Long time Deftones bassist Chi Cheng passed away on Saturday, April 13th, 2013 after an almost five-year battle trying to recover from a devastating car crash that happened in November 2008. Cheng had been in and out of a coma for the better part of these past five years and had recently seemed to be making somewhat decent strides in his recovery and I was hopeful that maybe sometime in the near future he could possibly re-join Deftones. Then suddenly it seemed he was gone.
I received the news via text from Isaac and my first reaction was honestly shock, followed immediately by a huge feeling of sadness. Chi as everybody called him (born Chi Ling Dai Cheng) was gone and the world would never get to hear or see him play live with Deftones ever again. Chi it seems was also one of the more well-liked guys in the world of music, which makes his passing even more tragic. Everyone that I have ever talked to who had a chance to meet him always talked about how sincere and genuine he was. I have heard countless stories of praise, from friends and bands that I have had the chance to meet.
Now after letting Chi’s death settle in for a couple of days I have realized how huge of a loss this is for me (and everyone else) because even though I had never met him personally he was a huge influence on me musically. His bass-playing style was honestly one of the most original and innovative styles of all time. Before Chi, there weren’t very many bass players in heavy bands who played with their fingers and concentrated on more of a deep heavy warm-sounding tone. Until Chi, it was all picks and overdriven crunch. He was a game-changer for heavy music as far as bass playing was concerned and his bass lines were often the highlight for me in many of Deftones songs. So I thought as a tribute I would post some of my favorite Chi Cheng bass lines in some of my favorite Deftones songs as kind of way to say thank you and farewell to one of the greatest people and musicians the world has ever seen.
“Cherry Waves” – The bass totally drives this song and gives it a really great groove.
“Needles and Pins” – I love the way his bass line comes in during the second verse.
“Korea” – So low and groovy.
“Dai the Flu” – The bass line is easily the best part of the song
“One Weak” – Simple, low, and effective.
Deftones have released a short and heartfelt statement via their guitar player Stephen Carpenter which you can read here. However, I am curious to know about the shelved Eros album that is supposedly close to being complete. The songs on Eros were the last thing Chi had played on and I know that the band has stated they wanted to wait until Chi had recovered to release and tour on the album, but now with his passing, I wonder when or if the band will release it. Update: Chino recently discussed the possible release of Eros, watch the interview with his response here. I’m sure everyone would really enjoy being able to hear a few more songs featuring Chi’s low smooth bass geniousness, I know I really would. Hopefully someday soon.
One Year Update: Chino just posted a new Eros song called “Smile” in remembrance of Chi’s passing. It’s pretty good.
R.I.P. Chi Ling Dai Cheng. You will forever be remembered and sincerely missed. http://oneloveforchi.com/
P.S. Please feel free to leave other favorite Chi songs in the comments section. I would love to read everyone’s picks.