Cheetah Chrome, the influential guitarist and co-founder of legendary punk outfit Dead Boys, has died at the age of 71. Chrome passed away on Sunday, September 13.
News of his death was confirmed by his Dead Boys bandmates, who remembered him as a pivotal figure in the development of punk rock.
“Cheetah was a true original, an architect of the punk rock movement. A one-man hurricane tearing up the musical landscape with his feral guitar riffs and manic energy.”
The band also highlighted Chrome’s personality away from the stage, describing him as a genuinely kind person who simply loved rock ‘n’ roll. They extended their condolences to his family, friends and fans while asking for privacy during the difficult time.
Chrome, born Eugene Richard O’Connor, leaves behind his wife Anna O’Connor and their 14-year-old son, Rogan.
Before Dead Boys became one of the defining acts of the early punk movement, Chrome was already helping shape the sound of the genre as a member of Rocket From The Tombs. The Cleveland band also featured David Thomas and Peter Laughner, who would go on to form Pere Ubu.
Chrome later teamed with Rocket From The Tombs drummer Johnny Blitz and vocalist Stiv Bators, forming the foundation of what would become Dead Boys.
The group relocated to New York City and became a regular presence at CBGB, quickly establishing a reputation for their chaotic, aggressive approach. Their 1977 debut album, ‘Young, Loud And Snotty’, became a landmark punk record, while “Sonic Reducer” developed into one of the genre’s most enduring anthems.
Despite signing with Sire Records, Dead Boys’ original run came to an end in 1979.
Chrome later documented his life in punk rock with his 2010 autobiography, ‘Cheetah Chrome: A Dead Boy’s Tale From The Front Lines Of Punk Rock’. He also took on the role of creative director at Nashville’s Plowboy Records, which released his first solo EP, ‘Solo’, in 2013.
Chrome’s influence extended far beyond his years with Dead Boys, with his guitar work and songwriting helping establish a blueprint that would continue to influence generations of punk musicians.
Godspeed, Cheetah.
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