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Chris Newman, Frontman of Influential Portland Punk Band Napalm Beach, Has Died Although charged with punk energy, Newman’s guitar playing contained elements of heavy blues and psychedelic rock, which would influence the eventual sound of grunge. Chris Newman performing at Satyricon in the 1980s. IMAGE: David Ackerman. Updated May 10 Musician Chris Newman, a founding member of several cult-favorite Portland punk bands stretching back to the 1970s, has died, according to multiple reports on social media. He was 67 years old.