Bodom children’s leader Alexi Laiho dead at 41: ‘We are all absolutely shocked and devastated’

The children of Bodom leader Alexi Laiho died at age 41 after suffering “long-term health problems in his later years.”

The Finnish heavy metal band announced Laiho’s death on Monday.

“One of the world’s most renowned guitarists, Alexi Laiho, has passed away,” former band members Henkka Blacksmith, Janne Wirman and Jaska Raatikainen wrote on Facebook. “The musician, best known as the leader of the Children of Bodom, died at his home in Helsinki, Finland, last week. Laiho had suffered from long-term health issues in his later years.”

“More than 25 years of friendship,” the statement continued. “We have lost a brother. The world has lost a phenomenal songwriter and one of the greatest guitarists of all time. Alexi’s memories and music will live on forever. Our hearts go out to Alexi’s family during this hard time.”

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News of the guitarist’s death comes just over a year after Children of Bodom performed their last show with their original lineup, People magazine reported. Laiho then founded a new group, named Bodom After Midnight in 2020.

The new band’s label, Nuclear Blast, also announced in a Facebook post that the first three Bodom After Midnight singles, recorded last year, will be released posthumously.

“We are crushed by the sudden passing of our dear friend and band member,” said Daniel Freyberg, Mitja Toivonen and Waltteri Väyrynen of Bodom After Midnight.

“The talented guitarist and musician enjoyed his roles as stepfather in his patchwork family and uncle and godfather,” they said. “Especially in recent years, the strong family ties have brought a welcome balance to his life and active touring. Laiho was especially close to his big sister, his parents and his sister’s daughter.”

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Laiho’s sister shared a statement, via the tag, asking for “privacy and understanding during these difficult times.”

“We are all absolutely shocked and devastated,” she said. “My little brother’s funeral will be held in private.”

“Alexi was the most loving and beautiful husband and father,” added Laiho’s wife Kelli Wright-Laiho. “Our hearts are eternally broken.”

With Laiho, Children of Bodom achieved hits such as “If You Want Peace… Prepare for War”, “In Your Face”, as well as the eponymous single from the 2005 album “Are You Dead Yet?” People magazine revealed. They are also known for “Downfall” and for creating a parody cover of “Oops! … I Did It Again” by Britney Spears.

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The group, which formed in 1993, released 10 studio albums and two EPs.