Who Is Alexi Laiho? Age, Biography, and Wiki
Born on April 8, 1979, Alexi Laiho was a renowned Finnish musician best known as the lead vocalist and guitarist for the iconic metal band Children of Bodom. He carved a niche for himself in the metal scene, celebrated for his exceptional guitar skills and dynamic songwriting. Laiho's profound impact on heavy metal has cemented his legacy even after his passing on December 28, 2020. As of 2025, fans celebrate his life and artistry, ensuring that his music continues to resonate with lovers of the genre.
| Occupation | Metal Singer |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | April 8, 1979 |
| Age | 41 Years |
| Birth Place | Espoo, Finland |
| Horoscope | Aries |
| Country | Finland |
| Date of death | 29 December, 2020 |
| Died Place | N/A |
Popularity
Alexi Laiho's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Alexi Laiho stood at an impressive height of approximately 5 feet 8 inches (173 cm). Throughout his life, he maintained a lean frame, weighing around 154 lbs (70 kg). His distinct on-stage presence was complemented by his striking appearance, including his long hair and charismatic performance style. His attention to fitness and well-being contributed positively to his stage performance and overall demeanor.
Laiho had a history of alcohol abuse, which was the cause of his death. In an interview in 2019 he talked about how the pressures of life on the road affected him; he mentioned the song "This Road" from 2019's Hexed and said, "A lot of people thought it was about alcoholism, but it's more about being addicted to being on the road.
Sometimes it feels like after 20 years of being on the road, everything just becomes kind of a blur and you don't know what the hell's going on." He claimed he used to drink heavily but cut back in 2013, not drinking while on tour anymore, and mentioned that Hexed first single, "Under Grass and Clover", documented the pain of withdrawal.
In 2023, Children of Bodom keyboardist Janne Wirman revealed that Alexi Laiho never actually stopped drinking, and in 2016 had told him "I'm going to drink until I die." In 2024, Janne Wirman revealed that after Alexi's return from Australia, where he had spent time with his partner, Kelli Wright, his bandmates started noticing that Laiho's health
was deteriorating.
Wirman remarked that Laiho had lost a lot of weight and his attempts to play guitar ended up in failure, as he "couldn't play at all". In the same interview, Henkka Seppälä admitted that they had talked to Alexi at the end of the "Hexed" tour, however this only ended up in having an argument.
The bassist also points out that their tour manager "had phone numbers to every city's morgue during their tour, in case they found Alexi dead in his bunk".
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Alexi Laiho's personal life has always intrigued fans. He was previously married to Kimberly Goss, a fellow musician, but the couple divorced in 2013. As of his last known relationship, Laiho was linked to Kelli Wright, a Canadian model. The couple shared a close bond, and they often appeared together at events. However, following his death in 2020, there were no updates about a further relationship status.
In 2004, Laiho founded a side-project called Kylähullut, which was assembled together with drummer Tonmi Lillman (ex-Sinergy) and singer Vesa Jokinen 69er of Finnish punk band Klamydia. Their discography includes two EP's, and two full-length albums one of which features Laiho's wife, Goss, singing in Finnish.
Net Worth and Salary
Before his untimely death, Alexi Laiho had an estimated net worth of around $8 million. His wealth primarily stemmed from his successful music career, including album sales, international tours, and merchandise. Despite no longer being with us, Laiho's music continues to generate revenue through streaming platforms and sales, further solidifying his financial legacy and providing ongoing support for his family.
Career, Business and Investments
Alexi Laiho's career spanned over two decades, leaving an indelible mark on the metal genre. Formed in 1993, Children of Bodom released several critically acclaimed albums that garnered a dedicated fanbase worldwide. Besides music, Laiho explored television appearances and collaborations with other artists, expanding his brand and influence in the entertainment industry. Following his death, Laiho’s estate has also seen initiatives focused on preserving his legacy, including music re-releases and tributes.
Social Network
Laiho was quite active on social media, using platforms like Instagram and Twitter to connect with fans, share his experiences, and promote his work. His engaging personality shone through his posts, where he often shared snippets of his life on tour, personal insights, and glimpses into his creative process. In 2025, his official accounts continue to be managed by friends and family, keeping his story alive and allowing fans new and old to connect with his music and messages.
Silenoz, Dimmu Borgir guitarist, on Laiho's first performance: "We could hear the opening band playing from backstage. We were like, ‘Holy shit, what is this?' It sounded like Yngwie Malmsteen on speed. We ran out and watched the spectacle and stood there with our jaws open".
"There was this fucking beast on the guitar," added Dimmu's then-keyboardist Kimberly Goss, who formed power metal band Sinergy with Alexi in 1997, and married him in 2002. "I was looking at our guitar player like, ‘I don't know, man, you've got some competition..."
Education
Laiho's musical journey began at a young age; he expressed interest in music early on and learned to play the guitar as a child. He attended various schools in Finland that offered music programs, helping refine his skills. While details regarding his formal education are scarce, it is evident that his passion and dedication to music were his true teachers, leading him to become one of the most influential figures in metal music.
