mun+kaikuluotain/ |title=Suomen virallinen lista – Artistit: Ville Valo – Olet Mun Kaikuluotain |publisher=Musiikkituottajat |access-date= 5 September 2021 |language= fi }} A music video, directed by Ykä Järvinen, was also produced. It would later receive the award for Video of the Year at the 2016 Emma Gala.{{cite news |url=https://www.mtvuutiset.fi/artikkeli/emma-gaalan-yllattaja-ville-valo-palkittiin-vuoden-musiikkivideosta/6298092 |title =Emma-gaalan yllättäjä! Ville Valo palkittiin vuoden musiikkivideosta |website=MTV Uutiset |date=4 February 2017 |access-date=8 September 2021}} In 2017, Valo provided the soundtrack for the virtual reality video game Downward Spiral: Prologue by 3rd Eye Studios.{{cite news |title=HIM jättää jäähyväiset, Ville Valo ei - ryhtyi avaruuspelin muusikoksi |url=https://www.iltalehti.fi/digi/a/201703312200094906 |last=Savolainen |first=Jani |newspaper=Iltalehti |url-access=registration|date=31 March 2017 |access-date=1 April 2017 |language=fi}} He would go on to score the 2018 sequel Downward Spiral: Horus Station as well.{{cite web |title=Haastattelu: Kotimainen scifi-peli Downward Spiral: Horus Station kumartaa Dead Spacen suuntaan – Ville Valo vastaa soundtrackista |url=https://muropaketti.com/pelit/haastattelu-suomalaistekoinen-scifi-peli-downward-spiral-horus-station/ |last=Hämäläinen |first=Tuukka |website=Muropaketti |date=4 September 2018 |access-date=4 September 2018 |language=fi}}

In August 2018, it was announced that Valo would be reuniting with Agents to record songs (including previously unreleased ones) by late Finnish singer-songwriter Rauli "Badding" Somerjoki.{{cite news |title=Ville Valo yllättää yhteistyöllä Agents-yhtyeen kanssa – tulkitsee levyllä ennen julkaisemattomia Baddingin kappaleita, luvassa myös kiertue |url =https://www.aamulehti.fi/kulttuuri/art-2000007312173.html |language=fi |last=Tähtivaara |first=Sarianne |newspaper=Aamulehti |date=30 August 2018 |access-date=5 September 2021}} Valo described the project as a huge honour, having been a fan of Somerjoki and Agents since childhood.{{cite AV media |last1=Valo |first1=Ville |subject-link1=Ville Valo |interviewer=((Jussi 69)) |title=Ville Valo & Jussi 69 - Radio Rock - 11.03.2019 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9zBzIlMHKiE |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/9zBzIlMHKiE| archive-date=2021-12-11 |url-status=live|publisher=Zhenia Kirsikkalove |date=11 March 2019 |via=YouTube |access-date=6 September 2021 |language=fi}}{{cbignore}} Ville Valo & Agents made their live debut at the 2018 Emma Gala.{{cite news |title=Ville Valon freesi ulkonäkö Emma-gaalassa puhutti somessa - laulaja kommentoi kohua: "Pitkiä muutoksia pitkien aikojen kuluessa" |url =https://www.iltalehti.fi/viihdeuutiset/a/7ed00981-6837-45ed-ac83-7f8751ed448a |language=fi |last=Kirssi |first=Elina |newspaper=Iltalehti |url-access=registration|date=17 February 2019 |access-date=6 September 2021}} Their self-titled album was released on 15 February 2019, and it debuted at number one on the Finnish Albums Chart, going gold in less than a week.{{cite web |title=Ville Valo & Agents myi hetkessä kultaa - Ville Valolta herkkä kiitos äidilleen |url =https://www.radionova.fi/uutiset/musiikki/a-174599 |language=fi |last=Loikala |first=Senni |website=Radio Nova |date=25 February 2019 |access-date=5 September 2021}} The group then began a tour of Finland, which concluded in August 2019, a year after the project's initial announcement. According to Valo, the partnership was always intended to remain "short but sweet", thus he and Agents parted ways after the tour. Their collaboration would go on to receive three Emma Award nominations.{{cite news |url=https://www.soundi.fi/uutiset/emma-ehdokkaat-julki-tuomaristotyoskentelyyn-pohditaan-muutoksia/ |title=Emma-ehdokkaat julki – Tuomaristotyöskentelyyn pohditaan muutoksia |last=Siltanen |first=Vesa |magazine=Soundi |date=12 December 2019 |access-date=8 September 2021}}

