Chi Cheng Stem Cell Therapy: Family of Deftones Bassist Considering Alternative Treatments + More News

Posted on Nov 26th 2012 9:00AM by Amy Sciarretto Comments

Gary Livingston, Getty Images

The family of Deftones' bassist Chi Cheng is considering employing stem cell therapy to help the musician, who has been in a coma since a 2008 car accident. The bassist is said to be in a partially conscious state and while he can't speak, he can move his legs on command. He is in recovery at home and his family wants to attempt alternative therapies to aid his progress.

Chi's brother, Ming Cheng, said, "Once his health gets a little better, we'll start looking into other options...but they don't even do it the U.S. yet," referring to stem cell research. He continued, "It's a miracle he's still with us. He's alive and kicking and he's fighting, and I think there's a reason for it. I'm hoping there's a light at the end of the tunnel for Chi."

The Deftones just released Koi No Yokan, their seventh studio album, and second with former Quicksand bassist Sergio Vega filling in for Cheng. [Revolver]

Watch Deftones' 'Be Quiet and Drive' Video

Ozzfest Japan has added some more A-list talent to the roster, including Slash, Deftones and Tool. Previously announced headliners included Black Sabbath and Slipknot. This two-day extravaganza, which is set to take place on May 11 and May 12, is shaping up to be a true metallic event of the highest order. The event will be held at Makuhari Messe in Chiba City, Japan.

The lineup so far is as follows:

May 11:

Slipknot
Slash Featuring Myles Kennedy And The Conspirators
Deftones

May 12:
Black Sabbath
Tool

[The PRP]

Down guitarist Pepper Keenan addressed the exit of bassist Rex Brown, also formerly of Pantera, in a chat with Decibel. It was simply a matter of Brown needed to address his health. Keenan said, "He's a great bass player, but we just felt he was not in the same spot as we were. He had a couple of illnesses and issues, and honestly, we were worried about him. He was very sick. We were on the road killing ourselves, and it wasn't really an environment for him to be in when he had bigger issues to deal with. We want Rex to be the best person he can be, and we felt he needed to focus on himself and get himself together. So, that was where we stood. We love Rex to death, but unfortunately Down is a machine that continues on, so we needed to make a decision. It wasn't an easy one." [Decibel]

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