NC-based music legend Dex Romweber of Flat Duo Jets dies at age 57

Music lovers are in mourning and in shock following the death of locally-based, nationally renowned music legend Dex Romweber.

Romweber's music was known nationwide, but his punk and rockability roots were right here in the Triangle, starting when he was in just 5th grade in Chapel Hill.

Those lucky enough to live locally may have seen him recently at Triangle music venues like The Cave or Local 506. But his music dates back to the 1980s in Carrboro and Chapel Hill, when his high-energy band Flat Duo Jets began making waves across the North Carolina music scene – then nationwide, playing live on David Letterman and appearing on MTV.

He shared the screen and stage with other underground icons like R.E.M., Iggy Pop and the B-52s. His work even inspired legendary punk band White Stripes of 'Seven Nation Army' fame.

Romweber's life and music shaped Chapel Hill's culture and history. According to a 1985 article by The Daily Tarheel, "Many perceived Chapel Hill to be preppy place until Dexter walked in with his hair greased and hanging in his eyes. He might be single-handedly responsible for the creation of the generation of punks that inhabit Franklin Street."

Dex Romweber's family announces his death

Romweber's family announced his death in a Facebook post on Friday, which has since begun going viral as grieving friends, fans and family share memories of his life.

"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."

The post gives a glimpse back in time at Romweber's music career, all the way back to his time with the Kamikazes in middle school.

"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," they wrote.

Romweber also played alongside his sister Sara Romweber, who was well-known for her own musical work with iconic North Carolina-based band Let's Active.

His most recent album was "Good Thing Goin’,” released in 2023 was dedicated to his late sister Sara.