Cheetah Chrome, the Dead Boys’ guitarist, died on Sunday at the age of 71.
The punk rocker, born Eugene Richard O’Connor, received tributes from his bandmates on Instagram.
“We are deeply saddened to share the news of the passing of our dear friend and bandmate Cheetah Chrome,” the statement read.
“Cheetah was a truly original figure, an architect of the punk rock movement. A one-man hurricane tearing through the musical landscape with feral guitar riffs and manic energy. Beyond all that, Cheetah was also simply a very sweet guy who loved rock and roll.”
“We extend our deepest condolences to Cheetah’s family, friends and fans around the world,” the tribute continued. “His music lives on and will continue to inspire others for generations to come. We ask for privacy during this difficult time. Godspeed Cheetah.”
Chrome was an American punk-rock musician living in Nashville. He began his career as a guitarist with Rocket from the Tombs in 1974, before joining vocalist Stiv Bators and drummer Johnny Blitz in Dead Boys. The group found success with Young, Loud and Snotty in 1977 and We Have Come for Your Children in 1978.
Bators died in 1990 after being struck by a taxi in Paris.
The Dead Boys disbanded in 1979 but resurfaced for a series of live performances over the years. To mark the band’s 50th anniversary, plans were made to tour their debut album in 2027.
Chrome leaves behind his wife, Anna, and their 14-year-old son Rogan.
No cause of death has been disclosed.
