Who Is Chi Cheng (musician)? Age, Biography and Wiki
Chi Cheng was born on July 15, 1970, in Sacramento, California. As of 2025, he would have been 55 years old. Cheng emerged as a prominent figure in the alternative metal scene during the 1990s, primarily recognized for his role as the bassist for the Grammy Award-winning band Deftones. His unique style and musical contributions played a significant role in the development of the band's signature sound. Sadly, Cheng passed away in 2013, but his influence continues to resonate within the music community.
| Occupation | Guitarist |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | July 15, 1970 |
| Age | 42 Years |
| Birth Place | Stockton, California, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Cancer |
| Country | U.S |
| Date of death | 13 April, 2013 |
| Died Place | N/A |
Popularity
Chi Cheng (musician)'s Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
During his life, Chi Cheng stood approximately 6 feet tall (183 cm) and weighed around 200 lbs (90 kg). His strong physique and stage presence contributed to his dynamic performances. While specific body measurements are not publicly available, Cheng's robust build was evident through his energetic playing and engaging performances.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Chi Cheng's personal life often remained private, but he was known to have had meaningful relationships throughout his life. He had a close bond with his family, who supported his passion for music. While there are no records of Cheng being married, he was in a long-term relationship that garnered attention among fans and the media. Cheng's dedication to his craft and loved ones showcased his multi-faceted character.
His father, a prominent Stockton cardiologist, was a Chinese immigrant while his mother is Caucasian. Cheng graduated from Tokay High School and attended California State University, Sacramento, enrolling in 1989. He worked on campus, wrote poetry, and played with his band Deftones during the course of his education.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his passing, Chi Cheng's estimated net worth was around $2 million. His wealth primarily stemmed from his successful career as a musician and contributions to the music industry. Although specific figures regarding his salary are elusive, his earnings were bolstered by record sales and touring revenue as a valued member of Deftones.
The website Oneloveforchi.com was created in March to help raise funds for Cheng and his medical expenses, where fans could donate to help towards an initial target of $20,000 (later raised to $50,000, $100,000 and then again to $500,000 in 2010).
Fans could also read personal blogs and comments from the Cheng family, and record a message that would be played to Cheng to further speed his recovery. In late April, PETA announced that 20% of the income from a "Happy Families, Not Happy Meals" T-shirt designed by Chi would go to the One Love for Chi foundation.
There was also a "Get well soon" card on MySpace for Cheng that fans from all over the world could sign by posting comments. Fans and some rock celebrities posted comments, including Sonic Youth, Thursday, The Used, Ill Niño, and Limp Bizkit's Fred Durst.
Career, Business and Investments
Chi Cheng's career took off in the mid-'90s when Deftones released their debut album, Adrenaline (1995). Over the years, they produced several critically acclaimed albums, including Around the Fur and White Pony, which solidified their place in rock history. Cheng's distinctive bass lines and contributions to songwriting were pivotal in shaping the band's sound.
In addition to his music career, Cheng was involved in various philanthropic efforts. He also explored personal projects and collaborations with other artists, which contributed to his artistic growth. His relentless dedication to music and personal growth has inspired many aspiring musicians.
Chi Ling Dai Cheng (July 15, 1970 – April 13, 2013) was an American musician and poet, best known as the bassist and backing vocalist for the alternative metal band Deftones.
He joined the band in 1990, and stayed with them until his career ended in 2008, when he was involved in a serious automobile crash in Santa Clara, California, while not wearing a seat belt. After the crash, he remained in a semi-comatose state before dying of cardiac arrest in April 2013.
After Cheng's hospitalization, a friend of the band, Sergio Vega, became the band's full-time bassist until 2021, having previously filled in for Cheng.
Social Network
Chi Cheng's legacy continues to thrive through various social media platforms maintained by fans, friends, and family. While he was not active on social media during his lifetime, tributes and pages commemorating his life and work serve as a testament to his enduring influence. The Deftones' official social media accounts often celebrate Cheng's contributions, keeping his memory alive in the hearts of fans worldwide.
Cheng was an acclaimed bass player; however, his approach to bass in Deftones sometimes caused slight conflict. In the August 2003 edition of Bass Guitar magazine, he told writer Joel McIver: "I get a lot of grief from Stephen anyway – he says, why don't you just play along with my guitar riff? And I'm like, why don't you fuckin' piss off? Haha.
He's like, can’t you just play along? ...I remember on our song 'Change (In The House Of Flies)', him and Terry Date said, oh no, you're not gonna play that goofy dub-reggae bass-line, are you? And I was like, yes, that's exactly what I'm gonna play!
And then it became a really big song for us, so I was like, okay, now let me write the fuckin' way I write." Cheng has cited bassists Cliff Burton, Geezer Butler, and Steve Harris as the fundamental influences on his bass playing.
Education
Chi Cheng attended the University of California, Davis, where he pursued his passion for music and further honed his skills. His educational background provided him with a solid foundation for his later career as a musician. This blend of formal and personal musical education allowed Cheng to explore various genres, leading to his distinctive sound that fans cherish to this day.
Cheng was a practicing Buddhist and maintained an interest in Taoism and Shamanism. In addition to his conversion to Buddhism during his university years, he also became a vegetarian.
