This weekend, we reported on the tragic passing of Deftones bassist Chi Cheng, who died at the age of 42 after his heart stopped. Cheng was in a coma for three years stemming from a 2008 car accident, and then still in a vegetative state for the remainder of his life. It was truly a sad end to a great life. The music industry weighed in on the loss of Cheng through posts on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. Here is a roundup of tributes to the fallen bassist:
Of all the touching tributes I read, the "heaviest" of the tributes had to come from Lamb of God frontman Randy Blythe, who posted this very personal story on his Instagram page:
Rest in peace, Chi Cheng. I just read about this. I never met Chi, & got to know the Deftones personally after he had already been hospitalized, but his music was already dear to me in a very personal way.
The first night my future wife & I spent together, we listened to "White Pony" on repeat over and over, just laying there in my crappy bed in my small room I had rented in a filthy punk house with my friends. It was all very innocent, and there was no hanky-panky that night (or for many more afterwards- we took our time before we were ever intimate). I was not a Deftones fan at that point, nor was I in love with that woman- I had come out of a very toxic relationship six months before with my ex-wife (it was both of our faults- it takes two to tango), & my daughter had died a few months before we broke up. I was an extremely damaged man, I didn't have much hope, nor was I planning on ever being married again. It was a very sad time in my life.
But that night in that tiny crappy bed I began to feel happy again, & to feel as if life may have something to offer me after all the heart break I had just been through. I believe I started to fall in love with the woman who is now my wife that evening, and I know for a fact I fell in love with the Deftones that night.
So thanks Chi for being part of my new life and the beginning of my healing. This is what music is to me- the moments we begin to LIVE. This mortal coil has been shed by Chi, but his music & his energy is still very much ALIVE. I don't care if this sounds sappy- this is my truth, & I have no other way to live but by it. God speed on your journey brother, & thanks & love to you once again.
Some more tributes:
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
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
Corey Taylor of Slipknot and Stone Sour:
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
Very sad to hear that Chi from the Deftones has passed away :( #RIPChiCheng
— Paolo Gregoletto (@TriviumPaolo) 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
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
my heart goes out to Chino & deftones & Chi's family for their loss
— Sebastian Bach (@sebastianbach) 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
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
RIP Chi. We will always love the albums you were apart of. Rest easy.
— CARNIFEX (@carnifexbrutal) 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
RIP Chi. Awful news. Condolences to the Cheng family and @deftones…. from the McKagan's.
— Duff McKagan (@DuffMcKagan) April 14, 2013
rest peacefully Chi Cheng.
— keith buckley (@deathoftheparty) April 14, 2013
Tonight's show is dedicated to Chi Cheng. One love. fb.me/1dWFncq5j
— Nonpoint (@nonpoint) April 14, 2013
RIP Chi, you will be forever missed. #ripchicheng #RIPChi #deftones
— John 5 (@john5guitarist) 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
RIP Chi Cheng, blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode…Sucks…
— Robb Flynn (@TheGeneralMH) April 14, 2013
Another great musical talent has left this world much too young..R.I.P. Chi Cheng
— Textures (@texturesband) April 14, 2013
Our thoughts go out to family and friends of Chi Cheng who passed yesterday. His contribution to music will continue to inspire #deftones
— Circa Survive (@circasurvive) April 14, 2013
I would not be here if it wasn't for this man. I can't believe it. R.I.P. #ChiCheng our condolences to… instagram.com/p/YFEOk_BKV3/
— The Atlas Moth (@TheAtlasMoth) April 14, 2013
RIP Chi Cheng. You will be greatly missed by millions. #oneloveforchi
— Impending Doom (@Impending_Doom) April 14, 2013
RIP Chi Cheng and condolences to the whole @deftones family
— Godsmack Official (@Godsmack_Music) April 14, 2013
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
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
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
Very sad to hear about Chi. Another rock n roll soldier who will be missed.
— Doc Coyle (@DocCoyle) April 14, 2013
RIP Chi Cheng. You will be greatly missed by millions. #oneloveforchi
— Impending Doom (@Impending_Doom) April 14, 2013
