“I am very saddened to hear about the passing of our dear friend, guitarist and musician Christopher (Chris) Hager today.”
— Stephen Pearcy

LOS ANGELES, California — Today we’re breaking some very unfortunate news as we report the passing of rock guitarist Chris Hager.

Hager was a founding member of Mickey Ratt in San Diego with Stephen Pearcy after the pair first met nearly 50 years ago.

Hager eventually went onto play in Rough Cutt as well as other projects over the years.

Metal Sludge has confirmed the news with Hager‘s longtime friend Stephen Pearcy.

Below is a message sent to Metal Sludge from Stephen Pearcy regarding Chris Hager.

I am very saddened to hear about the passing of our dear friend, guitarist and musician Christopher (Chris) Hager today. Chris and I started Mickey Ratt together in San Diego 1977 and in moving to L.A. really created the band RATT in 1981. He was an amazing person, a great guitarist, songwriter and so committed to being just that. Chris went on to create projects over the years with Rough Cutt, Woop and the Count and Pearcy/Hager. We were actually working on new songs recently. I’m at a loss my friend. God bless you brother. As of this time the family would respect privacy.

Stephen Pearcy

As of press time there is no official word, or cause of death, but we will update as information becomes available.

Metal Sludge sends our condolences to all of the Hager family, friends and those who knew him.

Chris Hager was 67.

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