Rock music world rocked by 3 more deaths: A legend and two beloved performers are gone

Tragedy and heartbreak have been all too common for fans and members of the rock world in 2026, and that has not changed over the past week with at least three more beloved figures who have died.That pushes the list of those lost this year closer to 100. The following is a look at the three performers — a legend and two beloved figures — who passed away recently:CHEETAH CHROME Popular rock guitarist Cheetah Chrome died on Sept. 13. He was 71. His cause of death has not been reported.Chrome’s former bandmates in the Dead Boys shared the news of his passing on Instagram.“We are incredibly sad to announce the news of the passing of our beloved friend and bandmate Cheetah Chrome,’ the post read. “Cheetah was a true original, an architect of the punk rock movement, a one-man hurricane tearing up the musical landscape with his feral guitar riffs and manic energy. Beyond all that Cheetah was also just a really sweet guy that loved rock-roll. We extend our deepest condolences to Cheetah’s family, friends and fans around the world.“His music lives on and will continue to inspire others for generations to come,” the post added. “We ask for privacy during this difficult time. Godspeed Cheetah. Tony, Chris, Mark, and the entire Dead Boys family.”Chrome, whose real name was Eugene Richard O’Connor, began his career in 1974 when he joined the band Rocket from the Tombs. Fans and friends took to social media on Sunday to remember him.“It goes without saying the DEAD BOYS were one of the greatest punk bands of all time,” James Von Sinn wrote on Facebook. “Cheetah Chrome was a chaos guitar god all while being an innovator of true snotty punk posturing. I had the privilege of playing with him twice, he was so chill while hangin yet still a grumpy dog, totally punk, totally unforgettable.“His riffs are ingrained in my soul,” he added. “I’m kinda speechless. I don’t think music would’ve evolved the way it did without him.”KIM LUSKKim Lusk might not be a name that many mainstream rock fans know, but if you do a little research on her, it becomes clear that she was special. Check out the comments from those who played with her, and it is cemented. Sadly, Lusk, a talented bassist who brought joy to many, died on Sept. 9.Her husband, David Lusk, shared the news on Facebook.“My beautiful, sweet Kim, the Goddess of Thunder, passed away peacefully while in her bed in hospice care,” he wrote. “Thank you everyone for (your) kind words, love, prayers, and support … she loved all of you so much. Please do us the honor of giving us the time and space to grieve our loss … but feel free to share your love and memories of Kim, here or in your own way on FB or social media.”His post came just days after he wished Kim a happy 28th anniversary while sharing a photo from her hospital bed. The update then was not good, as David said Kim suffered a “cardiac event, brought on by the strain of cancer and chemo treatments.”“She went thru several tests at the hospital, and unfortunately, she has mentally left this world, and now her poor broken body has began its final journey in the ages,” he wrote. Def Leggend, which bills itself as “The World’s Greatest Tribute to Def Leppard,” paid its respects to her on social media. “Def Leggend (mourns) the loss of our sister, Kim Lusk,” a post on the group’s page read. “Our thoughts and condolences go to David Lusk and family, as well as all of you who knew and loved her, as we did. Rock on, beautiful angel.”“Kim Lusk was born to boogie,” Michael Javier wrote on Facebook. “She made herself known with a smile on her face and thunder on her fingertips. She proved she can rock with the boys and play the notes like a boss! She stepped up to the plate and took on the challenges many could only dream of with confidence and pride. Rock N’ Roll was in her blood and she poured out every ounce of energy on stage for all to see. Respectfully earning the name Goddess of Thunder among her friends and fellow musicians, Kim Lusk owned it! Today we say goodbye to Kim as she moves on to a better place, but we won’t let her spirit fade. She now lives in all who (knew) her, who cherished her and appreciated her for the class act she was. Rest in Power my friend. Until we meet again.”And there were plenty more comments like that about Lusk across social media. Lusk was best known for her talents in the Dallas and Fort Worth, Texas area. She is also known for forming the all-female band, Battle Ax. GORDON KAELIN MCINTYRE New details have emerged following the death of beloved rock singer Gordon Kaelin McIntyre, who was best known for his work with the hardcore band CDC.A GoFundMe set up for McIntyre said that he was riding his Harley-Davidson when he was hit and killed by a car while making a left-hand turn on Sept. 9 in King of Prussia. “If there’s one thing anyone knows about Kaelin, it’s how much he loved his mother, Denise, or ‘Kaelsma,’” the post read. “He was her only child, and she was a single mom. They vacationed together multiple times a year, were joined at the hip, and were best friends. “Kaelin and his mom had split bills, and while there aren’t many leftover large bills or funeral service expenses, we would love to give Denise some cushion, financial freedom, and the ability to grieve however she needs to,” the post continued. “As she said to me, Kaelin was her home. We want her to be set up for success and comfort down the line.”The GoFundMe to support McIntyre’s mother has a stated goal of $100,000. It has currently raised more than $50,464 with Pat Monahan coming in as the top donor with $10,000.You can view that post here. McIntyre’s death was reported this week, and he was active on social media right up until the end. “What I need is a cigarette,” McIntyre wrote on Facebook Wednesday. “No more prayers.”That was his final post and fans and friends took notice. “Punk rock til the very end,” Davey Policastro replied on Friday. “I’ll be rippin a cig for you pimpin,” Aaron Earl Heard replied. “Love you homie,” Mike Rodriguez replied. That post came just days after McIntyre shared clips from a motorcycle trip he took along the Blue Ridge Parkway. “Had an incredible weekend with the boys,” he wrote. He closed that by writing, “Thanks for the hangs everybody. Hope for many more in the future.”CDC commented on McIntyre’s death on social media Friday.“Kaelin joined CDC in 2005 on 6 days notice and was immediately thrown into the fire for our first coast to coast tour,” a statement on the band’s Facebook read. “We were a young, disorganized band just trying to play shows, see new things, while having no idea what we were doing. Over the next 8 years he would come and go as needed, and he barely complained about it. He always did what he had to do and enjoyed every second of it. We all grew up together on the road; ripping gigs, driving and flying countless miles, and making life long memories most people can’t even fathom. We saw the world, met amazing people, and ate awesome food, even though his was always ‘plain.’ “Kaelin was an animated larger than life personality,” the statement continued. He was able to harness that, combined with his ability to grit it out on the road, and was able to continue working in music long after his time in the band ended. He developed quite the career selling merch for many different bands and acts of all sizes and genres.”The band’s statement added that McIntyre “left an unwavering mark” on it. “He was a road dawg, a hustler, but most of all a friend,” the statement read. “It’s been well over a decade since he’s done anything with the band, but his impact is still felt. His name is forever tied to CDC and that can never change.“We traveled from PA to Cali, South Africa to Dubai, Japan to Madagascar, and all over the US and Europe multiple times. We left our mark all over the world and we’ll never forget that. RIP Kaelin.”McIntyre’s official age has not been reported.