Ex-Cramps Guitarist Dies at 46

January 12, 2001 -- Former Cramps guitarist Bryan Gregory, one of America's original punk rockers, died in Anaheim, Calif., Wednesday, according to The Associated Press. He was 46.

Gregory, who died at Anaheim Memorial Hospital, suffered a heart attack recently and had been ill for weeks, his former wife told the news service, though no cause of death has been reported.

A native of Detroit, Gregory co-founded the Cramps in New York in 1975 with his sister, Pam Beckerleg (née Gregory), Erick "Lux Interior" Purkhiser, and guitarist Kirsty "Poison Ivy Rorschach" Wallace. The group made its name performing gritty, sleazy rock at punk club CBGB's.

Gregory in particular stood out, with his wild stage antics and his distinctive black hair with a lock of white hanging over his eye.

"He was into feedback," friend Andrella Christopher told the AP. "He loved making the most obnoxious sound he could get out of that guitar."

The band recorded two albums — the Gravest Hits EP and Songs the Lord Taught Us — at Memphis' Sun Studios with cult icon Alex Chilton.

Following the second recording, Gregory abruptly left the band in 1980. He went on to play with the band Beast from 1980 to 1984 and with the Dials from 1992 to 1995. A spokesperson told the AP that he had recently formed a new band, Shiver.

Gregory is survived by a daughter, Tracy Ellis, and his sister, both of Michigan, according to the news service.