Alexi Laiho, 1979-2020: the guitar world pays its respects

Alexi Laiho
(Image credit: Miikka Skaffari/FilmMagic via Getty Images)

A wave of tributes have flooded in for Alexi Laiho, the Children of Bodom frontman and metal guitar virtuoso, who died at the age of 41 at the end of December 2020.

Among those paying their respects to the guitar star are Laiho's former bandmates, who wrote: "We lost a brother. The world lost a phenomenal song writer and one of the greatest guitarists of all time. Memories and Alexi's music will live forever."

Many have echoed these sentiments, with Mark Morton writing, "Alexi Laiho was a monumental talent and genuine, caring and thoughtful person. He will be greatly missed."

Matt Owen
News Editor, GuitarWorld.com

Matt is the GuitarWorld.com News Editor, and has been writing and editing for the site for almost five years. He has a Masters in the guitar, a degree in history, and has spent the last 19 years playing everything from blues and jazz to indie and pop. During his GW career, he’s interviewed Peter Frampton, Zakk Wylde, Tosin Abasi, Matteo Mancuso and more, and has profiled the CEOs of Guitar Center and Fender.

When he’s not combining his passion for writing and music during his day job, Matt performs with indie rock duo Esme Emerson, and has previously opened for the likes of Ed Sheeran, Keane, Japanese House and Good Neighbours.