Taking the stage during the glam rock era of music, Chris Hager embraced the lifestyle of wild hair and vibrant clothes of the 1980s. Outside of his wardrobe, the musician also showcased his talents with the guitar. First starting with the band Mickey Ratt, Hager eventually left the group to replace Jake E. Lee in Rough Cutt. Continuously performing over the following decades, former band member Stephen Pearcy announced that Hager sadly passed away at 67 years old.
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Posting a few pictures of Hager over the recent years, Pearcy shared the heartbreaking news with fans. “This morning I’m very saddened to hear about the passing of our dear friend, guitarist and musician Christopher (Chris) Hager. Chris and I started Mickey Ratt together in San Diego 1977 and in moving to L.A. actually created the band RATT in 1981.”
While sharing their history together, Pearcy also explained the type of person Hager was outside of the spotlight. “Chris was an amazing person, a great guitarist, songwriter and so committed to being just that. He went on to create a few projects over the years with Sarge, Rough Cutt, Woop and the Count and our solo project Pearcy/Hager.”
This morning I’m very saddened to hear about the passing of my dear friend, guitarist and musician Christopher (Chris) Hager. Chris and I started Mickey Ratt together in San Diego 1977 and in moving to L.A. actually created the band RATT in 1981.
— STEPHEN E PEARCY (@StephenEPearcy) May 19, 2025
Chris was an amazing person, a… pic.twitter.com/0hJo8iDmKI
Chris Hager Remembered Staying With Stephen Pearcy In The “White House”
With Pearcy and Hager remaining friends over the decades, the singer revealed how they were even working on new music. “We were actually working on new songs recently, and they will be heard. I’m at loss my friend, we’ve been through a lot together. God bless you brother.”
Wanting to honor the legacy of Hager, fans took a moment to remember the guitarist and even shared their excitement to hear what could be the musician’s last song. “Oh wow, so sorry your solo project you guys did was great, i really hope to hear what you guys were working on!” Another person added, “I’m so sorry darling, what an absolute legend and loss to the rock and metal community.”
Just a few years ago, Hager discussed his time in the spotlight with Pearcy and how they stayed close. And when needing a place to crash, the musician could always count on Pearcy. “I didn’t really have a place to stay, and Stephen would say, ‘Hey, man. Pull in over here.’ He bought this house in Coldwater Canyon, and it was sort of a mansion type of deal, and we called it the White House. It was all white, and it was like this three-story deal; it was cool. There’s just so many stories of parties and just the craziness that went on there. Eventually, even he had to move out of there.”
With Hager passing away, Pearcy hoped to release their final work as a tribute to the guitarist and his friend.
(Real News, 2025)
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