Los Angeles, California – Following a whirlwind week of anger, misinformation, speculation and misunderstandings surrounding the forthcoming Dead Boys album, guitarist and co-founder Cheetah Chrome is setting the record straight in an exclusive interview with PunkNews.org.
The new, yet-to-be-titled album, recorded alongside longtime friends and punk legends Glen Matlock (Sex Pistols), Clem Burke (Blondie), and James Williamson (the Stooges), has sparked a storm of controversy. At the center of the debate is the claim by a former touring band member that the album employs artificial intelligence (A.I.) to "bring back" the band’s iconic frontman Stiv Bators.
But, as Cheetah explains, “All I wanted to do was celebrate the days of CBGBs—when punk was punk.”
In his conversation with PunkNews publisher John Gentile, Cheetah addressed the issue head-on, stating: “The time to stop A.I. was back in 1990! Nobody should have ever bought a cellphone. It’s been a component in society for like 30 years! You can adapt and use it in legitimate ways.”
And that’s exactly what Cheetah has done. He revealed the story behind the album’s use of technology:
“We [found] a song called ‘You Don’t Really Love Me.’ It’s Stiv’s last full song that sounds like a performance. It sounds like it’s a record. After that, there’s nothing. We used A.I. to restore Stiv’s vocals. We didn’t cut or paste or edit it. We only used A.I. to restore it and put it in the mix so you can hear it.
“I don’t want to just fake someone’s performance. I can’t have that.”
The integration of A.I. on this album has sparked comparisons to other groundbreaking moments in music history, such as the Mellotron replacing orchestras, the advent of sampling, and the rise of digital recording. As Cleopatra Records founder Brian Perera puts it:
“The Dead Boys should be celebrated for making history as the first punk act to embrace A.I. Just like punk thrived on pissing off grown-ups, this move challenges the status quo.
“This isn’t about replacing the past—it’s about preserving it. It’s about honoring the chaotic, untamed legacy of a frontman who defined an era. For a band like the Dead Boys, who thrived on pushing boundaries, this is the ultimate act of rebellion. They’re using A.I. to do what punk has always done best: make people uncomfortable, start conversations, and create something unforgettable.
“When people are mad, it means you’re onto something. When they say, ‘That’s not real music,’ it means you’re pushing boundaries. That’s the spirit of rock ’n’ roll. That’s the ethos of punk—and it’s exactly what the Dead Boys have always believed. If you’re not making people uncomfortable, you’re not doing it right.”
And the Dead Boys? They’ve always done it right.
The band’s new album, scheduled for release in 2025, will crown a series of acclaimed archival releases showcasing their fiery legacy during 1977-78. These include electrifying live recordings from CBGBs in New York (the legendary “Dead Dolls” show) and San Francisco, as well as early sessions for their second LP, We Have Come For Your Children, and more.
CLICK HERE CHECK OUT THE DEAD BOYS HERE
Adding to the excitement, Cheetah Chrome has teamed up with modern punk icons 69 Eyes for a blistering new rendition of the Dead Boys’ classic anthem “Sonic Reducer,” available now on 7-inch vinyl and all streaming platforms.
