Summer 2005, me and a few friends went out for a car drive and we all brought a few metal compilations along. The first track I heard by COB was "In Your Face" of the newly released Are You Dead Yet?. I was taken aback by the groovy initial riffs and had to ask who it was by. I was Sold immediately.
I met Alexi at a gig back in 2010. A friend and I were hanging outside the venue and Alexi just came off the tour bus to have a chat and a drink with us. He was just the absolute sweetest and nicest guy. It blew my mind that he just wandered out to talk to a couple random guys and hang out. He was one of a kind and a true guitar master. I’ll miss him.
In 2003, me and some friends from school went to a show with I think Dark Tranquility, Trivium, Amon Amarth or Hypocrisy.. and the opener was Children of Bodom, promoting their new album Hatecrew Deathroll. It was a super small venue so after watching COB, I met Alexi in the crowd drinking a beer. We chatted in between sets for a bit. I told him I loved Hatebreeder and it inspired my brother and to make a band together and covered Downfall at a high school show. A while later he found me in the crowd again and gave me a COB T-shirt with his and the bands signatures on it. Gave me the horns and left. Just a real genuine moment. I watched them a few times after that, always wore that shirt. I still jam with my brother, in our late 30s now. We played lots of COB yesterday, RIP Alexi, follow the Reaper Also, this was in Glendale AZ. Those friends from my school turned into the band Job For A Cowboy who ended up opening up for Bodom a few years later. 🤘
Sadness.... It's great that Herman took half an hour to talk about this guy. If you're mid 20's and older, chances are Alexi Laiho played a part in you discovering metal.
So true. I'm 31. When I was in high school, there was a lot of Alexi influence in my guitar playing at that time. I gotta say his style and the way he played arpeggios really shaped me into the guitarist I am today. Cheers from Italy !
Everyone is talking about how great guitarist Alexi was. However, I would like to raise Alexi’s genius as a songwriter. He was really unique and adept at that and without that skill he would never have been heard of. RIP Alexi 😢
Totally agree! His approach with the neo classical style mixed with melodic death / black metal and all was unique! I just found out he had another band called SYNERGY and more oriented toward power metal. Very cool to hear him again (not singing, but lead guitar) with "new" (for me) material!
RIP Alexi Laiho. He's up there shredding with the likes of Chuck Schuldiner, Randy Rhodes, Jeff Hanneman, Dimebag Darrel, Eddie Van Halen, Jimi Hendrix and much other legendary guitarists.
Chuck Schuldiner is actually one of the biggest influencers for Alexis stage presence back in the day. I talked to him about Chuck somewhere in 2004 or 05 and when i said to him that his stage presence is almost like Chuck Schuldiners he laughed and said " yeah i really loved his style of playing on albums and the live shows, how he was on the stage, i tried to take so many cool things from his style into my stage presence and goofing"
I will always remember when a song from their second demo Ubiquitous Absence of Remission got played in the radio (Radio Mafia's Metalliliitto) back in 1994 (or 1995). The next morning all the metalheads in our school (Tapiolan yläaste) were congratulating Alexi and the guys from the band. I also remember how Alexi was shredding during breaks in the rehearsals of the school spring jubilee. He was awesome even back then.
I met Alexi a few times. He was very kind to me, but one particular time reminded me very well. We met at the bar. He was a little prepared and not in a very social mood, but later in the evening he approached me again and asked me to his table. We celebrated all night and the next morning. I will never forget that.
Thank you for doing that Herman. Alexi was the reason why many kids like me spent countless hours locked in their rooms trying to be good at guitar He was an absolute monster and he will live forever in our hearts! Rest in piece maestro, Alexi Laiho!
in montreal 15 year ago , i run in the back stage and he say at the body guard ''its ok'', and he offer me a beer . best moment in my life..... rip Alexi :'(
Went to see Lamb of God , fear factory and some band called children of bodom in 04'. We spent the first half hour drinking beer and being like..."wonder who these bodom kids are, they don't sound cool".... then, they came on stage and promptly melted my fuckin face along with everyone in the crowd. I was hooked from then on, saw them everytime they came through town. RIP ALEXI
Immense loss. Laiho was one of the greatest. No musicians passing has ever made me this sad. His legendary riffs and licks will forever resonate in my head.
What I think is that of all the guitarists and musicians the world has had, Alexi Laiho was born with a unique gift, he was 17-year-old boy, he began creating his best songs. The most famous guitarists will never be at the level of Alexi, I am not saying it because he is my greatest Idol, I know it because for more than 20 years I started listening to Rock, Trash Metal, Death Metal and many other styles of Metal and what Alexi created simply It has no comparison, for me, Alexi has been the best Guitarist in the world, not only do I say it the extremely complex Solos, I say it above all because of what his music makes us feel and I think that many people who really appreciate Guitar and Metal also think like me, I have never seen so many Famous Guitarists and Fans make comments and tributes about a Metal Guitarist. I love all musical instruments but the guitar has always obsessed me. His Voice, his Lyrics and the Riffs (singing at the same time and being the lead guitarist) and the Guitar Solos that Alexi did, make me feel something that no other guitarist has done, listening to him daily for so many years, it became something very personal and knowing that he has died. I never thought it would affect me so much even though several months have passed.
In my teens COB was my fav band. And when i found out at the start of the year that Alexi had passed away just 2 days before new years eve. I was devastated and cried. I never had the chance to see COB live. And now everything is over for real. It's been almost 1 year since Alexi passing. And i still can't fully comprehend that this is the horrible fact. Alexi could have made so many more epic songs with Bodom After Midnight. And it's super unfair it was all taken away just like that by losing this phenomenal, one of a kind person and musician. There was so much more potential in Alexi and BAM. It all just had to be taken away at the last moment. £uck this unfair reality. RIP Alexi " WildChild " Laiho. I'll never forget you and COB. HateCrew for life🤘😭
@@GloriousMetaI Been listening to COB literally everyday since he passed. And the music is just out of this world good. The spirit of the WildChild lives In our hearts. And I also introduce other people to COB when I can. And most are blown away when I tell them about Alexi and how cool he was. Rest easy master Laiho 🙏
@@Gielderst I also listened to him a lot but since his death, I listen to Alexi every day, I also recommend my friends to get to know Alexi/COB's music 😉
A friend of mine introduced me to Children of Bodom in 1999 when I was in my early teens. Hatebreeder was the first album I got. I was blown away by the energy and uplifting spirit. So.I am a fan before Follow the Reaper. I am truly devastated by this loss, as I share the same birthdate with him. You will be dearly missed, Wild Child!
in my very firsts years of playing guitar, almost 17 years ago... Alexi Laiho was one of my biggest inspiration to start playing music such like you did Herman, and Syu... I was just a little girl when I started watching his live concerts and videos to learn how to play guitar in a very intuitive way... he was really friendly with new people and always wanted to help everyone to learn how to play guitar... mostly thanks to him I play how I play today... I hope he's resting now and rocking in heaven...
