Deftones Bassist Out Of Coma

05/07/09 1:10pm

Deftones bassist Chi Cheng is out of the coma he's been in since he suffered major injuries in a car accident in Santa Clara, Calif. last November.

"hi all — just wanted to update everyone and let you know that chi was released from ICU over the weekend and is no longer on any sort of life support," said an update posted by a woman named Gina on Tuesday on the One Love For Chi Foundation website, which was set up to accept donations to help cover his medical costs.

"his symptoms continue to improve. so keep the prayers coming.. they are obviously helping a great deal!"

The foundation is about three-quarters of the way to its goal of raising $50,000 U.S. (about $59,000 Canadian).

Cheng is a longtime People For The Ethical Treatment Of Animals supporter, and its Peta2 offshoot is stepping up to return the favour in his time of need. Twenty per cent of all sales from the Cheng-designed "Happy Families Not Happy Meals" T-shirt will be donated to the One Love For Chi Foundation until May 29.

The Deftones cancelled all of their scheduled concerts at the time of Cheng's accident, but played their first show with former Quicksand bassist Sergio Vega filling in at last month's Bamboozle Left festival in Irvine, Calif. They're slated to play these European shows in August:

Aug. 19 Hasselt, Belgium @ Pukkelpop
Aug. 21 Ludinghausen, Germany @ Flugplatz Borkenberge (Area 4)
Aug. 23 Erfurt-Hohenfelden, Germany @ Highfield Festival
Aug. 25 Amsterdam, Netherlands @ Paradiso
Aug. 27 London, England @ The Forum
Aug. 28 Reading, England @ Richfield Avenue (Reading Festival)
Aug. 30 Leeds, England @ Bramham Park (Leeds Festival)