In a saddening start to the year, we mourn the untimely passing of Children of Bodom/Bodom After Midnight frontman, Alexi Laiho. Alexi passed away at his residence in Helsinki, Finland, at the age of 41, from prolonged health issues that were public knowledge for some time.
As his wife and partner, Kelli Wright-Laiho, rightly states “Alexi was the most loving and magnificent husband and father. Our hearts are eternally broken”.
“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”, quoted Daniel Freyberg, Mitja Toivonen, and Waltteri Väyrynen, his band-members from Bodom After Midnight.
“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” was the update shared by his elder sister.
Renowned across the global Metal community for cementing Children of Bodom as one of the fore-bearers of Melodic Death Metal, Alexi Laiho’s life, and career is immortalized by the scores of memorable compositions he has released with Children of Bodom and his other projects, as well as the numerous awards that he has rightfully claimed, including the prestigious Metal Hammer Golden God. He also played guitars for the bands Sinergy, The Local Band, Impaled, Nazarene, Thy Serpent, and Kylähullut. Having closed the COB chapter with a Farewell Tour in 2019, Alexi was composing new music with his band-members in the newly formed, Bodom After Midnight. The band has three songs composed with a music video that is going to be released posthumously.
Once again, we are deeply shocked and saddened by the loss of one of contemporary Metal’s most beloved and easily-recognizable Vocalist and Guitarist. The Circle Pit team’s heartfelt condolences go out to Alexi’s family, current and past band-mates, friends, and close liaisons.
Rest well, Wildchild.
Thank You for everything.
– Aurko, and The Circle Pit team
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