My first COB concert was in Warsaw (Poland) and we were driving from Cracow. I borrowed my grandpa's car and pushed it so hard that engine blew and we were stuck in the middle of highway. Fortunately we were able to hitch a ride and we arrived just in time. The concert was great in Stodoła Club. COB is my favourite band since I heard Silent Night Bodom Night by accident on internet radio. It was such a blast! It's so sad that Alexi passed away :( Such a talented artist.
One of my best buds whom I've played in a band for a long time introduced me to Children Of Bodom when we were kids, Alexi is his guitar hero. He had a follow the reaper skin on his winamp (that was a long time ago lol) and I believe he started playing Bodom after Midnight and I was absolutley blown away. When we would start practice Downfall was his go to riff to warm up, we would fiddle around with that song before doing our own songs. We thankfully got to see COB in 2016 around Christmas time, It was such a fantastic show, they played Children Of Decadence and we lost our minds (amazing setlist btw). The thing I loved about Alexi is that his rig was so simple: one pickup, a floyd rose and a cranked up marshall, his tone and came from his hands and I really think that's the way to go. Such a devastating loss for the metal community. We're gonna miss you so much, thank you for sharing your gift with the world R.I.P. 🤘🏾🙏🏾
I cried to the song, we lost.. I lost one of my youth idol, im only 32, it'll never be the same now :c I send all my support to his family, friends and everyone who shed a tear for his death. Thank you Herman Li, I heard your feelings, I heard mine through your tribute, well played sir.
CoB was one of the first heavier bands I ever got into. Are You Dead Yet will forever be my favorite Alexi song for that very reason. Rest in power dog.
Herman, watching you shredding over "Bed of Razors" on Monday live, listening to your Children of Bodom storys and reading storys of other people on chat was something that I needed. It was the most emotional stream in my whole life. I would like to thank to you and everyone else who came this day to say together "goodbye" to our Wild Child. I trully belive that Alexi was very proud watching us from heaven, seeing that his legacy will last forever!
Alexi composed a commissioned song for the Helsinki Festival, and invited 100 electric guitarists to join him in performing it on the big stage. Children Of Bodom's Alexi Laiho - 100 Guitars From Hel
R.I.P Alexi Laiho. one of my favourite and most influencing guitarist of my generation. And one of the best composers. Neoclassical vibes, clean sound, full of melodies, full of musicality and amazing talent. Herman Li thank you for the tribute
Worked security for one of his shows. He was one of the nicest performers I've ever worked for. He took time out of his day to meet all of us, talk to us, and thank us for being there. I have never forgotten. Rest in peace Alexi
I saw Alexi in the soundcheck for the 100 Guitarists from Hel. Just happened to be visiting Helsinki, and there he was! I got right up front for a little informal mosh. One of the highlights of my life. Rest in Power.
Sioux City Sarsaparilla changed my life and gave me so much more intensity and technique in life, not just translated in guitar playing. Alexi Laiho was a big inspiration, he will be missed.
Children Of Bodom performed here in Manila twice. First was almost 10 years ago, second was in 2014. I wasn't able to go to their first show here because I was recovering at home after being discharged from the hospital. The moment I knew that they'll be touring here for the second time, I just bought discounted tix when I was at PULP Summer Slam 14!
Rest in peace, Alexi. Icon for Finnish music for sure. It's sad to see him go so young. This video popping up in my UA-cam feed was a bit of a surprise though. Haven't followed music that closely in years, but I remember seeing you guys live in my hometown of Oulu (Teatria), Finland back in 2009 like it was yesterday. You were on the Ultra Beatdown tour with Turisas. Even though it was a Tuesday evening on a tiny stage, the performance was something I'll always remember. Your music helped me through high school back then. Cool to see that you guys are still at it. But anyway, just wanted to leave this comment on here to reminisce, and on the off-chance that you'll actually see this comment: Wishing you all the best!
when i met alexi in 2005, one of the people in line getting a signature said he'd rather have alexi punch him in the face. of course alexi obliged! what a legend.
My first metal song was "Everytime I Die" as a wee teenager. I never understood a WORD Alexi was screaming, nor did I understand what the genre truly was but I knew this was badass and the tune was banging
I learned bed of razors when I was 14 years old and I struggled with the solo for a month. (Downfall was too hard for me!) At that age, the music you listen to can be some of the most important things in your life and identity. Most folks get introduced to metal through classics from Metallica, Megadeth, Slayer, Anthrax, you name it. For me, my gems were Rust in Piece, Nightfall in Middle Earth, and Hatebreeder. Those albums shaped my style as a guitarist. Alexi was an absolute monster of a composer and I've been fortunate enough to see Children of Bodom live a number of times. Rest in Peace, Alexi. Thank you for your music. You'll always be remembered. \m/
COB was one of my earliest harder bands, back when I was 13 year old, it was in 2013 when I saw them live for the first and only time, damn it was epic. Wish I could go back and relive it.. RIP Alexi
Children of Bodom was the band that got me into drumming. The wild guitar solos with crystal clear classical influence is something truly unique to my ears and the sick riffs will always have a place in my heart as well as Jaska's crazy feet. RIP legend! Gone way too soon, but never forgetten!
thanks for doing this Herm. Alexi was a huge inspiration to me as kid learning guitar. like you mentioned, being a great guitar player + a great vocalist, a real talent. Rest in Peace in Alexi
I met Alexi in Vancouver as well as roope and Henka. I didn’t have anything for him to sign but a intro to metal DVD that Alexi did way back in the day, seeing my hero smile back at me, that he taught me something I will never forget.