On 20 March 2020, Valo released the surprise EP Gothica Fennica Vol. 1, under the moniker VV.{{cite web |title= HIM's Ville Valo Is Back With 'Gothica Fennica Vol. 1' EP |url =https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/hims-ville-valo-is-back-with-gothica-fennica-vol-1-ep/ |website=Blabbermouth.net |date=19 March 2020 |access-date=5 September 2021}} Two of its three tracks charted in Finland.{{cite web |url=https://www.ifpi.fi/lista/artistit/vv/run+away+from+the+sun/ |title=Suomen virallinen lista – Artistit: VV – Run Away From The Sun |publisher=Musiikkituottajat |access-date= 5 September 2021 |language= fi }}{{cite web |url=https://www.ifpi.fi/lista/artistit/vv/salute+the+sanguine/ |title=Suomen virallinen lista – Artistit: VV – Salute The Sanguine |publisher=Musiikkituottajat |access-date= 5 September 2021 |language= fi }} In April 2022, Valo released "Loveletting", the first single from his debut solo album Neon Noir, which was released on 13 January 2023. It charted in six countries, debuting at number one in Finland and number four in Germany.{{cite web|url=https://www.ifpi.fi/lista/artistit/vv/neon+noir/|title=VV - Neon Noir|publisher=Musiikkituottajat |access-date=22 January 2023}}{{cite web|url=https://www.offiziellecharts.de/album-details-511293|title=VV [FI] - Neon Noir|publisher=Offizielle Deutsche Charts |access-date=22 January 2023}} It would also go on to win in the rock category at the Emma Awards.{{cite news |url=https://www.is.fi/musiikki/art-2000010236002.html |title=Emma-voittaja Ville Valo ylistää Christel-puolisoaan: erityisesti näitä piirteitä hän arvostaa |last1=Myllymäki |first1=Iiro |last2=Mattila |first2=Mikael |newspaper=Ilta-Sanomat |date=18 February 2024 |access-date=17 February 2024}} In support of the album, Valo embarked on a world tour beginning in January 2023.{{cite web |title=Mystisille Heartagram-postauksille selitys: Ville Valo julkaisee uutta musiikkia – luvassa mittava maailmankiertue |url =https://www.iltalehti.fi/musiikki/a/c591726c-8292-42ea-afac-4e1820b753e2 |language=fi |last=Valavaara |first=Sara |newspaper=Iltalehti |url-access=registration|date=7 April 2022 |access-date=7 April 2022}}{{cite web |title=Ville Valo announces massive European, UK and US tour, confirms new album |url =https://www.loudersound.com/news/ville-valo-announces-european-uk-and-us-tour |last=Alderslade |first=Merlin |website=Louder |publisher=Metal Hammer |date=7 April 2022 |access-date=7 April 2022}} His backing band consists of lead guitarist Mikko Virta, rhythm guitarist Sampo Sundström, bassist Juho Vehmanen and drummer Risto Rikala.{{cite web |title=Ville Valo lähtee soolokiertueelle kokeneiden muusikkojen kanssa – Laulaja esitteli taustabändinsä kokoonpanon |url =https://www.soundi.fi/uutiset/ville-valo-lahtee-soolokiertueelle-kokeneiden-muusikkojen-kanssa-laulaja-esitteli-taustabandinsa-kokoonpanon/ |language=fi |last=Siltanen |first=Vesa |newspaper=Soundi |date=18 May 2022 |access-date=18 May 2022}} In September, Valo embarked on a North American co-headlining tour with Black Veil Brides. They also collaborated on a cover of "Temple of Love" by The Sisters of Mercy, which was released in June.{{Cite web |title=Black Veil Brides And Ville Valo Join Forces For Cover Of Sisters Of Mercy's 'Temple Of Love' |date=9 June 2023 |website=Blabbermouth.net |url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/black-veil-brides-and-ville-valo-join-forces-for-cover-of-sisters-of-mercys-temple-of-love |access-date = 9 June 2023}} The Neon Noir supporting tour concluded at London's Royal Albert Hall on 10 May 2024.{{cite web |title= Ville Valo to bring Neon Noir cycle to an end with massive world tour |url =https://www.kerrang.com/ville-valo-to-bring-neon-noir-cycle-to-an-end-with-massive-world-tour |magazine=Kerrang! |date=12 September 2023 |access-date=12 September 2023}}

