“GRAMMY® winner Chi Cheng of the Deftones was a powerful bassist who was larger than life on stage. 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.
Neil Portnow
President/CEO
The Recording Academy