Children of Bodom frontman Alexi Laiho died at age 41 after suffering “long-term health problems during his later years”.
The Finnish heavy metal band announced Laiho’s death on Monday.
“One of the most renowned guitarists in the world, Alexi Laiho, has passed away,” former Henkka Blacksmith members Janne Wirman and Jaska Raatikainen wrote on Facebook. “The musician, better known as the leader of Children of Bodom, died at his home in Helsinki, Finland, last week. Laiho suffered from long-term health problems during his later years.”
“More than 25 years of friendship,” continues the statement. “We lost a brother. The world has lost a phenomenal composer and one of the greatest guitarists of all time. Alexi’s memories and music will live on forever. Our thoughts are with Alexi’s family during this difficult time.”
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News of the guitarist’s death comes just over a year after Children of Bodom played their last show with their original lineup, People magazine reported. Laiho started a new band, called Bodom After Midnight in 2020.
Alexi Laiho of the Finnish black metal band Children of Bodum performs on stage on the 2nd of Provinssirock 2013 on June 15, 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 death of our dear friend and band member,” shared Daniel Freyberg, Mitja Toivonen and Waltteri Väyrynen of Bodom After Midnight.
“The talented guitarist and musician loved his roles as stepfather in his patchwork family and as uncle and godfather,” they said. “Especially during the past few years, important family ties have brought a welcome balance to your life and active travel. Laiho was particularly close to his older sister, parents and his sister’s daughter.”
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Laiho’s sister shared a statement, through the label, asking for “privacy and understanding during these difficult times.”
“We are all absolutely shocked and devastated,” she said. “My younger brother’s funeral will be private.”
“Alexi was the most loving and magnificent husband and father,” added Laiho’s wife, Kelli Wright-Laiho. “Our hearts are forever broken.”
With Laiho, Children of Bodom achieved hits like “If You Want Peace … Prepare for War”, “In Your Face”, as well as the self-titled single from the 2005 album “Are You Dead Yet?” People magazine revealed. They are also known for “Downfall” and for creating a parody of “Oops! … I Did It Again” by Britney Spears.
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The group, formed in 1993, released 10 studio albums and two EPs.