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Punk Pioneer Cheetah Chrome Dies at 71
24 Sep
Summary
- Cheetah Chrome, a guitarist for influential punk bands, has died at 71.
- He played in Rocket From the Tombs and the Dead Boys in the 1970s.
- His music helped define an entire genre of rock and roll.
Cheetah Chrome, a guitarist renowned for his work with influential early punk bands Rocket From the Tombs and the Dead Boys, has died at the age of 71. His distinctive sound and energetic stage presence were instrumental in the development of the punk rock genre during the 1970s.
Rocket From the Tombs, despite a short existence, pioneered a raw, energetic, and nihilistic approach to rock music in Cleveland. This foundational group dissolved, leading Chrome and drummer Johnny Blitz to form the Dead Boys with Stiv Bator.
Under the management of CBGB owner Hilly Kristal, the Dead Boys became a fixture in New York's burgeoning music scene, releasing landmark albums like "Young, Loud and Snotty" in 1977. The band's influence extended to many later rock musicians.
Born Eugene Richard O'Connor in Cleveland, he adopted the stage name Cheetah Chrome and later detailed his life and struggles with substance abuse in his memoir. He is survived by his son, Rogan.
