Cheetah Chrome, Dead Boys and Rocket from the Tombs guitarist, dead at 71

Cheetah Chrome, Dead Boys and Rocket from the Tombs guitarist, dead at 71 Guns N' Roses bassist Duff McKagan paid tribute to Cheetah Chrome, the influential guitarist who supported shape punk rock.

Key points

• The group published its debut album, "Young, Loud and Snotty, " in 1977, followed by "We Have Come for Your Children" in 1978.
• Chrome participated in a number of Dead Boys reunions over the years, including a 40th anniversary tour in 2017.
• Cheetah Chrome, the influential guitarist who supported shape punk rock as a member of the Dead Boys and Rocket from the Tombs, has died.
• 18, 1955, Chrome emerged from the city's burgeoning underground rock scene.
• The Dead Boys confirmed Chrome's death Sunday, Sept.

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Cheetah Chrome, the influential guitarist who supported shape punk rock as a member of the Dead Boys and Rocket from the Tombs, has died. He was 71.

Notably, the Dead Boys confirmed Chrome's death Sunday, Sept. 13, in an Instagram tribute⁠. A cause of death was not disclosed.

"We are incredibly sad to announce the news of the passing of our beloved friend and bandmate Cheetah Chrome. Cheetah was a true original, an architect of the punk rock movement, " the band wrote. "A one man hurricane tearing up the musical landscape with his feral guitar riffs and manic energy. Beyond all that Cheetah was additionally just a really sweet guy that loved rock-roll." Derry Brownson founding member of 'Unbelievable' band EMF, dies at 55.

"We extend our deepest condolences to Cheetah's family, friends and fans worldwide. His music lives on and will continue to inspire others for generations to come, " the tribute continued. "We ask for privacy during this tough time. Godspeed Cheetah. Tony, Chris, Mark and the entire Dead Boys family."

Born Eugene Richard O'Connor in Cleveland on Feb. 18, 1955, Chrome emerged from the city's burgeoning underground rock scene. He joined the proto-punk group Rocket from the Tombs in 1974.

Although the band's original run was brief, its members and music became foundational to the punk movement that followed. After Rocket from the Tombs disbanded, Chrome formed the Dead Boys with Stiv Bators, Jimmy Zero, Jeff Magnum and Johnny Blitz. Freddy Cannon 'Palisades Park' and 'Tallahassee Lassie' singer, dies at 89.

In practice, the Dead Boys relocated to New York City and became fixtures at CBGB, the Manhattan club that served as a launching pad for some of punk's most influential acts. The group published its debut album, "Young, Loud and Snotty, " in 1977, followed by "We Have Come for Your Children" in 1978.

Chrome participated in a number of Dead Boys reunions over the years, including a 40th anniversary tour in 2017. That year, the group published "Still Snotty: Young, Loud and Snotty at 40, " a newly recorded version of its debut album.

After news of his death, Guns N' Roses bassist Duff McKagan paid tribute to Chrome and his influence on Instagram, writing that the guitarist's playing taught him concerning precision and edge in punk music. "Getting to know you in later years was a complete honor, " McKagan wrote. "Forever Dead Boys. Forever Cheetah Chrome!" SMS Facebook Twitter Email. Share your feedback to support improve our site! Share your feedback to support improve our site!

Taken together, the developments around cheetah Chrome, Dead Boys and Rocket from the Tombs guitarist, dead at point to a situation that is still moving, and the coming days should bring more clarity.