Although Cheetah Chrome, who passed away on Sunday September 14, is best remembered - and rightfully so!!! - for his peerless performances with the Dead Boys, truly one of New York (and, therefore, the United States)’s most unique and powerful punk bands, his career subsequently saw his razorsharp guitar unleashed alongside a plethora of other artists, from New York Doll Sylvain Sylvain to Jeff Dahl; from 69 Eyes to the UK Subs.
photo: Brian Shanley
Most recently, however, his focus was on a new album, set to be released next year by Cleopatra Records - a label with which he has been associated for several years, and for whom he opened his archive to reveal some of the most electrifying of all unreleased Dead Boys recordings.
In that time, he also became one of the label’s dearest and most valued friends, both musically and socially.
For all who knew and loved him, however, his final project might well be his most meaningful, a celebration of the Dead Boys that he summed up just a few months ago, with typical Cheetah economy and humor, by saying, “The whole thing is PFG… Pretty Fucking Good.”.
The album is fronted by a variety of guest singers, including Cheetah as well as Hanoi Rocks frontman Michael Monroe, who gave us thoughts on the legend that was Cheetah, and the music they made together.
“So sad to hear that the legendary Cheetah Chrome is gone.
“He was a dear friend and one of the last true Punk Rock’n'Roll icons.
“The past couple of years I've been working with him on a "Dead Boys Celebration”- Album (with Cheetah Chrome & Friends) which is going to be great. It features some cool guest singers as well as Cheetah and myself on vocals, doing some old Dead Boys & Cheetah stuff and some of Cheetah’s favourite cover songs.
“The band featured Clem Burke on drums, Glen Matlock on bass and Cheetah on guitar, with James Williamson guesting on one track on guitar. I guess now that record will be even more significant when it comes out.
“Rest in peace, my friend.”
Michael Monroe (Hanoi Rocks) Remembers His Friend Cheetah Chrome