When I saw them live in 2019 Alexi Laiho was bantering between songs and said "which key signature is the saddest? D major?" I yelled out "D minor!!!" Right as he said "Actually I think it's D minor, for any musicians here tonight". It was an amazing show and the whole band was in great form.
Saw Bodom 6 times and started listening to them in 2005 and quickly became my favorite band! Love every album and every song! Alexi is my favorite shredder ever and always will be, it didnt feel real when he passed and man i cried for weeks and couldnt listen to Bodom for months then as time passed i could and was very emotional at first but slowly got easier for me, just the thought of like damn ill never see him play again hit me very hard . RIP WILDCHILD LOVE YOU COBHC FOREVER!
Honestly this exactly what I needed to see after the news of his death and what's going on at the Capital today. Thank you, Herman, for helping us all cope with this.
He blended a lot of classical music into his unique style, and had music all over his house since childhood (knowing how to play a bit of keyboards etc), thats what he said in one of the interviews. He became Immortal, with so many authentic features, the lyrics and pretty straighfoward, frontal, in your face. Hatebreeder is my personal favorite as well. COB was addictive in my adolescence ... its a blast, strong as a wild horse. All the band got a awesome sinergy, we could see it in the videos and touring. Alexi knew that the reaper would come and kind of talked a lot about it. May we all check some more the transparent lyrics he wrote as well. Thank you Herman, you a aweosme person as well. Keep it up. May you check the previous funny demos guys ... some interesting stuff in the early days.
I don't usually comment on celebrity deaths but this one hit close. I haven't listen to CoB in well over 10 years but to say this man saved my life would be an understatement. July 22nd 2002, 3:30 a.m, I was in a deep depression and intoxicated. I wanted to end things, I got in my car with the absolute intention of killing myself. I started the engine and some ska song came up, so I put a tape that my friend had made in the radio and 'Bed of Razors' came on. Those guitar riffs, the raging screams, the classical progressions all clashed and numbed me enough to just stay there and listen to the music instead of driving and I eventually fell asleep in my friend's driveway with the engine running. I will never forget that moment, the metal scene lost one of its greats. 'We're the Hate Crew, we stand and we won't fall We're all for none and none for all' Rest in Peace Alexi
Alexi Laiho was an amazing guitarist. While I'm not very familiar with his band Children of Bodom, I have listened to many of his solos. My absolute favorite is the one that he did for Roadkill Morning. It's very energetic and fast paced. I am so sorry to hear that he has died. RIP Alexi. You were a legend.
went to a CoB show about 12 years ago, was an absolutely amazing concert during which the keyboard player chugged probably 5 beers and then between songs exchanged his shirt for the tank top of a petite girl in the front rows. Continued playing the entire rest of the gig wearing that way too small pink top
Met Alexi years ago at an event. Was super friendly, and took time to talk to everyone and sign autographs for every single person. Huge loss for the music world, but he will be immortal through his music. RIP.
I had the pleasure of meeting Alexi and rest of the guys in the Late 90`s on a cruise ship from Helsinki to Stockholm, a couple of friends and i ended up drinking more then a couple of beers with them, really cool guys! Rest in peace Alexi!! May the riffs be awesome where ever you are!!!
He's my motivation. I really wanted to be like him. I never got the chance to see him. That's the worst. I don't know anything. But the only thing I know that I will never be able to see my hero ever
I saw COB only once. At Download 2008 . I'd been a fan for a few years by then and was so happy they were on the line up. I got a great spot in the crowd and Alexi made his playing look typically effortless. Very inspiring. As soon as I got home the first thing I did was go to pick up the guitar but a shower had to be first priority haha. Wish I could have seen them more times.
Me and a friend traveled 300 miles on a train with my Jackson RR to go to a signing in London. He signed my guitar. Such a shame I no longer have this guitar! RIP Alexi Laiho!
Alexi laiho style was so good. all of his song are a blast to play. For all my 12 to 20s all my friends loved Children of Bodom to deth. I decided to get a rhoads guitar because of him. The first time a bunch of my friends put up a gig at a local bar we played a COB cover on the setlist. I stayed at D estandard for most of my youth because of Alexi. RIP to a legend. A real guitar hero who was a great composer, player, frontman and looked like a chill cool to hang out dude.
I literally did the same exact thing. The camo cargo pants, black nails, beanie, and the long hair!! COB was my obsession all throughout middle school and high school.
@@patovarentain That's really sad to hear, my folks didn't mind mainly cause my dad likes metal and he was watching Slayer and COB and BLS dvd's with me and he got that I was copying the stars. My favourite guitarist has and always will be Jeff Hanneman and I started copying him with the NFL jerseys and again my dad bought me his Signature ESP so there was always support for my interests. I do however remember on the Chaos ridden years my dad liked Angels Don't Kill and he was impressed with how Alexi and Janne were harmonizing the guitar and Keyboard.
Alexi was a genuine legend, Bodom have been my favourite band since I discovered them in the early 2000's - Never missed a single one of their shows in my hometown apart from the last one, so genuinely upset I'll never get to see this legend play live again RIP ALEXI!!
Been listening to COB for 15 years. Love all their albums. Never once seen a live show, unfortunately, but that's okay. Alexi's music, COB's music, and Sinergy's music will live on forever. Good enough for me. RIP, Wild Child, you metal master.
I saw Children of Bodom in Arizona (USA), blew my mind! I was already a huge fan, but to see him so closely and for him to nail every note... superb! A really good time and the audience was killer, which can sometimes be a gamble with some bands and their rabid followings. I was hooked, and I wanted to be JUST LIKE HIM!!! I loved his UA-cam videos of him hanging with his friends and joking around, you can tell he was a kind soul. May he rest in peace, in the Great Green Room in the Sky
Met alexi and Cob at sydney enmore theater and dude was rad and down to earth. obvious he loved being in the the spotlight but i don't think he took it for granted.
God speed to you Wildchild. In Your Face was the banger that got me into Children of Bodom and melodic death metal in general. Kissing the Shadows to me is the definitive Bodom masterpiece. follows by
One of the first instructional DVD's I bought (also the only one) was Alexi's. I learned so much from that DVD and everything he taught made me a better player technically and musically. super underrated guitarist.
