Dead Boys singer quits, claiming AI was about to replace him with actual dead person

WHAT better way for a band called the Dead Boys to gain some valuable publicity than to have a singer who is actually dead?

That’s what the punksters’ existing vocalist, Jake Hout, says was about to happen before he quit this week. He told social media followers the band’s legendary frontman, Stiv Bators, was going to sing on the next album – with new technology rendering Bators’ death in 1990 a mere inconvenience.

It’s one of the biggest and most symbolic stories yet as Artificial Intelligence (AI) becomes more involved in music.

“It is with a heart shot full of led that I’m forced to announce that I am no longer the singer of Dead Boys!” Hout wrote on social media.

“Due to unreconcilable artistic differences with Cleopatra Records I must recuse myself. They intend to put out a record with a fakeass robot AI Stiv Bators voice on it!

“They wanted my voice to be the template for the fake robo-Stiv voice and I absolutely can NOT do that. It’s against my religion.

“It’s heartless plagiarism of my own Guardian Angel and it can absolutely NOT happen. Stiv Bators ain’t no fucking robot! And I ain’t no fucking robot neither!

“I Am Jake Fucking Hout! I am the singer of Altar De Fey! Everyone knows that!”

Cleopatra Records and the band issued the following joint statement: “The Dead Boys are actively seeking a new vocalist following the recent dismissal of their previous frontman. It became clear that fans were unwilling to embrace him as a replacement for the late, great Stiv Bators, whose legendary presence remains irreplaceable.

“Since his departure, the former member has unleashed venom and anger against Dead Boys founder Cheetah Chrome and Cleopatra Records, spreading a storm of misinformation and untruths across social media.

“Despite these actions, the band remains united and focused on the future, urging fans with a clear message: ‘Wait for the record. You won’t be disappointed’. While the situation has been challenging, we wish him the best in his future endeavors.

“Cleopatra Records fully supports the Dead Boys during this period of transition and eagerly anticipates the release of their highly anticipated new album next year.”

And will the Dead Boys be fronted on that record by an actual dead boy? The statement from Cheetah Chrome on Instagram seems to confirm it’s a serious option. It also completely contradicts the claim above that Hout was dismissed.

“Myself and the band would like to apologize for all the bullshit drama today,” he wrote.

“We’re just as surprised as anyone about this, mostly. Jake didn’t have the maturity or patience (or ability) to sit down reasonably sober and discuss this. The entire band wanted him to, we didn’t want Jake to go anywhere, he was one of us.

“Whatever his motivations are, he wanted to unilaterally make an uninformed decision that would affect the whole band based on his dislike of AI.

“Jake was asked to stay many times while we got more info on AI to make an informed decision on it. He refused and insisted it come to a head Saturday, for whatever reason.

“I’ve been doing this shit and leading this band a tad longer than Jake’s been in it, have I let you down yet? Other than being an out of control rock n roll clown?

“Believe it or not I’m actually not stupid or retarded, though if I know you think I am I will use it to my advantage. I don’t suffer fools well at all, and Jake has been very selfish, foolish and short sighted on this one.

“I’m not wearing this one, guys, cuz I dont own it. Hate me if ya want for considering every option, but I’m not gonna say I’m wrong when I’m only trying to be fair.

“If ya don’t like or respect me, don’t come to our shows, I don’t want you there, go see Alter duh Whatever …. If ya want the real thing, the punk credibility is here, and yer most welcome. Last word from me on this, it really is irritating for adults.”

Bators, 40, died of a brain injury in his sleep hours after being hit by a car in Paris in 1990. Non-punk fans would remember the Dead Boys’ “Ain’t It Fun” being covered on Guns N’Roses’ The Spaghetti Incident? in 1993.

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