= Other work =

Valo has made various appearances in television and film. In 1998, he had a small role in the Ilppo Pohjola directed short film Asphalto.{{cite AV media | people=Pohjola, Ilppo (director) | date=1998 | title=Asphalto | medium=Short film | location=Finland | publisher=Crystal Eye}} In 2008, Valo voiced Moto Moto in the Finnish dub of Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa.{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6b8hOK890b8 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/6b8hOK890b8| archive-date=2021-12-11 |url-status=live|title=HIM's Ville Valo and Mikko Paananen - Wikipedia: Fact or Fiction? |work=Loudwire |via=YouTube |date=24 April 2014 |access-date=7 September 2021}}{{cbignore}} Valo has also appeared in several projects by Bam Margera, including Jackass Number Two and Viva La Bam. While he has received offers for several small acting roles, Valo has maintained that he is not an actor, jokingly stating in 2013: "I've always felt that [HIM needs] to sell about 80 million copies more for me to become an actor, a painter, an opera singer or a TV personality."

In 2005, Valo designed a limited line of Coca-Cola Light cans with the proceeds going to the Red Cross.{{cite news |title=Ville Valon tölkkitaiteella auttamaan |url=https://www.ts.fi/viihde/1074058821 |newspaper=Turun Sanomat |date=28 July 2005 |access-date=7 September 2021 |language=fi}} In 2020, Valo was named the new face of Presidentti coffee by Paulig.{{cite web |title=Ikoninen Pauligin Presidentti uudistuu: Uudistuksen kasvoina Jorma Uotinen ja Ville Valo |url=https://www.pauliggroup.com/fi/uutishuone/ikoninen-pauligin-presidentti-uudistuu-uudistuksen-kasvoina-jorma-uotinen-ja-ville-valo |website=Paulig |date=1 September 2020 |access-date=7 September 2021 |language=fi}}

Personal life

Valo resides in Helsinki, Finland.{{cite news |title=Ensimmäinen yhteiskuva: Ville Valo toi tyrmäävän uuden tyttöystävänsä Iskelmä-gaalaan – poseerasivat yhdessä mustissa |url=https://www.is.fi/musiikki/art-2000005093066.html |language=fi |last=Makkonen |first=Nita |newspaper=Ilta-Sanomat |date=17 February 2017 |access-date=6 September 2021}} In 2006, Valo purchased a 19th-century tower house in Munkkiniemi, where he lived until 2015, when it was put up for sale.{{cite news |title=Ville Valon Suomen miljoonakoti ei ole mennyt kaupaksi – noteerattiin myös New York Timesissa |url=https://www.iltalehti.fi/viihde/a/2016092122349564 |language=fi |last=Korpela |first=Tanja |newspaper=Iltalehti |url-access=registration|date=21 September 2016 |access-date=7 September 2021}}{{cite news |title=Ville Valon entinen tornitalo myynnissä taas – hinta jo alle kaksi miljoonaa |url=https://www.rumba.fi/uutiset/ville-valon-entinen-tornitalo-myynnissa-taas-hinta-jo-alle-kaksi-miljoonaa/ |language=fi |last=Fräntilä |first=Jarkko |magazine=Rumba |date=26 January 2021 |access-date=7 September 2021}}

