Back in 2020, Alexi Laiho of melodic death metal act Children of Bodom passed away. Laiho was a remarkable musician and performer; his incredible guitar skills and stellar voice helped to shape Children of Bodom into one of the most riveting death metal acts around.
It is never easy losing such brilliant artists, especially when they pass away at such a young age; Laiho was 41 at the time of his passing. When a musician does pass away, while it helps to have their music around, it is also powerful to hear heartwarming stories about their life. Earlier this week, as reported by Metal Hammer, Nightwish keyboardist Tuomas Holopainen shared a story where he took Laiho to Disney World.
Holopainen shared this wholesome memory with Metal Hammer via an interview. He speaks to how the two went to Disney in Orlando, FL for a few days, as well as sharing how Laiho enjoyed Donald Duck cartoons and board games.
Per Holopainen, he shared the following regarding him and Laiho:
“First thing that pops to mind was that we were both huge Disney fans and theme park fans. We actually went to Disney World in Orlando together for a five day trip in the beginning of 2001. We just had a lot of fun.
“Also, I remember him coming to our place here in Eastern Finland where I live and we would just watch loads of old Donald Duck cartoons and then play a lot of board games, drink like hell.
“All that childish stuff; just talk about things, listen to music and have a good time. That was something that I really adored about him. He was a kid just like me, there was still this sense of innocence about him that he just wanted to have fun, play guitar, you know, hang out with friends and make the world a better place. Which is kind of my philosophy in life as well.”
Wow that is touching. We miss you every day Alexi.
Children of Bodom formed in 1993 under the name Inearthed, later changing the band name to Children of Bodom. Alexi Laiho had been with the band since its beginning; over the course of Laiho’s career, the band had released 10 studio albums. Laiho passed away on December 29th, 2020.
Video: Nigthwish Pay Tribute to Children of Bodom’s Alexi Laiho at Oslo Show
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Words by: Michael Pementel