Personally, for me Something Wild is my favourite record from CoB - I remember when I was still underaged, teenager and CoB (back then Inearthed) was coming on gig nearby and I got there along with some older fellows of mine. It was small venue and the guys even had some sort of corpse-paint(ish) thing going on and the show was really "Something Wild"! The power, energy and drive they had back then was incredible. Next year, it was maybe january of 1996, Something Wild was released by Spinefarm records. I saw Deadnight Warrior video on Finnish tv-show "Jyrki" and I was blown away. Next week my friend got the record and I remember us listening to it and getting all shivers... Last night I actually had a spin on that record and all the memories flew through me.
Rest in Peace Alexi. Ever since I was a child he was my hero. Picked up the guitar mainly because of him. Thanks for everything. Very grateful that I saw CoB and him live and they nailed the it. Sinergy is a hidden gem which not that many people are aware of except big CoB fans.
Every day when the knife in my back starts to twist and turn, my eyes catch on fire and my heart starts to burn, but being away from you seems like heaven then again it's like getting needled 24/7 !!!!!!!
I had gotten back into COB during the pandemic, and had listened to each album song by song. Then it looks like we are starting to get back to some normalcy, and then Alexhi passes... so very sad. I planned on purchasing tickets to Bodom after Midnight on their first tour in the US after the pandemic. I guess that won’t be happening but I’ll be a fan for life.
I worked at GIT and Alexi came by and played some songs and we played "Are you Dead Yet" together trading solos. Between that and George Lynch playing at GIT was a moment I'll never forget. ESP owns GIT and he signed my ESP and complimented my playing. Alexi was a bad ass and reminded me a lot of Dimebag with his crazy yet humble personality. Alexi and Petri Lindroos are my favs.
That's how I'd explain alexi too. Didn't have that experience, but I've met the dude and I remember just walking away kind of laughing because I thought "this dude is just the Finnish dimebag" dude was funny and down to earth
Fuck this really hurts. I am just finding out about this. This guy has been a hero of mine forever!! I am really going to miss his guitar playing. Wow this sucks.
It's so sad metal brother .I really love your music to and this stream is something I check out from time to time may your path be safe and your life be Brite and happiness is always in your heart .and your metal is inspiring God bless you
Share with us your Alexi story. What your favourite work by metal legend Alexi Laiho? RIP - Herman
i saw alexi laiho at buenos aires argentina. it was awesome.
Summer 2005, me and a few friends went out for a car drive and we all brought a few metal compilations along. The first track I heard by COB was "In Your Face" of the newly released Are You Dead Yet?. I was taken aback by the groovy initial riffs and had to ask who it was by. I was Sold immediately.
Bed of Razors will always be my favorite song of all time.
I met Alexi at a gig back in 2010. A friend and I were hanging outside the venue and Alexi just came off the tour bus to have a chat and a drink with us. He was just the absolute sweetest and nicest guy. It blew my mind that he just wandered out to talk to a couple random guys and hang out. He was one of a kind and a true guitar master. I’ll miss him.
Gotta be the album Are You Dead Yet? Front to back its so damn good!
Alexi Laiho got me into technical guitar stuff. Such an icon and fun person... gone way too soon.
But never forgotten 🖤
2 weeks no body talk about him again like van Halen and James bond
Great cover 👍
@@RyanREAX he says talking about Van Halen and Sean Connery
@@RyanREAX you think people don't talk about van halen anymore? Everybody just forgot him?
@@RyanREAX Wrong
In 2003, me and some friends from school went to a show with I think Dark Tranquility, Trivium, Amon Amarth or Hypocrisy.. and the opener was Children of Bodom, promoting their new album Hatecrew Deathroll. It was a super small venue so after watching COB, I met Alexi in the crowd drinking a beer. We chatted in between sets for a bit. I told him I loved Hatebreeder and it inspired my brother and to make a band together and covered Downfall at a high school show. A while later he found me in the crowd again and gave me a COB T-shirt with his and the bands signatures on it. Gave me the horns and left. Just a real genuine moment. I watched them a few times after that, always wore that shirt. I still jam with my brother, in our late 30s now. We played lots of COB yesterday, RIP Alexi, follow the Reaper
Also, this was in Glendale AZ. Those friends from my school turned into the band Job For A Cowboy who ended up opening up for Bodom a few years later. 🤘
Great story man
Real fan
Man that's such a good one! 🤘
Thanks for sharing, so wholesome.
Man, you were really lucky to meet guitar hero at his/her early age, cool
Sadness....
It's great that Herman took half an hour to talk about this guy. If you're mid 20's and older, chances are Alexi Laiho played a part in you discovering metal.
Yes, CoB was my favorite band for years after I started with slipknot and lamb of God into metal
Facts
So true. I'm 31. When I was in high school, there was a lot of Alexi influence in my guitar playing at that time. I gotta say his style and the way he played arpeggios really shaped me into the guitarist I am today. Cheers from Italy !
@@ShatteredThoughts11 definitely! My sweeping style was highly influenced my him till today
His style is all over my playing, even down to the way I hold my pick
I actually named my son Alexi Laiho Trinidad. You are still the best guitarist out there for me, Rest In Peace.
Dude, thats so fucking cool
that sure speaks volumes!
Your a fucking legend
Actual legend
Absolute maddad.
I can’t believe Herman Li shredded in Alexi’s style. Herman was legendary to me before, even more so now!
Everyone is talking about how great guitarist Alexi was. However, I would like to raise Alexi’s genius as a songwriter. He was really unique and adept at that and without that skill he would never have been heard of. RIP Alexi 😢
I think he was one of the best melody writers in metal.
@@KenoxProductions definitely agree
His lyrics saved my life in a rough episode
Its crazy that he wrote some of the best melodic metal albums at age 19 or 20
Totally agree! His approach with the neo classical style mixed with melodic death / black metal and all was unique!
I just found out he had another band called SYNERGY and more oriented toward power metal.
Very cool to hear him again (not singing, but lead guitar) with "new" (for me) material!
RIP Alexi Laiho.
