Ruhe in Frieden.
Unser Admin sorgt dafür, dass alles funktioniert. Manchmal funktioniert es nicht, dann ist zwar er schuld. Aber dann repariert er es und wir haben ihn alle wieder lieb.
Das neue Jahr beginnt direkt mit einer traurigen Meldung. Wie sowohl seitens Label Nuclear Blast als auch der offiziellen Künstlerseite zu entnehmen ist, ist Children Of Bodom-Gründungsmitglied Alexi Laiho im Alter von nur 41 Jahren verstorben.
Den zugrundeliegenden Infos zufolge sei er demnach bereits vergangene Woche in seiner Wohnung im finnischen Helsinki verstorben.
Eine konkrete Todesursache wurde dabei nicht genannt; allerdings litt Laiho in den letzten Jahren bereits an diversen gesundheitlichen Problemen. Ruhe in Frieden!
Zusammen mit Drummer Jaska Raatikainen formierte Laiho Children Of Bodom anno 1993 unter dem alten Namen Inearthed.
Die Wege der beiden trennten sich erst letztes Jahr aufgrund von internen Differenzen, die im Weggang Laihos und diverser anderer Bandmitglieder mündeten.
Laiho durfte den bisherigen Bandnamen nicht mehr behalten und gründete daraufhin eine neue Band namens Bodom After Midnight, bei der die Zukunft ohne ihren Frontmann jetzt allerdings sehr unklar sein dürfte.
Unser Beileid gilt allen Angehörigen und Freunden des Musikers in dieser schweren Zeit.
„One of the most renowned guitarists in the world, Alexi Laiho, has passed away. The musician, most notably known as the front man of Children of Bodom, died in his home in Helsinki, Finland, last week. Laiho had suffered from long-term health issues during his last years.
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. 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.
„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“, Daniel Freyberg, Mitja Toivonen and Waltteri Väyrynen from Bodom After Midnight state.
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:
„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 Laiho will also be deeply missed by his family in Australia.
„Alexi was the most loving and magnificent husband and father. Our hearts are eternally broken“, Kelli Wright-Laiho says.
The remaining members of Bodom After Midnight do not give any interviews at this time.
Jouni Markkanen
Bodom After Midnight management“
Bild: YouTube / „ESP Guitars: Artist Spotlight – Alexi Laiho (Children of Bodom)“
