Alexi Laiho (1979-2020)
Alexi Laiho (1979-2020)

Everyone at ESP extends our deepest condolences to the friends, family, and millions of fans around the world of ESP signature artist Alexi Laiho, who passed away suddenly at age 41. We've had the pleasure of being friends with Alexi for many years, supplying him with the guitars he's used for his work in his bands Children of Bodom and Bodom After Midnight. In addition to being recognized on multiple occasions as one of the world's best guitarists, Alexi was a kind and gentle person whose friendship we will miss greatly.
This is the absolute worst to happen in all of 2020. He has been a major inspiration and by a huge margin the absolute biggest of mine. I still struggle to comprehend that he is no longer among us. Let it be known that the legacy that he leaves us with, will always be one of my main driving forces.
This man was my hero. Even at his worst. He had a brilliant mind for composing, his like not seen since W.A. Mozart. He grew tremendously as a songwriter and vocalist. But the guitar he'd already mastered two decades ago, but even then he continued exploring and challenging himself. He was a unicorn in a world of bowlegged horses.
Markku Uula Aleksi Laiho, may your tired body find rest and your spirit peace.
End of f**king story.