Children of Bodom guitarist Alexi Laiho breaks shoulder

Alexi Laiho, guitarist and front man for the award-winning Finnish metal band CHILDREN OF BODOM has sustained a serious injury while on the road as part of the "No Fear Energy Tour" alongside Lamb of God. Laiho, who was recently named as the world's "Best Metal Guitarist" in the 15th annual Guitar World reader's poll, broke his shoulder when he was ejected from his bunk as a result of the band's tour bus taking an irregularly harsh sharp turn. Laiho and CHILDREN OF BODOM are touring North America in support of the band's critically acclaimed album Blooddrunk.

Against recommendation, Laiho has decided to remain on tour and will "bite the bullet" to give metal fans the electric live performances they have come to love from the Finnish act. For the duration of the tour – set to run through May 15 -- Alexi will be resigned to wearing the arm in a sling, restricting movement at all times when he is not on stage.

When asked for comment, the celebrated axe-slinger said, "Four nights ago I fell out of my bunk in the tour bus and came down pretty damn hard as the driver was taking a sharp turn. It turns out I have a broken shoulder as well as internal bleeding. I am going through a great deal of pain every second that I am awake. However, I can still play the guitar and I will give everything I have to try to finish this tour and play every remaining show! I would just like to apologize in advance for not being able to move around or sing with my full power at all times and I hope the COB fans understand. What can I say? I'm jinxed! End of story. See you out there."

Laiho has been called "a guitar hero for the new millennium" by Guitar World. The six-stringer will be featured alongside legendary virtuoso George Lynch on the cover of Guitar Center's "June Guitar Buyers Guide", set to hit homes beginning June 1. In the publication, Laiho discusses his ESP signature series guitar as well as Children of Bodom. Additional Laiho-related content is also scheduled for Guitar Center's website: GuitarCenter.com.

CHILDREN OF BODOM's Blooddrunk skyrocketed to #22 on Billboard's Top 200 chart in its first week of release, shifting nearly 20,000 units. The Top 25 Billboard debut capped a string of exceptional worldwide charting positions for the band, highlighted by a #1 debut in its native Finland.

In addition to Laiho, CHILDREN OF BODOM features Roope Latvala (guitar), Janne Warman (keyboard), Henkka Seppälä (bass) and drummer Jaska Raatikainen.


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Tags:  Children of Bodom, Alexi Laiho, injury, tour 

jason    May 04, 2009