Dexter Romweber, the wildly charismatic singer of the Flat Duo Jets has died.
The Indiana-raised Romweber, who was born John Michael “Dexter” Romweber II, was 57.
He’s believed to have died of natural causes.
Along with his pal Chris “Crow” Smith, Romweber formed the Flat Duo Jets, a musical duo that played a revved up, feral blend of rockabilly, surf and blues.
The band were a part of the Athens, Georgia scene, which included R.E.M., Love Tractor and Dreams So Real.
Flat Duo Jets put out close to twelve albums in their career, including classics like In Stereo and their self-titled effort.
Romweber went on to become a critically-acclaimed solo artist, putting out nearly twenty albums solo and as part of the Dex Romweber Duo with his late sister Sara.
On Social Media his family wrote: “It is our sad duty to inform the world that our beloved youngest brother John Michael Romweber II – you know him as Dexter — died at home on Friday, Feb. 16, 2024. He was 57 years old, and found by his sister Monica. It is believed he died of natural causes; a medical exam is pending. Singer, guitarist, artist and bon vivant, Dexter Romweber was one of the most acclaimed artists of the roots-rock underground, going back to his time with the Kamikazes. But the band that put him on the map was Flat Duo Jets, the guitar/drums duo he started in 1983 with Chris “Crow” Smith(and later with Tony Mayer on bass). While the Jets never broke through commercially, their fiery sturm and twang was a major influence on artists including the White Stripes, X, Cat Power and Neko Case. After the Jets broke up in the late 1990s, Dexter played in a variety of acts including The New Romans and Dex Romweber Duo with his sister Sara. He released more than a dozen group and solo albums over the years, playing everything from wild-eyed rockabilly to Rachmaninoff-styled classical piano. His most recent album was “Good Thing Goin’,” released in 2023.
Romweber was preceded in death by his sister Sara; brothers Joe and Luke; and most recently his mother Sara. We will have more to say soon, but ask for privacy at this time.”