Valo dated Finnish television host and model Jonna Nygrén in the early 2000s. They became engaged in 2005, but separated the following year. They briefly reunited in mid-2006, before breaking up again in 2007.{{cite news |title=Muistatko Ville Valon ex-kihlatun Jonna Nygrénin - tältä hän näyttää nyt! |url=https://www.is.fi/viihde/art-2000000911399.html |language=fi |last=Hiiri |first=Miia |newspaper=Ilta-Sanomat |date=18 April 2015 |access-date=6 September 2021}} Valo was then involved in a relationship with an undisclosed partner, who served as his main source of inspiration for HIM's 2010 album Screamworks: Love in Theory and Practice.{{cite news |title=Lehti: Ville Valon suhde paljastui |url=https://www.mtvuutiset.fi/artikkeli/lehti-ville-valon-suhde-paljastui/2858028 |language=fi |website=MTV Uutiset |date=5 February 2010 |access-date=6 September 2021}} In 2012, Valo was linked to French model Sandra Mittica.{{cite news |title=Ville Valo kieltää kihlautumishuhut: Vasta kun daami ylipuhuu |url=https://www.mtvuutiset.fi/artikkeli/ville-valo-kieltaa-kihlautumishuhut-vasta-kun-daami-ylipuhuu/2858598 |language=fi |last=Pukki |first=Kati |website=MTV Uutiset |date=7 July 2013 |access-date=6 September 2021}} They reportedly ended their relationship in 2015. Since 2016, Valo has been in a relationship with Finnish model Christel Karhu.{{cite news |title=Seiska: Ville Valo viihtyy parikymppisen huippumallin seurassa - kiihkeää pusuttelua Helsingin yössä |url=https://www.iltalehti.fi/viihde/a/2016091522318002 |language=fi |last=Tähtivaara |first=Sarianne |newspaper=Iltalehti |url-access=registration|date=15 September 2016 |access-date=6 September 2021}} The two made their first public appearance together in February 2017.

Valo has been a vegetarian since he was a teenager. In 2017, he described his diet as "almost vegan".

In 2004, Valo was invited to the Presidential Independence Day reception at Finland's presidential palace, but was unable to attend due to a fever.{{cite news |title=Kova kuume kaatoi Ville Valon ennen Linnan juhlia |url=http://www.is.fi/viihde/art-2000000315047.html |newspaper=Ilta-Sanomat |date=30 October 2006 |access-date=9 August 2017}} He attended later in 2006.{{cite news |title=Ville Valo Linnaan - yksin |url=https://www.is.fi/kotimaa/art-2000000309965.html |newspaper=Ilta-Sanomat |date=6 December 2006 |access-date=10 June 2016}}

= Substance abuse and legal issues =

Valo has asserted his disinterest in narcotics, citing cigarettes and alcohol as his only two vices.{{cite magazine |last=Hibbard |first=Jamie |date=December 2017 |title=Sympathy for the Devil |magazine=Metal Hammer: A Brief History of HIM |page=7{{ndash}}16 |publisher=Future plc |location=London, England }} In 2000, an intoxicated Valo nearly jumped off the thirteenth floor of a hotel in Germany, before being pulled back by friends.{{sfn|Juntunen|2002|p=162}}{{cite news |title=Ville Valo: Yritin itsemurhaa |url=https://www.is.fi/viihde/art-2000000263754.html |language=fi |newspaper=Ilta-Sanomat |date=15 October 2002 |access-date=7 September 2021}} In November 2004, the New York Post ran an article where Valo was accused of performing drunk at HIM's Irving Plaza concert. Valo reportedly threw half empty beer cans across the stage in addition to slurring his words and forgetting the lyrics to songs.{{cite news |title=Drunken Valo Trashes H.I.M Self |url=https://nypost.com/2004/11/17/drunken-valo-trashes-h-i-m-self/ |last=Aquilante |first=Dan |newspaper=New York Post |date=17 November 2004 |access-date=6 September 2021}} In 2005, Valo's drink was spiked in Minneapolis. He suffered minor injuries and was robbed of his jacket, asthma medicine, cigarettes, credit cards, and cell phone.{{Cite web | title = H.I.M. Frontman Victim Of Drug-Assisted Robbery | date =2 December 2005 | website = Blabbermouth.net | url =http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/h-i-m-frontman-victim-of-drug-assisted-robbery/ | access-date = 14 July 2016}} In February 2006, Valo was arrested at his home in Helsinki after allegedly threatening to kill his neighbor and resisting arrest.{{Cite web |title=H.I.M. Frontman Arrested For Threatening To Kill Neighbor |date=9 February 2006 |website=Blabbermouth.net |url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/h-i-m-frontman-arrested-for-threatening-to-kill-neighbor/ |access-date=28 June 2016}} He later elaborated on the incident, stating: "It was a guy just talking a lot of bull about me and my fiancée. And I got pissed off, I went to his door, I kicked the door, he opened the door and I told him that if he was ever gonna talk badly about me and my girl, he was gonna end up being dead, and I punched him in the face, and that's the whole thing."{{Cite web |title=H.I.M. Frontman Talks About Recent Arrest |date=27 February 2006 |website=Blabbermouth.net |url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/h-i-m-frontman-talks-about-recent-arrest/ |access-date=28 June 2016}}

