Alexi Laiho, the frontman of Finnish death metal titans Children of Bodom, has sadly passed away. He was 41.
Laiho had reportedly "suffered from long-term health issues" in recent years but died suddenly at his home in Helsinki last week.
Laiho formed the band in 1993, when he was just 14, and they went on to become one of the biggest-selling Finnish bands of all time. He was especially known for his virtuosic guitar playing. Children of Bodom split in 2019 but in recent times, Laiho had been playing under the Bodom After Midnight banner.
He is survived by his wife Kelli Wright-Laiho and his stepchild.
Many musicians have been paying tribute to his untimely passing on social media, some of which you can see below.
R.I.P.
1 of the most renowned guitarists in the world, Alexi Laiho, has passed away. More than 25 years of friendship. We lost a brother. The world lost a phenomenal song writer and one of the greatest guitarists of all time. Memories and Alexi’s music will live forever.
— Children Of Bodom (@cobhc) January 4, 2021
So sorry to hear of the passing of Alexi Laiho of Children of Bodom. With his band he was part of a powerful movement that ushered in hi octane, intense Metal at its most brutal and beautiful. pic.twitter.com/cL8eWKbRBf
— Steve Vai (@stevevai) January 4, 2021
We are saddened by the news of the passing of our dear friend, Alexi Laiho. His music was a big influence on Trivium, we toured with them & Amon Amarth back in 2005. Alexi & the band were always gracious to us. A modern day guitar hero & rightfully deserves that praise. RIP Alexi pic.twitter.com/XcQpGIj99q
— Trivium (@TriviumOfficial) January 4, 2021
Berserkers, we are saddened by the unfortunate passing of our brother Alexi Laiho. We have shared the stage many times together and always had a good time with him and the rest of the Children of Bodom crew. A true guitar hero gone too soon, RIP Alexi.. Photo: Veronika Nyssa pic.twitter.com/RrsMIsco43
— Amon Amarth (@AmonAmarthBand) January 4, 2021
GOD BLESS ALEXI LAIHO • 1979 - 2O2O • tBLSt SDMF • pic: Jon Blacker pic.twitter.com/Am2DXlHGYB
— Zakk Wylde (@ZakkWyldeBLS) January 5, 2021
So sad to hear about the passing of Alexi Laiho. We often toured together, he was truly an incredible talent. My sincere condolences to his family, friends and fans. pic.twitter.com/pcEpQxQRNL
— Dave Mustaine (@DaveMustaine) January 4, 2021
I’m speechless... R.I.P. Alexi Laiho. #ripalexilaiho #alexilaiho pic.twitter.com/GhtRDguGJH
— 𝕸𝖎𝖈𝖍𝖆𝖊𝖑 𝕬𝖒𝖔𝖙𝖙 (@Michael_Amott) January 4, 2021
Damn. Rest In Peace Alexi Laiho shown here with @COBHC at #OzzFest 2017 pic.twitter.com/DUhd3YLIRA
— OzzFest (@TheOzzFest) January 4, 2021
