Hard Rock And Heavy Metal Musicians React To Passing Of DEFTONES Bassist
April 14, 2013A number of hard rock and heavy metal musicians have taken to Twitter in response to the news that Chi Cheng, the bassist for the DEFTONES, died yesterday at the age of 42. Chi had been in a semi-comatose state for more than four years after being seriously injured in a car accident in November 2008. In addition to not recovering full consciousness, Cheng had been in and out of hospitals for various infections as his family has struggled with the mounting costs of care since he lost his health insurance a few months after the accident.Cheng was taken to the emergency room, where he died at 3 a.m. on Saturday. "His heart just suddenly stopped," Cheng's mother, Jeanne Marie Cheng, wrote on the OneLoveForChi.com web site. "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 required surgery after the car accident to remove part of his brain, but his recovery was strong enough that he was taken off life support seven months later.Over the course of the past couple of years, Cheng emerged from his coma for brief intervals. He was able to open his eyes and apparently could see and hear things going on around him, but could not respond verbally.DEFTONES have held several benefit concerts and continued to donate money from the band's tours. Singer Chino Moreno said that the group's fans have continued to help as well. "Whatever people can do, it's all appreciated, and it's all just in the hopes that there will be one day where he can talk back and have a conversation and see his kids and, you know, continue on living, you know," he said. "That's what we pray and hope for, you know what I mean, that's all we can do."Sergio Vega continues to play bass for the band. Vega stepped in for touring purposes after Cheng's accident, and stayed on to record 2010's "Diamond Eyes" and last year's "Koi No Yokan" with the group.
R.I.P Deftones Bassist Chi Cheng. Very sweet and talented guy. Head injury from car accident. Everyone please wear seatbelt and live.
— Tom Morello (@tmorello) April 14, 2013
RIP Chi Cheng, blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode…Sucks...
— Robb Flynn (@TheGeneralMH) April 14, 2013
RIP Chi, you will be forever missed. #ripchicheng#RIPChi#deftones
— John 5 (@john5guitarist) April 14, 2013
My friend Chi passed away. My heart goes out to his family, and to my friends in @deftones. This is indeed a sad day…
— The Boogie Knight (@CoreyTaylorRock) April 14, 2013
#RIP @deftonespodbandNever Forgotten He was a cool ass dude. He’s in a better place. instagram.com/p/YEi6yOImm-/
— Marcos Curiel (@MarcosCuriel) April 14, 2013
@deftones So incredibly heartbreaking to hear the news of Chi’s passing. My thoughts are with his family, and all of you.
— Gerard Way (@gerardway) April 14, 2013
RIP chi cheng…..will be missed
— Theory of a Deadman (@TOADM) April 14, 2013
RIP CHI CHENG OF @deftones, YOU HARBORED A SWEET BRILLIANCE, AND WILL BE REMEMBERED AND LOVED.twitter.com/blastbeatadnet…
— DAVID DRAIMAN (@DAVIDMDRAIMAN) April 14, 2013
R.I.P. Chi Cheng of the Deftones (July 15, 1970 – April 13, 2013). This is photo from a benefit for Chi that… fb.me/1mitOoWQ3
— Testament (@testamentband) April 14, 2013
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of Chi Cheng. RIP brother, see you on the other side.
RIP CHI… WE LOVE YOU MAN! @deftones
— ? Papa Roach ? (@paparoach) April 14, 2013
so sad…R.I.P Chi Chengoneloveforchi.com/our-dearest-fa…fb.me/20CtYkUX3
— SavingAbel (@SavingAbel) April 14, 2013
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of Chi Cheng. RIP brother, see you on the other side.
— Nonpoint (@nonpoint) April 14, 2013
R.I.P. Chi Cheng #Deftones
— Lamb Of God (@Lambofgodband) April 14, 2013
Rest in peace Chi Cheng.
— Rev Theory (@revtheory) April 14, 2013
RIP Chi. We will always love the albums you were apart of. Rest easy.
— CARNIFEX (@carnifexbrutal) April 14, 2013
RIP Chi Cheng and condolences to the whole @deftones family
— Godsmack Official (@Godsmack_Music) April 14, 2013
R.I.P Chi Cheng, your influence on our lives will never be forgotten.
— TRAPT (@TRAPTOFFICIAL) April 14, 2013
God Bless you #ChiCheng for you made the world beautiful with your songs. You inspire us forever… Rest in Peace.
— Shinedown (@Shinedown) April 14, 2013
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
— Slash (@Slash) April 14, 2013
Chi was an amazing bassist & human being our thoughts and prayers go out to his family. He will be deeply missed.
— Nickelback (@Nickelback) April 14, 2013
my heart goes out to Chino & deftones & Chi’s family for their loss
— Sebastian Bach (@sebastianbach) April 14, 2013
Another sad day in Music with the loss of Deftones Chi. R.I.P.
— Dan Donegan (@DoneganDaniel) April 14, 2013
Such sad news hearing chi cheng from the deftones has passed away. RIP
— Jake Pitts (@JakePittsBVB) April 14, 2013
RIP Chi Cheng @deftones A tough fate & hard struggle. Condolences to his family, band,friends. A sad day to remember. twitter.com/AGossow/status…
— Angela Gossow (@AGossow) April 14, 2013
We are deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Chi Cheng, bassist of Deftones. Rest in Peace Chi fb.me/2ikJGx70M
— In Flames OFFICIAL (@InFlames_SWE) April 14, 2013
RIP Chi. Awful news. Condolences to the Cheng family and @deftones…. from the McKagan’s.
— Duff McKagan (@DuffMcKagan) April 14, 2013
Our thoughts and prayers go out to The Deftones and Chi’s family. Nuff said.
— blessthefall (@blessthefall) April 14, 2013
We did Warped 98 & Soundwave 07 w/ Deftones ? to watch Chi rock out. #RIPChi#RIPChiCheng
— Jamey Jasta (@jameyjasta) April 14, 2013
We are deeply saddened by the passing of Deftones bassist Chi Cheng, our hearts go out to Chi’s family,friends & fans #RIPCHI#RIPCHICHENG
— Hatebreed (@hatebreed) April 14, 2013
Damn … Go rest #Chi … You fought like a warrior sir … Thoughts and prayers to his family / friends and fellow Deftones
— Zach Myers (@ZMyersOfficial) April 14, 2013
RIP Chi. #deftones
— RED (@redmusiconline) April 14, 2013
Saddened to hear about the passing of Chi Cheng of @deftones. Blessings to his family and loved ones. RIP #OneLoveChi
— Brian Fair (@brianshadfall) April 14, 2013
Another great musical talent has left this world much too young..R.I.P. Chi Cheng
— Textures (@texturesband) April 14, 2013
Rest for Chi. Bless his family and comfort them. instagram.com/p/YGLCwiII7J/
— Living Sacrifice (@livingsac) April 14, 2013
Very sad to hear about Chi. Another rock n roll soldier who will be missed.
— Doc Coyle (@DocCoyle) April 14, 2013
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