We present the synthesis, structures, luminescent properties and electrochemistry of gold(III) and platinum(II)-N-heterocyclic carbene complexes. The proligand 1-methyl-2-(pyridylmethyl)imidazo[1,5-a]pyridin-4-ylium hexafluorophosphate, (1.HPF6), two novel isoelectronic and isostructural complexes, viz. [Au(1)2][PF6]3 (2), [Pt(1)2][PF6]2(3)...