Dix Denney Cause of Death: How Did Guitarist and Co-founder of the Weirdos Die? Explained
Dix Denney, bassist, and co-founder of pioneering LA punk band The Weirdos, has died.
What Happened to Dix Denney?
Sadly, Dix Denney of The Weirdos has passed away.
Renowned musician and RHCP bassist, Flea, took to his Instagram to express condolences for the death of Dix Denney. He wrote, “He was a musician, a painter, a sculptor, an innovator, and a maker of instruments. I am grateful to have been his friend. He yelled “wiggle your toes! Wiggle your fucking toes!” He didn’t bother talking much, but when he did it was smart and funny. I admired him and hoped he liked me. I played music with him, I ventured deep into the wilderness with him. He and his beautiful brother John formed the punk rock band The Weirdos in 1975. They were incredible and my favorite punk band of all time. Now I find myself in mourning. Dix Denney forever. Rest in peace beautiful man, a true artist.”
Dix Denney Cause of Death
Dex’s Elder brother expressed his condolence on the demise of his younger brother on the social media website. It says
It is with profound sadness that I must share the news that my beloved brother Dix has left this life. He passed away peacefully in his sleep last Friday night. Only 4 months after the passing of Annick, his beautiful wife of 44 years. We’re convinced that he died of a broken heart. Like his mother and father before him, he was an artist to his core. Besides being a gifted guitar player, Dix was a painter and a luthier as well. He was a truly gentle soul and a man of few words who channeled his rage through his guitar. He will always be my little brother, and my guitar hero too.
At this point, it is unknown precisely what led to his death apart from the confirmation of his death and the exact cause of the death of Dix was not released as well. As soon as the News came out, Friends and families are pouring condolence on social media.
Dix Denney- One of the most under-appreciated guitarists
One of the most under-appreciated guitarists/bassists of all time Dix Denney, along with his brother John Denney were the pioneers of the first wave of punk music in the 80s. Together they formed the band The Weirdos.
A punk music group from Los Angeles, California, The Weirdos was led by John Denney who played lead guitar and shared the stage with his brother Dix Denney on guitar. In addition to Dave Trout on bass, Nickey “Beat” Alexander on drums, and Cliff Roman on another guitar. They began as an art-music group in 1976, and the name stuck after they were mentioned in a Time magazine news story on punk rock bands. Their DIY mentality was quite strong. They dressed in everything they could find, including bags, belts, necklaces, and so on. According to American performance artist David Horvitz, the band’s attire “Changes quicker than a cheetah.”
Dix Denney Band Split up
They split up in 1981, but they later got back together at various points, including recording the album Condor in 1990. In a 1990 Flipside interview, John Denney listed the Ramones, New York Dolls, and Iggy Pop as fundamental musical inspirations for The Weirdos. Dix’s death comes as a shock to the music community. The artist was once close to becoming a member of the Red Hot Chilli Peppers but ended up being a close associate as he ventured into his solo projects.
The weirdos Band
Along with his brother John, Dix Denney formed The Weirdos in Los Angeles in 1975. Although initially inspired by The Ramones, they soon became trailblazers of West Coast punk which in a way was faster, louder, and edgier than its East coast counterpart. Richard Cromelin of the Los Angeles Times reviewed The Weirdos’ show in 1977, writing the following: “The fast, loud, simple accompaniment behind a bellowing vocalist who looks like a U.S. marine undergoing a trying drug experiment makes for a strong, physical display of rock ‘n’ roll”.
The band released Destroy All Music, a 7-inch EP, released in 1977 on Greg Shaw’s Bomp! Records. They split up in four years and reunited in 1990 after which their first full-length album Condor was recorded.
Denney – A versatile Talent Artist
A versatile talent, Dix Denney was a role model for many musicians. On his Instagram, Red Hot Chili Peppers’ Flee wrote: “This is Dix Denney. He was a musician, a painter, a sculptor, an innovator and a maker of instruments. I am grateful to have been his friend. He yelled “wiggle your toes! Wiggle your fucking toes!” He didn’t bother talking much, but when he did it was smart and funny. I admired him and hoped he liked me. I played music with him, I ventured deep into the wilderness with him. He and his beautiful brother John formed the punk rock band The Weirdos in 1975. They were incredible and my favorite punk band of all time. Dix was gentle, kind, and thoughtful. Now I find myself in mourning. Dix Denney forever. Rest in peace beautiful man, a true artist”.