Alexi Laiho, the founding member of the influential Finnish metal group Children of Bodom, has died at the age of 41.
His passing was confirmed with ‘great sadness’ by the supergroup Bodom After Midnight, which Laiho co-founded last year with his former bandmate Daniel Freyberg after Children of Bodom announced their dissolution in 2019.
Statement of Bodom after midnight:
It is with heavy hearts and great sadness that we have to announce the passing of Alexi Laiho. We are absolutely devastated and saddened by the sudden loss of our dear friend and band member.
Daniel, Mitja & Waltteri pic.twitter.com/AohWJpfnFg
– Napalm Records (@NapalmRecords) 4 January 2021
“It is with heavy hearts and sadness that we must announce the passing of Alexi Laiho,” the statement confirmed.
‘We are absolutely devastated and saddened by the sudden loss of our dear friend and band member. Daniel, Mitja & Waltteri. ”
A subsequent statement from his former orchestra members said that Laiho had suffered from ‘long-term health issues’ during his last years.
“Laiho has suffered from long-term health issues during his last years. More than 25 years of friendship. We lost a brother, “the statement read.
‘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.
‘We think of Alexi’s family during this difficult time. -Henkka, Janne and Jaska. ”
Kelli Laiho-Wright, Laiho’s wife, said: “Alexi was the most loving and beautiful man and father. Our hearts are broken forever. ”
We are shocked and saddened by the news that Alexi Laiho, guitarist of Children of Bodom, has passed away. #tear #alexilaiho #ripalexilaiho #children of bodom pic.twitter.com/FOAYwkFnFF
– Monsters Of Rock® (@MonstersOfRock) 4 January 2021
“We are all absolutely shocked and devastated,” Laiho’s sister added. ‘We ask for privacy and understanding during these difficult times. My little brother’s funeral will take place privately. ”
His cause of death has yet to be revealed.
Laiho was born in the Finnish city of Espoo in 1979 and formed Children of Bodom in 1993 with drummer Jaska Raatikainen under the name Inearthed.
The orchestra released their acclaimed debut album ‘Something Wild’ in 1997 and received great praise for their unique melodic death metal. This was followed by ‘Hatebreeder’ from 1999, before their third album ‘Follow The Reaper’ the group achieved their first gold certified record in Finland.
Their next four albums reached number one in Finland, securing their status as one of the country’s best-selling musical acts of all time.
Laiho is also considered one of the most famous metal guitarists, with a 2016 public poll Total guitar which declares him to be the greatest player of the genre of all time.
I’m speechless … RIP Alexi Laiho. #ripalexilaiho #alexilaiho pic.twitter.com/GhtRDguGJH
– 𝕬𝖒𝖔𝖙𝖙 𝕬𝖒𝖔𝖙𝖙 (@Michael_Amott) 4 January 2021
Children of Bodom’s last album appeared in 2019 with ‘Hexed’, before the group announced their split and played their final performance in December of that year.
The leading tribute to Swedish metal guitarist Michael Amott shared a photo of him and Laiho and wrote: “I am speechless.”