Cheetah Chrome, Dead Boys Guitarist and Co-Founder Dies at 71
Chrome, born Eugene O'Connor, began his career in another Cleveland punk band, Rocket From the Tombs.
Cleveland native Cheetah Chrome, the guitarist and co-founder of the influential punk band Dead Boys, has passed away at the age of 71. The news was announced on Instagram by the group on Sunday night, who described Chrome as "a true original, an architect of the punk rock movement" and a "one man hurricane tearing up the musical landscape with his feral guitar riffs and manic energy."
Born Eugene Richard O’Connor on February 18, 1955, Chrome got his start in the short-lived, chaotic pre-punk Cleveland band Rocket From the Tombs before joining Dead Boys. The band, fronted by kinetic singer Stiv Bators, gained notoriety for their intense, unhinged live shows at CBGB, and released their signature track "Sonic Reducer" on their 1977 debut album.
Chrome went on to have a successful solo career, releasing a solo debut album in 2014 and performing with various groups including Rocket From the Tombs and the Stilettos. He also acted in the 2013 movie CBGB, portraying himself. The Dead Boys, now without any original members, have announced a 2027 tour to celebrate the 50th anniversary of their debut album.
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