He's up there shredding with the likes of Chuck Schuldiner, Randy Rhodes, Jeff Hanneman, Dimebag Darrel, Eddie Van Halen, Jimi Hendrix and much other legendary guitarists.
Dude, don't miss out Eddie Van Halen
Hendrix
Chuck Schuldiner is actually one of the biggest influencers for Alexis stage presence back in the day. I talked to him about Chuck somewhere in 2004 or 05 and when i said to him that his stage presence is almost like Chuck Schuldiners he laughed and said " yeah i really loved his style of playing on albums and the live shows, how he was on the stage, i tried to take so many cool things from his style into my stage presence and goofing"
eddie van halen and leslie west
Cliff Burton
I will always remember when a song from their second demo Ubiquitous Absence of Remission got played in the radio (Radio Mafia's Metalliliitto) back in 1994 (or 1995). The next morning all the metalheads in our school (Tapiolan yläaste) were congratulating Alexi and the guys from the band. I also remember how Alexi was shredding during breaks in the rehearsals of the school spring jubilee. He was awesome even back then.
what a beautiful story. Thanks for sharing it.
Ah the good ole Inearthed days.
I met Alexi a few times. He was very kind to me, but one particular time reminded me very well. We met at the bar. He was a little prepared and not in a very social mood, but later in the evening he approached me again and asked me to his table. We celebrated all night and the next morning. I will never forget that.
Yeah thats what everyone in Finland says
Alexi was one of the most important people who got me into metal when I was a kid.
Rest you absolute legend
He and Chuck Schuldiner can now meet for the greatest collab ever.
Both are great composers.
Sean Malone can play the bass for some really good stuff.
And Sean Reinert on drums.
@@demonizer123 I'd die to see this line up. Literally.
They probably are jamming out in the astral realm.
Thank you for doing that Herman. Alexi was the reason why many kids like me spent countless hours locked in their rooms trying to be good at guitar He was an absolute monster and he will live forever in our hearts! Rest in piece maestro, Alexi Laiho!
Same. Still trying 😭 god he was so good.
in montreal 15 year ago , i run in the back stage and he say at the body guard ''its ok'', and he offer me a beer . best moment in my life..... rip Alexi :'(
''every time I die'' is the song that hook me to melodic metal.
Went to see Lamb of God , fear factory and some band called children of bodom in 04'. We spent the first half hour drinking beer and being like..."wonder who these bodom kids are, they don't sound cool".... then, they came on stage and promptly melted my fuckin face along with everyone in the crowd. I was hooked from then on, saw them everytime they came through town. RIP ALEXI
Immense loss. Laiho was one of the greatest. No musicians passing has ever made me this sad. His legendary riffs and licks will forever resonate in my head.
What I think is that of all the guitarists and musicians the world has had, Alexi Laiho was born with a unique gift, he was 17-year-old boy, he began creating his best songs. The most famous guitarists will never be at the level of Alexi, I am not saying it because he is my greatest Idol, I know it because for more than 20 years I started listening to Rock, Trash Metal, Death Metal and many other styles of Metal and what Alexi created simply It has no comparison, for me, Alexi has been the best Guitarist in the world, not only do I say it the extremely complex Solos, I say it above all because of what his music makes us feel and I think that many people who really appreciate Guitar and Metal also think like me, I have never seen so many Famous Guitarists and Fans make comments and tributes about a Metal Guitarist. I love all musical instruments but the guitar has always obsessed me. His Voice, his Lyrics and the Riffs (singing at the same time and being the lead guitarist) and the Guitar Solos that Alexi did, make me feel something that no other guitarist has done, listening to him daily for so many years, it became something very personal and knowing that he has died. I never thought it would affect me so much even though several months have passed.
In my teens COB was my fav band.
And when i found out at the start of the year that Alexi had passed away just 2 days before new years eve. I was devastated and cried. I never had the chance to see COB live. And now everything is over for real. It's been almost 1 year since Alexi passing. And i still can't fully comprehend that this is the horrible fact. Alexi could have made so many more epic songs with Bodom After Midnight. And it's super unfair it was all taken away just like that by losing this phenomenal, one of a kind person and musician. There was so much more potential in Alexi and BAM. It all just had to be taken away at the last moment. £uck this unfair reality.
RIP Alexi " WildChild " Laiho. I'll never forget you and COB. HateCrew for life🤘😭
@@Gielderst good to know we both think similar about Alexi, sorry for our lost.
@@GloriousMetaI Been listening to COB literally everyday since he passed. And the music is just out of this world good. The spirit of the WildChild lives In our hearts. And I also introduce other people to COB when I can. And most are blown away when I tell them about Alexi and how cool he was. Rest easy master Laiho 🙏
@@Gielderst I also listened to him a lot but since his death, I listen to Alexi every day, I also recommend my friends to get to know Alexi/COB's music 😉
A friend of mine introduced me to Children of Bodom in 1999 when I was in my early teens. Hatebreeder was the first album I got. I was blown away by the energy and uplifting spirit. So.I am a fan before Follow the Reaper. I am truly devastated by this loss, as I share the same birthdate with him. You will be dearly missed, Wild Child!
in my very firsts years of playing guitar, almost 17 years ago... Alexi Laiho was one of my biggest inspiration to start playing music such like you did Herman, and Syu... I was just a little girl when I started watching his live concerts and videos to learn how to play guitar in a very intuitive way... he was really friendly with new people and always wanted to help everyone to learn how to play guitar... mostly thanks to him I play how I play today... I hope he's resting now and rocking in heaven...
What a lovely tribute Herman, RIP Alexi, forever in our hearts.
My first COB concert was in Warsaw (Poland) and we were driving from Cracow. I borrowed my grandpa's car and pushed it so hard that engine blew and we were stuck in the middle of highway. Fortunately we were able to hitch a ride and we arrived just in time. The concert was great in Stodoła Club.
COB is my favourite band since I heard Silent Night Bodom Night by accident on internet radio. It was such a blast! It's so sad that Alexi passed away :( Such a talented artist.
Alexi's spirit is blowing Herman's hair in approval.