During the making of HIM's 2007 album Venus Doom, Valo's alcohol abuse worsened to the point where he was vomiting and defecating blood. He eventually suffered a nervous breakdown. Despite a momentary recovery, Valo began drinking again during the mixing process. Eventually he was admitted to the Promises Rehabilitation Clinic in Malibu by HIM's manager Seppo Vesterinen. Valo later cited depression and stress as contributing factors to his alcohol abuse at the time.{{cite news |title=Ville Valo avautui juomisestaan: "Kummastakin päästä tuli verta jatkuvasti" |url=https://www.is.fi/viihde/art-2000001183029.html |language=fi |last=Hiiri |first=Miia |newspaper=Ilta-Sanomat |date=20 May 2016 |access-date=5 September 2021}} On HIM's 2010 album Screamworks: Love in Theory and Practice, Valo worked completely sober for the first time in the band's history. He has since relapsed though he has maintained an effort to balance his drinking. In 2013, Valo stated: "I'm an on and off guy. If I drink, I drink properly for long stretches of time. And if I don't drink, I don't drink at all." In 2017, Valo stated that he consumes alcohol only once a month.{{cite web |title=Ville Valo Me Naisissa: Elämä ilman juhlimista ei ole elämää |url=https://www.radionova.fi/uutiset/viihde/a-138766 |language=fi |last=Rapila |first=Senja |website=Radio Nova |date=7 February 2017 |access-date=5 September 2021}} By 2023, Valo had quit drinking and smoking.{{cite web |title=Raitistunut Ville Valo kertoo viimeisestä tapaamisestaan Bam Margeran kanssa – sanoo suoraan, mitä ajattelee vanhan ystävänsä tilanteesta nyt |url=https://www.is.fi/viihde/art-2000009320198.html |language=fi |last=Kostiainen |first=Pasi |newspaper=Ilta-Sanomat |date=12 January 2023 |access-date=12 January 2023}}{{cite web |title=Ville Valo joutui valitsemaan alkoholin ja musiikin väliltä: "Se alkoi hiljalleen syömään sisältä" |url=https://www.iltalehti.fi/viihdeuutiset/a/fb727262-9767-48f9-b542-11caacf17874 |language=fi |last=Saarela |first=Manu |newspaper=Iltalehti |url-access=registration|date=14 January 2023 |access-date=13 May 2024}} However, he has refrained from calling himself a teetotaler, stating: "I never say never. I have a habit if I forbid something, I want it twice as bad."

