Laiho inspired by Fleetwood Mac’s style

Children Of Bodom singer and guitarist Alexi Laiho says he’s trying to improve his playing style – by copying Fleetwood Mac mainman Lindsey Buckingham.

Laiho’s been playing since he was 12 years old but reports that he still manages to find new ways to challenge himself.

He tells Music Radar: “This might surprise some people, but I’ve been on a huge Lindsey Buckingham trip recently and listening to his playing in Fleetwood Mac.

“I always thought there were two guitar players playing together, but it was just him doing all that Travis picking stuff. That’s how good he is. I thought, ‘You fuckin’ asshole, how is that possible?’

“So that’s actually something I’m working on right now and it’s hard – like a whole different sport. In many ways, it was the same drive I felt when I first saw someone sweep picking – I had no choice but to try and master it. If you keep your eyes open and observe, there’s always something out there to learn.”

Children Of Bodom start their North American tour in support of latest album I Worship Chaos next month – a run which includes dates with Megadeth, Suicidal Tendencies and Havok.

And while guitarist Antti Wirman has been playing with the band on the road following the departure of Roope Latvala last year, Laiho says the group are still on the lookout for a permanent player.

He continues: “He’s actually our keyboard player’s brother and I think he’s an amazing player. He’s only filling in so we don’t have to cancel any of our live dates. But he’s not a permanent member or planning to become one, so we’re working on finding a new guy.

“There are a couple of options we’re considering but nothing’s finalised yet. It’s very exciting though.”

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Scott has spent 37 years in newspapers, magazines and online as an editor, production editor, sub-editor, designer, writer and reviewer. Scott joined our news desk in 2014 before moving into e-commerce in 2020. Scott maintains Louder’s buyer’s guides, highlights deals, and reviews headphones, speakers, earplugs and more. Over the last 12 years, Scott has written more than 11,500 articles across Louder, Classic Rock, Metal Hammer and Prog. He's previously written for publications including IGN, Sunday Mirror, Daily Record and The Herald, covering everything from news and features, to tech reviews, video games, travel and whisky. Scott's favourite bands are Fields Of The Nephilim, The Cure, New Model Army, All About Eve, The Mission, Cocteau Twins, Drab Majesty, Marillion and Rush.