Jim Cherry

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Jim Cherry

Jim Cherry was an American musician, most famous for being the bassist in the punk rock band Strung Out. His other musical credits include the guitar player in the band Pulley, and bassist/vocalist in the band Zero Down.

Cherry was born James Paul Cherry III in Simi Valley, California on August 2, 1971. He was one of the five original members of the band Strung Out, playing bass guitar. He was also part of the initial lineup of the band Pulley, playing guitar. After releasing three albums with Strung Out, Cherry left the band in 1999. Shortly after, he formed the punk rock band Zero Down, acting as lead vocals and bassist. After releasing one album, With a Lifetime to Pay, in 2001, Zero Down met its demise upon Cherry's death on July 7, 2002. Although Cherry's death was originally thought to have been caused by a drug overdose, it was later revealed Cherry had been clean, and had died from a congenital heart condition.[1][2]

After his death, many bands in the punk rock community responded to Cherry's passing through music. In the liner notes of their album Exile in Oblivion, Strung Out dedicates the song "Swan Dive" to Cherry. Pulley dedicated the album Matters to Cherry, as well as the song "Thanks". He was hidden between the lines of "Feels Like Home" by No Use For A Name from their 2003 album Hard Rock Bottom. He is also mentioned in the NoFX song "Doornails" from their 2006 album, Wolves in Wolves Clothing (the song is an ode to many fallen members in the punk community).

The song "Reason to Believe" featured on Strung Out's album Twisted By Design was one of many of the band's songs written by Cherry, and is often regarded as one of Strung Out's finest songs. It showcased Cherry's fantastic songwriting capabilities, but also allowed listeners to hear the raw emotion and passion in his voice.