Alexi Laiho‘s wife, Kelli Wright, has shared photos of the private funeral service for the former CHILDREN OF BODOM frontman, who passed away on December 29 in his home in Helsinki, Finland. The 41-year-old had suffered from long-term health issues leading up to his death.
Wright took to her Instagram to post a picture of what appears to be an invitation to the January 28 service, along with a photo of Alexi‘s casket surrounded by flower arrangements.
She also wrote: “Although Shelby” — referring to Kelli‘s daughter from an earlier relationship” — “and I were unable to be there physically on the 28th of January, we were still able to share this heartbreakingly beautiful day with Alexi‘s closest.
“I’d like to thank my family @annalaiho and @nadanada_i_know_you for trusting me in all arrangements.
“My perfect love, your memory is sown in our hearts where it will stay forever, cherished and honored.”
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.
