Deftones is an American metal/alternative band from Sacramento, California founded in 1988. Their members include Chino Moreno, Steph Carpenter, Abe Cunningham, and Frank Delgado. The members are self taught musicians performing in local clubs until their talent was discovered by Maverick Records in 1994, debuting professionally a year later.
Born June 20, 1973, Sacramento CA. The lead vocalist is the second of five siblings and is a mixture of mexican-chinese. Chino attended C. K. McClatchy High School where he met fellow band members, Steph and Abe. In 1988, they were playing together regularly which led to the formation of Deftones.
Born August 3, 1970, Sacramento, CA.
Co-founded and lead guitarist cultivated his tough guitar skills after being inspired by bands such as Fear Factory and Meshuggah. In 2020, Steph learned to play nine-string guitars and was ranked 60th in Guitar World’s The 100 Greatest Metal Guitarists. He was born to Mexican and American parents, as well as his sister Marci.
Born July 27, 1973, Long Beach, CA. Abe is an American drummer and third co-founder of the band. In the early 90’s, Abe was drumming for the band Phallucy while working with Deftones on the side. During his earlier days, he learned how to play guitar but his step-father, who was a drummer, inspired him to take a different route
Born November 29, 1970, Sacramento, CA. The man in charge of keyboarding and turntables for the band. First appearing on the Adrenaline and Around the Fur albums as guest artist, until officially joining in 1999.
Born July 15, 1970, Stockton, CA. The lead bassist and background vocals joined the band back in 1990 and was half American, half Chinese. He attended California State University where he wrote poetry while also playing for Deftones during this time. In 2008, Cheng was involved in a serious car accident that left him in a comatose state. However, on April 13, 2013 he unfortunately died of cardiac arrest.
