The Recording Academy Remembers Deftones Bassist Chi Cheng

Deftones bassist Chi Cheng passed away yesterday, April 13, 2013, following complications from a 2008 car accident that left him in a coma. He was 42. The Recording Academy released the following statement in remembrance.

"GRAMMY winner Chi Cheng of the Deftones was a powerful bassist who was larger than life on stage," The Recording Academy's President and CEO Neil Portnow said in a statement. "Playing on the group's first five albums, he and his bandmates received a GRAMMY in the Best Metal Performance category at the 43rd GRAMMY Awards in Feb. 2001.

"Although the group's early years were more heavy metal-based, they were one of the first bands to incorporate a more alternative and ethereal sound into their thunderous and visceral music, blazing a trail that newer bands continue to follow today.

"The music industry has lost a proud and passionate performer all too soon, and our sincerest condolences go out to his family, his bandmates, and his fans worldwide who are mourning his untimely and unfortunate passing."

Pictured: Bassist Chi Cheng of Deftones performing at the Hultsfred Festival in Sweden in 2006. Photo Credit: Daniel Jordahl.

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