Rock Community Reacts to Death of Deftones Bassist Chi Cheng
Several members of the rock community responded over the weekend to the passing of Chi Cheng, the Deftones bassist, who died Saturday at age 42.
Cheng died 3 a.m. Saturday in the emergency room. "His heart just suddenly stopped," Cheng's mother, Jeanne Marie Cheng, wrote on the One Love for Chi website. "He left this world with me singing songs he liked in his ear. He fought the good fight. You stood by him sending love daily. He knew that he was very loved and never alone."
Cheng had been involved in a car accident in November 2008, which left him in a coma for some time. Although he started showing signs of improvement, he was never able to make a complete recovery.
Several friends and admirers have expressed their condolences and tributes via Twitter, including Slash, Tom Morello and guitarist John 5. You can check out some of the tweets below.
Slash: Just heard that Chi from the Deftones passed away. That's really sad news. I didn't really know him. But he was an awesome bass player. RIP
Tom Morello: R.I.P Deftones Bassist Chi Cheng. Very sweet and talented guy. Head injury from car accident. Everyone please wear seatbelt and live.
Sebastian Bach: my heart goes out to Chino & deftones & Chi's family for their loss
Get The Pick Newsletter
All the latest guitar news, interviews, lessons, reviews, deals and more, direct to your inbox!
Duff McKagan: RIP Chi. Awful news. Condolences to the Cheng family and @deftones.... from the McKagan's.
Corey Taylor: My friend Chi passed away. My heart goes out to his family, and to my friends in @deftones. This is indeed a sad day…
John 5: RIP Chi, you will be forever missed. #ripchicheng #RIPChi #deftones
David Draiman: RIP CHI CHENG OF @deftones, YOU HARBORED A SWEET BRILLIANCE, AND WILL BE REMEMBERED AND LOVED.
Robb Flynn: RIP Chi Cheng
Papa Roach: RIP CHI… WE LOVE YOU MAN!
Lamb Of God: R.I.P. Chi Cheng #Deftones
Shinedown: God Bless you #ChiCheng for you made the world beautiful with your songs. You inspire us forever… Rest in Peace.
Thank you for reading 5 articles this month**
Join now for unlimited access
US pricing $3.99 per month or $39.00 per year
UK pricing £2.99 per month or £29.00 per year
Europe pricing €3.49 per month or €34.00 per year
*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription
Since 1980, Guitar World has been the ultimate resource for guitarists. Whether you want to learn the techniques employed by your guitar heroes, read about their latest projects or simply need to know which guitar is the right one to buy, Guitar World is the place to look.
“Jaco was Joni’s liberator, but she wanted the bass to play a greater part in holding down the groove”: Larry Klein on how he handled the challenge of replacing Jaco Pastorius in Joni Mitchell’s band
“I got a call from Glenn Frey. I just said. ‘Where do I sign?’ Here they were asking me to join The Eagles without playing one lick of music with them”: Timothy B. Schmidt joined The Eagles at the height of Hotel California – and didn't even audition