Dexter Romweber, the founder of the rock band Flat Duo Jets, has died at the age of 57. The family announced his death on Facebook, stating that Romweber died at his home on February 16th, and it is believed he died of natural causes; however, a medical examination is still pending. The family has also asked for privacy at this time.
Romweber was a significant figure in the roots-rock underground music scene and was described by his family as a “singer, guitarist, artist, and bon vivant.” He was the youngest of seven children, born in Batesville, Indiana, and grew up in Florida. The Romweber family eventually settled in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, where Dexter would go on to play in a number of bands but come to notoriety with the Flat Duo Jets.
Dexter established the Flat Duo Jets in 1983 with Chris “Crow” Smith, and their eccentric performances earned them acclaim. The band would eventually feature in the 1986 documentary “Athens, GA: Inside/Out” alongside R.E.M. and The B-52’s. The Flat Duo Jets would go on to inspire musicians such as Jack White, Cat Power, The Black Keys, and Neko Case. The Jets eventually broke up in the late 1990s.
Afterwards, Romweber formed a number of bands, including The New Romans and the Dex Romweber Duo with his sister Sara. He also released a number of solo albums, including his most recent 2023 record “Good Thing Goin’.” Both Cat Power and Jack White have paid tribute to Romweber, hailing him as a significant figure in rock music. White described the rockabilly musician as “Rock N’ Roll inside and out,” saying, “he couldn’t help himself.” Meanwhile, Cat Power said that Romweber was “responsible for me playing guitar” and said, “I cannot comprehend a world without you Dexter.
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