Dead Boys vocalist Jake Hout quits over alleged “fakeass robot A.I. Stiv Bators voice” on new LP

Cheetah Chrome‘s current version of Dead Boys will release a new album (name TBA) in 2025 via Celopatra Records, featuring Blondie‘s Clem Burke on drums and Sex Pistols‘ Glen Matlock on bass, as well as contributions from The Stooges‘ James Williamson and Hanoi Rocks‘ Michael Monroe. Not appearing on the new album, however, is vocalist Jake Hout, who has been with the band since 2017. Hout announced his departure on social media, accusing the label of planning to use a “fakeass robot A.I.” version of late vocalist Stiv Bators on the album. His post reads:

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! Due to unreconcilable artistic differences with Cleopatra Records I must recuse myself. They intend to put out a record with a fakeass robot A.I. 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. Its 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!***

***(actually only cool people know that)

In a second post, Hout elaborated on the situation, writing:

The shortest I can get this story is this: Cleopatra said it would be an A.I. record but Cheetah assured me it would NOT. But the opening line of the contract reads…“Artist has agreed that such Performances shall be Vocal performances (the “Performances”) utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) technologies for purposes of creating works based on the original voice of Stiv Bators, to be used on Company’s master recordings of the songs” ….So I said No. I told Cheetah immediately I would be forced to quit publicly. And tell everybody why. -And that it would probably go off like an H-bomb. This was in August. I reminded him frequently. Daily by the end. To no avail. I know that there are grey areas with line-up changes and artistic tools etc. There’s a massive irony here, I actually sympathize w the “no Stiv no Dead Boys” crowd. -I get it! I always have! But, for me personally, A.I. is the bridge too far. I always tried to do right by Stiv and bring his music to life with heart and blood and passion and spirit. A.I. ain’t got none a that stuff.

****I love you all so much and will miss you bad, but my path in this has come to its end.

The band issued a statement in response:

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.

Chrome, who replied to Hout’s first post on Instagram, writing, “This is bullshit, the entire thing has been explained to Mr Hout numerous times,” also posted a statement, which reads:

Myself and the band would like to apologize for all the bullshit drama today. 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.