July 8th 2026 — Sad news from the rock world as we announce the passing of Kevin Chown.
Chown had been battling Cancer for some time and lost the fight earlier this week on July 6th.
Chown was most recently the bassist in Steelheart, but over the years he performed with an endless list of musicians and groups including Edwin Dare back in the 90’s.
Some of those who Chown worked with over his career include; Ted Nugent, Chuck Berry, Steve Lukather, Chad Smith, Paul Gilbert, Sebastian Bach, Matt Sorum, Uncle Cracker and many more.
Chown was a Michigan native but had lived in Los Angeles for much of his adult-life working within the entertainment industry writing, recording, touring and playing a vast variety of musical styles.
The industry that he loved so much loved him back as was evident with this weeks outpouring of heartfelt messages on social media, below we have shared some of those tributes.
Sad day today in the Steelheart camp.
Our bass player for the last seven years, Kevin Chown, sadly passed away yesterday after a courageous fight with cancer. Kevin brought his heart and soul to every show, every note, every mile on the road with us. That kind of dedication and friendship doesn’t come around often.
We sent him our love as he crossed over — and now he’s living truly in the free world.
Rest easy, brother. Your sound, your spirit, and your friendship will stay with us always.
— Steelheart
My musical heart is broken. I lost one of my lifelong bandmate Brothers. Kevin Chown was a major factor in my musical life. He brought a life to our projects that you just don’t find every day. More importantly he was a wonderful human being and I will greatly miss his friendship. Sleep well Kevin.
— Aaron Letrick
Terribly sad to hear about the passing of Kevin Chown today. He was such a great guy and killer bass player. I unfortunately can’t find any photos of us together at the moment, but was happy to have caught up with him about a year and a half ago when Winger and Steelheart were on the same bill together up in northern California. We had a great conversation then after not seeing each other for some time. He definitely will be missed. Sincerest condolences to his family, friends, and fans.
— Howie Simon
Our sincere condolences to the family and friends of Kevin Chown, another Michigan music legend who we have lost way too young. If you came up in Detroit in the 90’s you probably remember Edwin Dare, an absolutely incredible band from Toledo who played here often. Kevin was a really friendly person, a mind-boggling musician and a consummate pro who went on to play with Cosmosquad, Tarja, Chad Smith, Tony MacAlpine, Paul Gilbert, Sebastian Bach, Steelheart and many others. Our sincerest condolences to Kevin’s family and legions of friends, fans and bandmates here in Michigan and all over the world.
— Motor City Guitar
Metal Sludge sends condolences to all family, friends and fans who were close to or touched by Kevin.
Kevin Chown was 56.
Rest In Peace
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