Children of Bodom rocker Alexi Laiho dies aged 41

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 Finnish metal band Children of Bodom, was announced by his Bodom After Midnight bandmates in a heartbreaking tweet on Monday.    

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.  

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 to Louder: ‘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)

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.

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 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. 

Iconic: Alexi founded Children of Bodom in 1993 with Jaska Raatikainen under the name Inearthed (pictured 2016)

‘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.

‘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. 

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)

‘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. Laiho’s sister says