Alexi Laiho, Children of Bodom co-founder Dead at 41
Alexi Laiho, Children of Bodom co-founder, vocalist and guitarist, has died at the age of 41 last week at his home in Finland.
Guitarist Alexi Laiho deceased
One of the most renowned guitarists in the world, Alexi Laiho, has passed away. The musician, most notably known as the front man of Children of Bodom, died in his home in Helsinki, Finland, last week. Laiho had suffered from long-term health issues during his last years.
Alexi Laiho and drummer Jaska Raatikainen founded Children of Bodom in 1993, and the band was one of the most internationally acclaimed metal acts in Finland up until their very last farewell concert in December of 2019. Last year Alexi Laiho put together Bodom After Midnight, who recorded three songs and shot one music video, which will be released later on posthumously.
Besides Children of Bodom, Laiho was known for acts such as Warmen, Sinergy, Kylähullut and The Local Band. Awarded with a Metal Hammer Golden Gods and several other international prizes, the guitarist was also the main star, leading a group of one hundred guitar players at Helsinki Festival in 2015 in “100 Guitars From Hel” – a massive concert piece he composed.
“We are crushed by the sudden passing of our dear friend and band member. Words cannot describe this shock and the profound sadness that we feel”, Daniel Freyberg, Mitja Toivonen and Waltteri Väyrynen from Bodom After Midnight state.
The talented guitarist and musician relished his roles as stepdad in his patchwork family, and as uncle and godfather. Especially during the last years, the important family ties brought a welcomed balance to his life and the active touring. Laiho was particularly close with his big sister, parents and his sister’s daughter. Laiho’s sister says:
“We are all absolutely shocked and devastated. We ask for privacy and understanding during these hard times. My little brother’s funeral will take place privately.”
Alexi Laiho will also be deeply missed by his family in Australia.
“Alexi was the most loving and magnificent husband and father. Our hearts are eternally broken”, Kelli Wright-Laiho says.
The remaining members of Bodom After Midnight do not give any interviews at this time.
Jouni Markkanen
Bodom After Midnight management
The official date on which the world-renowned guitarist died was not made available at press time and no cause of death was immediately given, although Laiho battled numerous long-term health issues late in his life.
“We are crushed by the sudden passing of our dear friend and band member. Words cannot describe this shock and the profound sadness that we feel”, said Daniel Freyberg, Mitja Toivonen and Waltteri Väyrynen of Bodom After Midnight, Laiho’s newest band he established following the dissolution of the Children of Bodom lineup..
Laiho’s sister commented, “We are all absolutely shocked and devastated. We ask for privacy and understanding during these hard times. My little brother’s funeral will take place privately.”
“Alexi was the most loving and magnificent husband and father,” added his widow, Kelli Wright-Laiho. “Our hearts are eternally broken.”
Children of Bodom’s career began in 1997 after the band changed their name from Inearthed. Their first album, Something Wild, was released when Laiho was just 18 years old and even that early on he pitted himself as a potential revolutionary within metal. As the band’s sound developed, so did Laiho’s advanced skill set and he quickly gained notoriety from fans and peers as one of the genre’s new guitar heroes, a badge he’d wear until his death.
With 10 albums to their name, the last being 2019’s Hexed, the Children of Bodom named was retired following the abrupt exit of the entire lineup, save for Laiho and guitarist Daniel Freyberg, who joined the band in 2016. Alongside Freyberg, Laiho started a new project, Bodom After Midnight (named after the Children of Bodom song), who had recently finished recording their debut album, which was set for release on Napalm Records.
