Children of Bodom frontman Alexi Laiho have died at the age of 41 after having ‘long-term health issues’ during his last years.
The Finnish heavy metal band announced Laiho’s death on Monday.
“One of the most famous guitarists in the world, Alexi Laiho, has passed away,” the group’s former members Henkka Blacksmith, Janne Wirman and Jaska Raatikainen wrote on Facebook. “The musician, best known as the leading man of Children of Bodom, passed away last week at his home in Helsinki, Finland. Laiho has suffered from long-term health issues in his last years.”
“More than 25 years of friendship”, reads the statement. “We lost a brother. The world has lost a phenomenal songwriter and one of the greatest guitarists of all time. Memories and Alexi’s music will live on forever. Our thoughts are with Alexi’s family during this difficult time.”
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The news of the guitarist’s death comes just over a year after Children of Bodom played their last show with its original series, reports People magazine. Laiho started a new group in 2020, Bodom After Midnight.
Alexi Laiho of the Finnish black metal orchestra Children of Bodum will perform on stage on Day 2 of Provinssirock 2013 on 15 June 2013 in Seinajoki, Finland.
(Photo by Ragnar Singsaas / Redferns via Getty Images)
The new group’s label, Nuclear Blast, also announced in a Facebook post that Bodom After Midnight’s first three singles, recorded last year, will be released posthumously.
“We are devastated by the sudden passing of our dear friend and band member,” Bodom After Midnight’s Daniel Freyberg, Mitja Toivonen and Waltteri Väyrynen shared.
“The talented guitarist and musician enjoys his roles as stepfather in his patchwork family, and as uncle and godfather,” they said. “Especially in recent years, the important family ties have brought a welcome balance in his life and the active tour. Laiho was particularly close to his big sister, parents and his sister’s daughter.”
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Laiho’s sister shared a statement via the label asking for ‘privacy and understanding during these difficult times’.
“We are all absolutely shocked and devastated,” she said. “My brother’s funeral will take place privately.”
“Alexi was the most loving and beautiful husband and father,” Laiho’s wife, Kelli Wright-Laiho, added. “Our hearts are broken forever.”
With Laiho, Children of Bodom achieved hits such as ‘If You Want Peace … Prepare for War’, ‘In Your Face’, as well as the self-titled single from the album ‘Are You Dead Yet’ from 2005. People magazine unveiled. They are also known for ‘Downfall’ and for creating a parody cover of Britney Spears ” Oops! … I Did It Again ‘.
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The group, formed in 1993, has released 10 studio albums and two EPs.