One of my best buds whom I've played in a band for a long time introduced me to Children Of Bodom when we were kids, Alexi is his guitar hero. He had a follow the reaper skin on his winamp (that was a long time ago lol) and I believe he started playing Bodom after Midnight and I was absolutley blown away. When we would start practice Downfall was his go to riff to warm up, we would fiddle around with that song before doing our own songs. We thankfully got to see COB in 2016 around Christmas time, It was such a fantastic show, they played Children Of Decadence and we lost our minds (amazing setlist btw).
The thing I loved about Alexi is that his rig was so simple: one pickup, a floyd rose and a cranked up marshall, his tone and came from his hands and I really think that's the way to go.
Such a devastating loss for the metal community. We're gonna miss you so much, thank you for sharing your gift with the world R.I.P. 🤘🏾🙏🏾
I cried to the song, we lost.. I lost one of my youth idol, im only 32, it'll never be the same now :c I send all my support to his family, friends and everyone who shed a tear for his death. Thank you Herman Li, I heard your feelings, I heard mine through your tribute, well played sir.
CoB was one of the first heavier bands I ever got into. Are You Dead Yet will forever be my favorite Alexi song for that very reason. Rest in power dog.
Herman, watching you shredding over "Bed of Razors" on Monday live, listening to your Children of Bodom storys and reading storys of other people on chat was something that I needed. It was the most emotional stream in my whole life. I would like to thank to you and everyone else who came this day to say together "goodbye" to our Wild Child. I trully belive that Alexi was very proud watching us from heaven, seeing that his legacy will last forever!
Alexi composed a commissioned song for the Helsinki Festival, and invited 100 electric guitarists to join him in performing it on the big stage. Children Of Bodom's Alexi Laiho - 100 Guitars From Hel
Luckily my brother was there performing with him!
And one bass :)
I tried out for that, didn't get in lol
R.I.P Alexi Laiho. one of my favourite and most influencing guitarist of my generation. And one of the best composers. Neoclassical vibes, clean sound, full of melodies, full of musicality and amazing talent. Herman Li thank you for the tribute
Worked security for one of his shows. He was one of the nicest performers I've ever worked for. He took time out of his day to meet all of us, talk to us, and thank us for being there. I have never forgotten. Rest in peace Alexi
I saw Alexi in the soundcheck for the 100 Guitarists from Hel. Just happened to be visiting Helsinki, and there he was! I got right up front for a little informal mosh. One of the highlights of my life. Rest in Power.
Sioux City Sarsaparilla changed my life and gave me so much more intensity and technique in life, not just translated in guitar playing. Alexi Laiho was a big inspiration, he will be missed.
Not just singing, he is a top notch composer!!
Children Of Bodom performed here in Manila twice. First was almost 10 years ago, second was in 2014. I wasn't able to go to their first show here because I was recovering at home after being discharged from the hospital. The moment I knew that they'll be touring here for the second time, I just bought discounted tix when I was at PULP Summer Slam 14!
Amon Amarth, Trivium and Children of Bodom in San Francisco was my first show ever
Fuck, nice line up for a first concert dude. Damn.
That was my first show with them too! But I saw them in LA. What a show that was.
Nice my first time they opened for dimmu borgir and hypocrisy in west Hollywood at the house of blues on sunset blvd
Children Of Bodom was my first, too, back in 2012
First three for me were Motorhead, Rammstein and Wardruna (Not a lineup) but damn good choice there.
Rest in peace, Alexi. Icon for Finnish music for sure. It's sad to see him go so young. This video popping up in my UA-cam feed was a bit of a surprise though. Haven't followed music that closely in years, but I remember seeing you guys live in my hometown of Oulu (Teatria), Finland back in 2009 like it was yesterday. You were on the Ultra Beatdown tour with Turisas. Even though it was a Tuesday evening on a tiny stage, the performance was something I'll always remember. Your music helped me through high school back then. Cool to see that you guys are still at it. But anyway, just wanted to leave this comment on here to reminisce, and on the off-chance that you'll actually see this comment: Wishing you all the best!
when i met alexi in 2005, one of the people in line getting a signature said he'd rather have alexi punch him in the face. of course alexi obliged! what a legend.
If Herman Li is wow'd by your guitar-playing, you know you're really something.
RIP Alexi. Thanks for the awesome tribute, Herman.
My first metal song was "Everytime I Die" as a wee teenager. I never understood a WORD Alexi was screaming, nor did I understand what the genre truly was but I knew this was badass and the tune was banging
Isn't it about flying dinosaurs?
Death, be not proud, though some have called thee
Mighty and dreadful, for thou art not so . Im so sad but in his Music he will live forever
Thank you Herman for doing this. Alexi was a true guitar hero.
Thanks for doing this.
I learned bed of razors when I was 14 years old and I struggled with the solo for a month. (Downfall was too hard for me!) At that age, the music you listen to can be some of the most important things in your life and identity. Most folks get introduced to metal through classics from Metallica, Megadeth, Slayer, Anthrax, you name it. For me, my gems were Rust in Piece, Nightfall in Middle Earth, and Hatebreeder. Those albums shaped my style as a guitarist. Alexi was an absolute monster of a composer and I've been fortunate enough to see Children of Bodom live a number of times. Rest in Peace, Alexi. Thank you for your music. You'll always be remembered. \m/
Really, really wish I could have seen them live. I'm glad you managed to see them play. Alexi was insane - really wish I could have met him.
COB was one of my earliest harder bands, back when I was 13 year old, it was in 2013 when I saw them live for the first and only time, damn it was epic. Wish I could go back and relive it.. RIP Alexi
Children of Bodom was the band that got me into drumming. The wild guitar solos with crystal clear classical influence is something truly unique to my ears and the sick riffs will always have a place in my heart as well as Jaska's crazy feet. RIP legend! Gone way too soon, but never forgetten!
thanks for doing this Herm. Alexi was a huge inspiration to me as kid learning guitar. like you mentioned, being a great guitar player + a great vocalist, a real talent.
Rest in Peace in Alexi
One of the guys that made me love metal even more. Really sad that he passed away. R. I. P.
Good person to sad make sure you stay healthy it’s precious anyhow cheers
Started listening COB in 2009 after randomly seen “follow the ripper” perfomance on youtube( stockholm 2006 show). Rust in peace Allu.