Artistry and influences

File:Nova2013 HIM Ville Valo 0003.JPG

As a songwriter, many of Valo's songs tackle themes of love. He has stated: "I feel like there is no subject more important for a song than relationships. It's the only thing that moves me."{{cite AV media |last1=Valo |first1=Ville |subject-link1=Ville Valo |interviewer=((Jussi 69)) |title=Radio Rock - Jussi 69 and Ville Valo HIM Pt.1 (05.11.2012) |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PPBFtmZnv7c |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/PPBFtmZnv7c| archive-date=2021-12-11 |url-status=live |publisher=himptz |date=5 November 2012 |via=YouTube |access-date=8 September 2021 |language=fi}}{{cbignore}} Valo also takes inspiration from literature, but only certain aspects of it, explaining: "As a guy who writes songs, I get excited about an idea, or a book, or a sentence. I don't necessarily get excited about the whole of Tolkien, I just get excited about Uruk-hai. Just a little detail that just makes my mind work overdrive." Valo's lyrics have been described as "oozing with blood-dripping hearts and gothic melodrama". Valo and the rest of HIM referred to the band's music as "love metal", the idea of which was to combine more melodic and melancholic elements with heavier influences.{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pJzQar0um-o |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/pJzQar0um-o| archive-date=2021-12-11 |url-status=live|title=HIM in Cologne, Germany (Finnish with English subs) |work=MusicInterviewCorner |via=YouTube |date=23 October 2013 |access-date=10 June 2016}}{{cbignore}} He has described HIM's music as "sentimental, hard-hitting rock".{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ZOBPAPp0po |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/1ZOBPAPp0po| archive-date=2021-12-11 |url-status=live|title= Yourock.tv Interview with Ville Valo from Him @ Alcatraz Milan |work=Yourock.tv |via=YouTube |date=12 February 2014 |access-date=10 June 2016}}{{cbignore}} Valo's musical influences include Black Sabbath, Type O Negative, Neil Young,{{cite web|last=Broadley |first=Erin |url=http://suicidegirls.com/interviews/1382/HIM---An-Interview-with-Ville-Valo/ |title=HIM - An Interview with Ville Valo |publisher=SuicideGirls |date=12 October 2004 |access-date=13 November 2012}} The Sisters of Mercy, Fields of the Nephilim,{{cite interview |last1=Valo |first1=Ville |subject-link1=Ville Valo |title=An Interview with Ville Valo |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pC4U3_-JGNA |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/pC4U3_-JGNA| archive-date=2021-12-11 |url-status=live|work=Sonic Seducer |year=2007 |via=YouTube |access-date=8 September 2021 }}{{cbignore}} Johnny Cash, Depeche Mode,{{cite web|url=http://www.crypticrock.com/interview-ville-valo-of-him/ |title=Interview – Ville Valo of HIM |website=Cryptic Rock |date=1 September 2013 |access-date=17 April 2017}} Elvis Presley, Rauli "Badding" Somerjoki, and Tapio Rautavaara.{{cite web|url=http://www.iskelma.fi/uutiset/musiikki/a-139455 |title=Rokkari Ville Valo paljasti yllättävän puolensa: Fanittaa suuria iskelmätähtiä |last=Kaura |first=Vilma |website=Iskelmä |date=17 February 2017 |access-date=30 June 2017}}{{cite news |url=https://www.mtvuutiset.fi/artikkeli/tapio-rautavaara-on-yha-monen-laulajan-idoli/2987122 |title=Tapio Rautavaara on yhä monen laulajan idoli |website=MTV Uutiset |date=10 September 2012|access-date=17 April 2017}} Some of his non-musical influences include Edgar Allan Poe, H.P. Lovecraft, Timo K. Mukka, Charles Baudelaire, Charles Bukowski, Austin Osman Spare, Maya Deren, and Shigeo Fukuda.{{cite magazine |date=April 2013 |title=The Illustrated Man |last=Wilding |first=Philip |magazine=Metal Hammer presents: HIM - Tears On Tape (Official Fanpack Magazine) |pages=27{{ndash}}31 |publisher=Future plc |location=London, England}}{{cite magazine |date=April 2013 |title=Under the Influence |last=Moon |first=Grant |magazine=Metal Hammer presents: HIM - Tears On Tape (Official Fanpack Magazine) |pages=32{{ndash}}37 |publisher=Future plc |location=London, England}}

