Who was Cheetah Chrome? Professional career explored after Dead Boys guitarist passes away at 71

Dead Boys guitarist Cheetah Chrome has died at 71. The cause of death is unknown, but the band confirmed the news on Instagram on Sunday, September 13.

Cheetah Chrome, whose real name was Eugene Richard O'Connor, was born on February 18, 1955, in Cleveland, Ohio. He was interested in music and joined the band Rocket from the Tombs in 1974. However, the band separated the following year.

After that, O'Connor formed Dead Boys with Stiv Bators and Johnny Blitz. Jimmy Zero and Jeff Magnum also eventually joined the band, and they moved to New York City. They released their first album, Young, Loud and Snotty, in 1977, and their second album, We Have Come for Your Children, in 1978.

However, Dead Boys also broke up in 1979. On Sunday, the band shared an Instagram post confirming Chrome's death that read:

"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. A one man hurricane tearing up the musical landscape with his feral guitar riffs and manic energy. Beyond all that Cheetah was also just a really sweet guy that loved rock-roll."

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

Chrome had a wife named Anna O'Connor and a 14-year-old son named Rogan.

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Tributes pour in for Cheetah Chrome after the Dead Boys guitarist passes away

Cheetah Chrome released multiple solo songs as well as took part in various shows. In 2003, Rocket From the Tombs was back with Chrome, David Thomas, Craig Bell, Pere Ubu’s Steve Mehlman, and Richard Lloyd. They released a redux version of their previous work with the new lineup. They also released another album, but O'Connor left the band in 2011.

Following Chrome's death, many other musicians paid tribute on social media. Reagan Youth wrote on Instagram:

“Rest in power to Cheetah Chrome, a true OG and one of the architects of the punk rock movement. His influence helped shape the sound, spirit, and attitude of punk for generations to come.”

Duff McKagan, bassist of the iconic band Guns N' Roses, wrote:

“RIP dear Cheetah Chrome. Your guitar playing and attack taught me so much about ‘edge’ and precision in punk and beyond. Getting to know you in later years was a complete honor. Forever Dead Boys. Forever Cheetah Chrome!!”

Notably, Dead Boys had multiple reunions after their dissolution in 1979. They reunited for their 40th anniversary in 2017, did a tour, and re-recorded Still Snotty: Young, Loud and Snotty at 40.

The band was also set to reunite for their 50th anniversary next year. They were set to tour together with their debut album. They haven't announced the status of that following Chrome's death.

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