Children of Bodom rocker Alexi Laiho has died aged 41.
The death of Alexi -who was best known as the lead guitarist, lead vocalist and founding member of the Finnish metal band – was announced by his Bodom After Midnight bandmates in a heartbreaking tweet on Monday.
Alexi – known as Wildchild – died at his home in Helsinki, Finland last week, he had suffered from long-term health issues during his last years, a statement posted to his official Instagram page read. The musician’s cause of death is unknown.
His bandmates wrote: ‘It is with heavy hearts and great sadness that we have to announce the passing of Alexi Laiho.
Rock legend: Children of Bodom rocker Alexi Laiho has died aged 41
‘We are absolutely devastated and heartbroken for the sudden loss of our dear friend and band member.’
The post was signed off by Daniel Freyberg, Mitja Toivonen and Waltteri Väyrynen.
His bandmates added: ‘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.’
Laiho’s wife, Kelli Laiho-Wright, said in a statement: ‘Alexi was the most loving and magnificent husband and father. Our hearts are eternally broken.’
RIP: The death of Alexi, who was best known as the lead guitarist, lead vocalist and founding member of Finnish metal band Children of Bodom, was announced by his Bodom After Midnight bandmates in a heartbreaking tweet on Monday
Tragedy: Alexi died at his home in Helsinki, Finland last week, he had suffered from long-term health issues during his last years, a statement posted to his official Instagram page read (pictured 2015)
Tribute: Alexi’s management paid tribute to the talented star following his shock passing
His sister added: ‘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 founded Children of Bodom in 1993 with Jaska Raatikainen under the name Inearthed.
Children of Bodom released their critically-acclaimed debut album ‘Something Wild’ in 1997.
Iconic: Alexi founded Children of Bodom in 1993 with Jaska Raatikainen under the name Inearthed
They went on to score six number one albums in Finland and became one of the country’s best selling acts with more than 250,000 records sold there alone.
The group split at the end of 2019 with Alexi and Daniel Freyberg going on to form supergroup Bodom After Midnight in 2020.
A statement from Bodom After Midnight’s management read: ‘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.
Heavy metal legend: Children of Bodom went on to score six number one albums in Finland and became one of the country’s best selling acts with more than 250,000 records sold there alone (pictured in 2015)
‘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.
‘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.’
In spring 2009, Children of Bodom were forced to cancel the rest of their North American ‘No Fear Energy Tour’ when Alexi broke his wrist after falling out of his bunk, when their tour bus took a sharp turn after their show at the Palladium Ballroom in Dallas, Texas.
He had hoped to continue the run, but was forced to axe the last six dates as he was still in a great deal of pain.
In July 2012, the group cancelled two European shows because Alexi had been taken to the hospital with ‘extreme stomach pain’.
New guard: In March 2020, Alexi and Freyberg formed supergroup Bodom After Midnight (pictured December 2020)
Days later they announced that Alexi was suffering from a ‘serious infection’.
A further statement read: ‘This is not an easy letter for us to write. Alexi is suffering from a serious infection. He is still in hospital in Oslo under supervision of the doctors and we don’t know yet when they will release him.
‘We have no choice other than canceling Ruisrock in Turku on Saturday as well. This is a very bitter pill for us to swallow. We had decided to do only two festivals in our homeland this summer to make it real special, and now this. We hope that we will be able to make up for this very soon.
To all our fans who had been looking forward to rock with us at Ruisrock this weekend, take our apologies and enjoy the festival. In our spirits, we will be there, too.’
Children of Bodom played their last show at the Icehall in Helsinki, dubbed ‘A Chapter Called Children of Bodom’, in December 2019.
Last March, Alexi and Daniel unveiled Bodom After Midnight, named after the song of the same name on their album ‘Follow the Reaper’.
The band made their live debut on October 23, 2020 in Seinäjoki, Finland.
Rock god: Children of Bodom played their last show at the Icehall in Helsinki, dubbed ‘A Chapter Called Children of Bodom’, in December 2019 (pictured 2010)