Cheetah Chrome, Dead Boys guitarist and punk pioneer, dies at 71

Eugene Richard O'Connor, the punk rock guitarist known as Cheetah Chrome, has died at the age of 71, his bandmates in the Dead Boys announced on Sunday.

The band confirmed the death on its official Instagram account and paid tribute to the musician, describing him as "a true original" and "an architect of the punk rock movement." In their statement, the surviving members remembered him as "a one-man hurricane" whose feral guitar riffs and manic energy tore up the musical landscape, adding that he was also "a really sweet guy that loved rock-roll."

The band extended condolences to his family, friends and fans worldwide, said his music would continue to inspire generations, and asked for privacy. The message was signed by Tony, Chris, Mark and the wider Dead Boys family.

Born in Cleveland, Ohio, and later based in Nashville, O'Connor began his career as a guitarist with Rocket from the Tombs in 1974. He then formed Frankenstein with fellow Dead Boys members Stiv Bators and Johnny Blitz, a project that quickly evolved into the Dead Boys.

The band released its debut album, "Young, Loud and Snotty," in 1977, followed by "We Have Come for Your Children" in 1978. The group broke up a year later. Over the years, the members reunited for a series of live performances but never released another studio album. The band had planned to tour its debut record in 2027 to mark its 50th anniversary.

O'Connor is survived by his wife, Anna O'Connor, and his 14-year-old son, Rogan, who live in Nashville.