Much of HIM's success has been attributed to Valo's songwriting ability, public image, and charisma.{{cite news|title = Ville Valo yhdisti Tapio Rautavaaran ja AC/DC:n – näin HIM-yhtye valloitti erilaiset yleisöt ympäri maailmaa |url=http://www.hs.fi/kulttuuri/art-2000005115935.html |last=Sirén |first=Vesa |newspaper=Helsingin Sanomat |date=6 March 2017 |access-date=10 April 2017 |language=fi}}{{cite AV media | people=Mattila, Tommi (director) | year=2005 |title=Himmeetä valoa |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-K4G7gt0-Kc |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/-K4G7gt0-Kc| archive-date=2021-12-11 |url-status=live| medium=Documentary | work=Yle |via=YouTube |access-date=9 June 2016 |language=fi}}{{cbignore}}{{cite news |title="Ei ole tehdasta, jossa napista painamalla syntyisi uusia HIMejä" |url =http://www.savonsanomat.fi/kulttuuri/Ei-ole-tehdasta-jossa-napista-painamalla-syntyisi-uusia-HIMej%C3%A4/943242 |last=Lankolainen |first=Eeva |newspaper=Savon Sanomat |date=7 March 2017 |access-date=15 April 2017 |language=fi}} He has a baritone voice. In 2006, he was ranked number 80 in Hit Parader{{'}}s Top 100 Metal Vocalists of All Time.{{Cite web |title=Rob Halford, Robert Plant, Bon Scott, Ozzy Are Among 'Heavy Metal's All-Time Top 100 Vocalists' |date=1 December 2006 |website=Blabbermouth.net |url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/rob-halford-robert-plant-bon-scott-ozzy-are-among-heavy-metal-s-all-time-top-100-vocalists/ |access-date=8 September 2021}} Loudwire ranked Valo as the 14th greatest metal frontman of the 21st century, stating: "His baritone voice is undeniably gorgeous, his vampiric charisma is almost hypnotic, male fans desperately attempt to emulate him and female fans scream ballistically as if he was the second coming of Elvis."{{Cite web |title=Top 30 Frontmen + Frontwomen of the 21st Century |date=28 February 2018 |last=DiVita |first=Joe |website=Loudwire |url=https://loudwire.com/top-frontmen-frontwomen-21st-century/ |access-date=8 March 2018}} Metal Hammer described Valo as one of the early 2000s few new rockstars, stating: "HIM were like no other band. They had a special something, but more importantly they had a special someone. Ville shone like a star with his blend of Mick Jagger posturing and Brandon Lee's dark charms in The Crow." Valo has been voted a sex symbol in polls conducted by Kerrang!, Revolver and MTV3.{{cite news |title=Ville Valo on suurin seksisymboli |url=https://www.is.fi/viihde/art-2000000289804.html |language=fi |newspaper=Ilta-Sanomat |date=20 January 2004 |access-date=5 September 2021}}{{cite magazine |url=https://www.revolvermag.com/uncategorized/exclusive-interview-him%E2%80%99s-ville-valo-on-being-voted-the-hottest-dude-in-hard-rock-and-metal.html |title=Exclusive Interview: HIM's Ville Valo on Being Voted the Hottest Dude in Hard Rock and Metal |last=Epstein |first=Dan |date=11 November 2011 |magazine=Revolver |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140831173427/https://www.revolvermag.com/uncategorized/exclusive-interview-him%E2%80%99s-ville-valo-on-being-voted-the-hottest-dude-in-hard-rock-and-metal.html |archive-date=31 August 2014 |access-date=8 September 2021 }}{{cite news |url=https://www.mtvuutiset.fi/artikkeli/mtv-n-lukijat-ovat-puhuneet-han-on-suomen-kuumin-mies/6720224 |title=MTV:n lukijat ovat puhuneet – hän on Suomen kuumin mies! |last=Välske |first=Silja |website=MTV Uutiset |date=7 January 2018 |access-date=8 September 2021}} Regarding these accolades, Valo said: "To be honest, I don't know what a sex symbol is. Compliments are nice, but I've always liked compliments on the music more." When asked if it frustrates him as a songwriter and a musician, Valo stated that ultimately "it doesn't matter". He compared the situation to Kiss, noting how the visuals and music are part of one whole.

On his twentieth birthday, Valo created the heartagram, which would eventually become the symbol for HIM. A combination of a heart and a pentagram, it is meant to represent the juxtaposition of "the soft and the hard, the male and the female, the yin and the yang". Musically, the heart represents the softer side of HIM, while the pentagram conveys the heavier elements of its sound.{{cite magazine |last=Wilding |first=Philip |date=April 2013 |title=Sheer Heartagram |url=https://www.loudersound.com/features/him-ville-valo-heartagram-interview |magazine=Metal Hammer presents: HIM - Tears On Tape (Official Fanpack Magazine) |pages=75{{ndash}}77 |publisher=Future plc |location=London, England |access-date=8 September 2021 |via=Louder}} Valo has called the heartagram his greatest creation. He noted in 2013: "There are a lot of people who have heartagram tattoos now. Kat Von D has one, Steve-O has a dickagram, which is like a heartagram but ends with a dick. It's started to have a life of its own: there are a lot of people who have them who don't actually know what it was, don't relate it to the band, and in that sense, I consider that to be my greatest achievement. So it'll be nice to have it on my tombstone. And it'll be nice to see where it's going to go next." During his solo career, Valo has used a variation of the heartagram with two extra lines forming the moniker VV. Regarding the symbol, Valo jokingly stated: "Artistically speaking the main difference between HIM and VV is the extra line in the heartagram, but what an exquisite line it is!"

