The death has been announced of Alexi Laiho, the singer-guitarist with world-renowned Finnish metal band Children of Bodom, who passed away at his home in Helsinki last week.
The 41-year-old "had suffered from long-term health issues during his last years", according to a statement released by his management. No cause of death was given.
Laiho's family have said they are "absolutely shocked and devastated" and have appealed for privacy.
"The talented guitarist and musician relished his roles as stepdad in his patchwork family, and as uncle and godfather," said the statement.
"Especially during the last years, the important family ties brought a welcomed [sic] balance to his life and the active touring. Laiho was particularly close with his big sister, parents and his sister's daughter."
Laiho co-founded Children of Bodom in 1993, with the band playing their farewell concert in December 2019. Last year, Laiho formed Bodom After Midnight, recording three songs and filming one music video, now to be released posthumously.
Paying tribute, Bodom After Midnight's Daniel Freyberg, Mitja Toivonen and Waltteri Väyrynen said: "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 family have said a private funeral will take place.
Here are some of the many tributes from his fellow musicians:
RIP Alexi Laiho 💔 The most astounding and inspiring guitar player. One of the first gigs I went to was to see the mindblowing Sinergy, and I have a lovely memory of Svalbard going to see COB in Glagow and our jaws just hitting the floor. He will be so sorely missed 😥
— Serena Cherry (@whatacoolfridge) January 4, 2021
Sad news. #AlexiLaiho created new possibilities in extreme metal with technically sophisticated solos that held their own alongside the best in more popularized metal genres. Didn't know him well, but we had appearances together over the years. A good guy, far too young to go
— Alex Skolnick (@AlexSkolnick) January 4, 2021
RIP https://t.co/Njxdpclrko pic.twitter.com/hUz45dClu1
Devastated to hear of Alexi Laiho's passing. We toured together many times throughout the years. What an incredible talent and all round super great dude. He will be missed. #alexilaiho
— Mikael Stanne (@MiklStne) January 4, 2021
R.I.P. Alexi Laiho
— Sonata Arctica (@SonataArctica) January 4, 2021
We are sad to hear of Alexi Laiho passing. You were a great musician and a real guitar hero. You will be remembered. Our thoughts are with you and your family.
Sonata Arctica pic.twitter.com/d4InQEMtXH
R.I.P. Alexi Laiho. It's devastating to hear the news. One of the greatest guitarists of my generation is gone way too soon. This photo is from the day we met. It was in Tokyo summer 2003, for the cover of Young Guitar magazine. It was my first major cover shoot, so... pic.twitter.com/4lMTOL2My6
— Gus G. (@gusgofficial) January 4, 2021
Alexi Laiho was a monumental talent & a genuine, caring & thoughtful person.
— Mark Morton 🇺🇸 (@MarkDuaneMorton) January 4, 2021
He will be greatly missed.
Rest In Peace Alexi