"Reaper"
I met Alexi in Vancouver as well as roope and Henka. I didn’t have anything for him to sign but a intro to metal DVD that Alexi did way back in the day, seeing my hero smile back at me, that he taught me something I will never forget.
Thank you for this tribute Herman. It had to be done by a Pro. Alexi wrote such outstanding Metal masterpieces.
When I saw them live in 2019 Alexi Laiho was bantering between songs and said "which key signature is the saddest? D major?" I yelled out "D minor!!!" Right as he said "Actually I think it's D minor, for any musicians here tonight". It was an amazing show and the whole band was in great form.
Alexi was an exceptional human being, one of the most influential metal musicians of the 21st century.
RIP legend, I still have a pick he used during a live in shanghai in 2014. Great performance. Gonna be missed
Hatebreeder was the album that got me into Metal!
Me too. That and Follow The Reaper.
At one time at 15 or 16 I was able to play like 90% of hatebreeder. Such a good fucking album. Maybe my favoriute album better.
Saw Bodom 6 times and started listening to them in 2005 and quickly became my favorite band! Love every album and every song! Alexi is my favorite shredder ever and always will be, it didnt feel real when he passed and man i cried for weeks and couldnt listen to Bodom for months then as time passed i could and was very emotional at first but slowly got easier for me, just the thought of like damn ill never see him play again hit me very hard . RIP WILDCHILD LOVE YOU COBHC FOREVER!
Honestly this exactly what I needed to see after the news of his death and what's going on at the Capital today. Thank you, Herman, for helping us all cope with this.
I See That Herman Likes Bunch Of Different Brands Of Guitars
He blended a lot of classical music into his unique style, and had music all over his house since childhood (knowing how to play a bit of keyboards etc), thats what he said in one of the interviews. He became Immortal, with so many authentic features, the lyrics and pretty straighfoward, frontal, in your face. Hatebreeder is my personal favorite as well. COB was addictive in my adolescence ... its a blast, strong as a wild horse. All the band got a awesome sinergy, we could see it in the videos and touring. Alexi knew that the reaper would come and kind of talked a lot about it. May we all check some more the transparent lyrics he wrote as well. Thank you Herman, you a aweosme person as well. Keep it up.
May you check the previous funny demos guys ... some interesting stuff in the early days.
He got me into technical crazy solos in guitar, Rip Alexi he was my inspiration
I don't usually comment on celebrity deaths but this one hit close. I haven't listen to CoB in well over 10 years but to say this man saved my life would be an understatement.
July 22nd 2002, 3:30 a.m, I was in a deep depression and intoxicated. I wanted to end things, I got in my car with the absolute intention of killing myself. I started the engine and some ska song came up, so I put a tape that my friend had made in the radio and 'Bed of Razors' came on.
Those guitar riffs, the raging screams, the classical progressions all clashed and numbed me enough to just stay there and listen to the music instead of driving and I eventually fell asleep in my friend's driveway with the engine running.
I will never forget that moment, the metal scene lost one of its greats.
'We're the Hate Crew, we stand and we won't fall
We're all for none and none for all'
Rest in Peace Alexi
🤘🤘🤘
🥺🥺🥺🥺🎸🎸🤘🤘
Alexi Laiho was an amazing guitarist. While I'm not very familiar with his band Children of Bodom, I have listened to many of his solos. My absolute favorite is the one that he did for Roadkill Morning. It's very energetic and fast paced. I am so sorry to hear that he has died. RIP Alexi. You were a legend.
Saw COB the first time at Lepakko in Helsinki ’97. Holy shit it was an intense gig.
you are an og then
Lucky bastard, been able to see the band in their first year. You have to tell how it was!!
@@RestlessNights01 there is some very early live material on youtube. ”Something wild” is a pretty good descripton of that stuff haha 🤘🏻
Holy crap. I wish I had been there: old-school COB and Dimmu Borgir in the same venue.
Lepakko brings to mind a lot of memories.. No more Alexi, No more Lepakko.
Alexi kuoli vuoden 2020 puolella mutta sen olet jo varmaan jo kuullutkin.
Rip Alexi.. you inspired me to start playing guitar and got me into technical guitar playing
went to a CoB show about 12 years ago, was an absolutely amazing concert during which the keyboard player chugged probably 5 beers and then between songs exchanged his shirt for the tank top of a petite girl in the front rows. Continued playing the entire rest of the gig wearing that way too small pink top
Met Alexi years ago at an event. Was super friendly, and took time to talk to everyone and sign autographs for every single person. Huge loss for the music world, but he will be immortal through his music. RIP.
Much respect to Herman Li, all of Dragonforce And all the Children Of Bodom. All of my heroes growing up 🙏
one of my guitar hero when i was a highschool metal freaks.
rest in peace alexi laiho
He was a big reason why I even started playing guitar.
I had the pleasure of meeting Alexi and rest of the guys in the Late 90`s on a cruise ship from Helsinki to Stockholm, a couple of friends and i ended up drinking more then a couple of beers with them, really cool guys! Rest in peace Alexi!! May the riffs be awesome where ever you are!!!
He's my motivation.
I really wanted to be like him.
I never got the chance to see him.
That's the worst.
I don't know anything.
But the only thing I know that I will never be able to see my hero ever
I saw COB only once. At Download 2008 . I'd been a fan for a few years by then and was so happy they were on the line up. I got a great spot in the crowd and Alexi made his playing look typically effortless. Very inspiring. As soon as I got home the first thing I did was go to pick up the guitar but a shower had to be first priority haha. Wish I could have seen them more times.
Me and a friend traveled 300 miles on a train with my Jackson RR to go to a signing in London. He signed my guitar. Such a shame I no longer have this guitar! RIP Alexi Laiho!
It's Alexi Laiho's Birthday today!! Happy Birthday to him! R.I.P.
Almost in tears... listening to ‘not my funeral’. Very sad 😞
Thanks for doing this . It really hurts .
Eternal Warriors, Never, Never, Dies...
Rock In Peace Alexi⚔⚔🌹
Alexi laiho style was so good. all of his song are a blast to play. For all my 12 to 20s all my friends loved Children of Bodom to deth. I decided to get a rhoads guitar because of him. The first time a bunch of my friends put up a gig at a local bar we played a COB cover on the setlist. I stayed at D estandard for most of my youth because of Alexi. RIP to a legend. A real guitar hero who was a great composer, player, frontman and looked like a chill cool to hang out dude.