Discography

=HIM=

Greatest Lovesongs Vol. 666 (1997)
Razorblade Romance (2000)
Deep Shadows and Brilliant Highlights (2001)
Love Metal (2003)
Dark Light (2005)
Venus Doom (2007)
Screamworks: Love in Theory and Practice (2010)
Tears on Tape (2013)

=Daniel Lioneye=

The King of Rock 'n Roll (2001)

=Ville Valo & Agents=

Ville Valo & Agents (2019)

=VV=

Neon Noir (2023)

Awards

{{See also|HIM (Finnish band)#Awards|l1=List of awards and nominations received by HIM}}

Metal Hammer Golden Gods Awards

!{{Abbr|Ref.|Reference}}

| 2004 || Ville Valo || Golden God Award || {{won}} || style="text-align:center;" | {{cite news |url=https://bravewords.com/news/metal-hammer-awards-announced-madness-ensues |title=Metal Hammer Awards Announced, Madness Ensues |website=Brave Words & Bloody Knuckles |date=9 June 2004 |access-date=8 September 2021}}

| 2005 || Ville Valo || Icon Award || {{won}} || style="text-align:center;" | {{cite news |url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/black-sabbath-slipknot-mot-rhead-honored-at-golden-gods-awards-photos-available/ |title= Black Sabbath, Slipknot, Motörhead Honored At Golden Gods Awards: Photos Available |website=Blabbermouth.net |date=14 June 2005 |access-date=8 September 2021}}

BMI Awards

!{{Abbr|Ref.|Reference}}

| 2007 || "Wings of a Butterfly" || BMI Pop Award || {{won}} || style="text-align:center;" | {{cite news |title = Ville Valolle palkinto Wings of a Butterfly -kappaleesta |url=https://www.is.fi/viihde/art-2000000203614.html |newspaper=Ilta-Sanomat |date=17 October 2007 |access-date=16 June 2016}}

Emma Gala

!{{Abbr|Ref.|Reference}}

| 2017 || "Olet mun kaikuluotain" || Video of the Year|| {{won}} || style="text-align:center;" |

| rowspan=3 | 2020 || Ville Valo & Agents || Band of the Year || {{nom}} || style="text-align:center;" rowspan=3 |

| Ville Valo & Agents || Iskelmä of the Year || {{nom}}

| Ville Valo & Agents || Artist / Band of the Year || {{nom}}

| 2024 || Neon Noir || Rock of the Year|| {{won}} || style="text-align:center;" |

Eläköön SuomiRock! Gala

!{{Abbr|Ref.|Reference}}

| rowspan=2 | 2019 || Ville Valo & Agents || Rock Achievement of the Year || {{won}} || style="text-align:center;" rowspan=2 | {{cite web |title=Eläköön SuomiRock! -gaalan voittajat selvillä - menivätkö palkinnot oikeaan osoitteeseen? |url =https://www.radiosuomirock.fi/uutiset/musiikki/a-185878 |language=fi |last=Saarinen |first=Reija |website=Radio SuomiRock |date=7 November 2019 |access-date=6 September 2021}}

| "Ikkunaprinsessa" || Song of the Year || {{won}}

| rowspan=2 | 2020 || VV || Artist of the Year || {{won}} || style="text-align:center;" rowspan=2 | {{cite web |title=Eläköön SuomiRock! -gaalassa palkittiin suomalaisen musiikin tekijöitä - katso voittajat |url =https://www.voice.fi/musiikki/a-200119 |language=fi |last=Kujanpää |first=Lauri |website=Voice.fi |date=27 November 2020 |access-date=8 September 2021}}

| "Run Away from the Sun" || Song of the Year || {{won}}