my first tour was Deftones in 2001, i didn’t know much but i knew i wanted to be on the road. Chi was the bassist for this band that adopted me like a lost kitten. They nicknamed me Cat-a-illac & made room for me in their family.
Chi would often show up for load-in, surprising the delighted local crews. He just liked to see what was going on, always such a kind spirit. Genuine gorgeous. We used to stand side stage & watch the show-i have a billion bad photos, none showing that band’s energy.
After they split off the shared bill w/Godsmack, we had a giant goodbye party, and tears were spilled on that night— we had all bonded together.
a few days later, we rolled off into 9/11 and all the world changed. Rabbit and I went to see their show in SD, soon after 9/11 and the security was on the tightest lockdown I had ever seen. Everyone was upset by the changes in the air, but Chi visibly so. He couldn’t believe man would do that to man.
I saw him a few years later, both at another show- after he had remarried, we joked around, him saying, Kitty you missed your window.
When i found out in 2008 that he had been hospitalized in a coma, it rocked our touring community, we all contributed to his family fund, there is not much back up in music, just the people reaching into their pockets.
Couldn’t imagine what his lady was going through then, do you keep him or let him go?
Yesterday heard from Ken, that he has stepped off this world— i don’t know what happens to our souls when we die, but he leaves some of his here. OUr hearts go out to his family, I will update on any memorial planned.
I took this photo in Jones Beach, September 1, 2001.
RIP Chi Cheng, you living doll.