D standard is my favorite tuning because of that guy. I have an alexi signature in D. Best playing guitar I own
When I was 14 I wanted to be just like Alexi. I even painted my nails black, much to my fathers chagrin
I did the same, Wore Camo Cargo pants, black nails and grew my hair out. I had a Randy Rhoads RR3 so I was emulating Alexi all the time as a teenager
I literally did the same exact thing. The camo cargo pants, black nails, beanie, and the long hair!! COB was my obsession all throughout middle school and high school.
A friend of mine got beat up by his dad because he painted his nails black like Alexi. Coming to think of it it was pretty metal.
Same!
@@patovarentain That's really sad to hear, my folks didn't mind mainly cause my dad likes metal and he was watching Slayer and COB and BLS dvd's with me and he got that I was copying the stars.
My favourite guitarist has and always will be Jeff Hanneman and I started copying him with the NFL jerseys and again my dad bought me his Signature ESP so there was always support for my interests.
I do however remember on the Chaos ridden years my dad liked Angels Don't Kill and he was impressed with how Alexi and Janne were harmonizing the guitar and Keyboard.
Alexi was a genuine legend, Bodom have been my favourite band since I discovered them in the early 2000's - Never missed a single one of their shows in my hometown apart from the last one, so genuinely upset I'll never get to see this legend play live again
RIP ALEXI!!
Been listening to COB for 15 years. Love all their albums. Never once seen a live show, unfortunately, but that's okay. Alexi's music, COB's music, and Sinergy's music will live on forever. Good enough for me. RIP, Wild Child, you metal master.
Alexi and Children of Bodom was one of the first bands i listen to... thank you. Thank you very much for this Tribute, Herman
Don’t think he’s former Children of Bodom. He’s COB like how Mustaine is Megadeth and James is Metallica.
I second that. He (was) is the Children of Bodom
True but he had exellent musicians. The best of the best. It's
not a coincidence.
Mustaine is Metallica too and don’t forget cliff Burton
I saw Children of Bodom in Arizona (USA), blew my mind! I was already a huge fan, but to see him so closely and for him to nail every note... superb! A really good time and the audience was killer, which can sometimes be a gamble with some bands and their rabid followings. I was hooked, and I wanted to be JUST LIKE HIM!!! I loved his UA-cam videos of him hanging with his friends and joking around, you can tell he was a kind soul. May he rest in peace, in the Great Green Room in the Sky
Met alexi and Cob at sydney enmore theater and dude was rad and down to earth. obvious he loved being in the the spotlight but i don't think he took it for granted.
2008?
@@dangerman444 Yep was the blooddrunk tour. a friends black metal band was the opener so i got to hang back stage for 10 minutes before bodom went on.
@@Zimzephyr that was my first ever gig! Man what I'd give to go back to that night!
God speed to you Wildchild.
In Your Face was the banger that got me into Children of Bodom and melodic death metal in general.
Kissing the Shadows to me is the definitive Bodom masterpiece. follows by
R.I.P. LEGEND ALEXI LAIHO 🤘😭🤘🕯🎸🕯
One of the first instructional DVD's I bought (also the only one) was Alexi's. I learned so much from that DVD and everything he taught made me a better player technically and musically. super underrated guitarist.
Personally, for me Something Wild is my favourite record from CoB - I remember when I was still underaged, teenager and CoB (back then Inearthed) was coming on gig nearby and I got there along with some older fellows of mine.
It was small venue and the guys even had some sort of corpse-paint(ish) thing going on and the show was really "Something Wild"! The power, energy and drive they had back then was incredible. Next year, it was maybe january of 1996, Something Wild was released by Spinefarm records. I saw Deadnight Warrior video on Finnish tv-show "Jyrki" and I was blown away. Next week my friend got the record and I remember us listening to it and getting all shivers...
Last night I actually had a spin on that record and all the memories flew through me.
Same. Follow The Reaper is their “best” and truly defines the sound of the band, but Something Wild is my personal favourite.
I have been listening to CoB since '99 when Hatebreeder came out, and its still my favorite album. I will really miss him.
Bed of razors, my favorite children of bodom song. Rest in peace Alexi
Rest in Peace Alexi. Ever since I was a child he was my hero. Picked up the guitar mainly because of him. Thanks for everything. Very grateful that I saw CoB and him live and they nailed the it.
Sinergy is a hidden gem which not that many people are aware of except big CoB fans.
Every day when the knife in my back starts to twist and turn, my eyes catch on fire and my heart starts to burn, but being away from you seems like heaven then again it's like getting needled 24/7 !!!!!!!
I had gotten back into COB during the pandemic, and had listened to each album song by song. Then it looks like we are starting to get back to some normalcy, and then Alexhi passes... so very sad. I planned on purchasing tickets to Bodom after Midnight on their first tour in the US after the pandemic. I guess that won’t be happening but I’ll be a fan for life.
I mean, we did see this coming.
It still hits hard 😢🌷
@@lynr3357 youre not the sharpest pencil, are you...
I worked at GIT and Alexi came by and played some songs and we played "Are you Dead Yet" together trading solos. Between that and George Lynch playing at GIT was a moment I'll never forget. ESP owns GIT and he signed my ESP and complimented my playing. Alexi was a bad ass and reminded me a lot of Dimebag with his crazy yet humble personality. Alexi and Petri Lindroos are my favs.
That's how I'd explain alexi too. Didn't have that experience, but I've met the dude and I remember just walking away kind of laughing because I thought "this dude is just the Finnish dimebag" dude was funny and down to earth
@mattisixx1699 he was also drunk as a skunk too. I've met Dime a few times dude was a legend.
Fuck this really hurts. I am just finding out about this. This guy has been a hero of mine forever!! I am really going to miss his guitar playing. Wow this sucks.
It's so sad metal brother .I really love your music to and this stream is something I check out from time to time may your path be safe and your life be Brite and happiness is always in your heart .and your metal is inspiring God bless you
He just became inmortal!
Yeah Mario i already suscribed to the channel!
Thanks Herman for this Tribute to Alexi Laiho, he will be missed u.u