Tuesday, Nov 13, 2007    Text size: 

Romero, who called himself “the first openly gay heavy metal porn star,” performed in more than 100 gay adult titles during his 12-year career. In addition to his time spent in front of the camera, he was a well-known activist for HIV/AIDS organizations and the leather community.

GayPornTimes ’ J.C. Adams spoke with Romero’s partner and reports that “apart from his prolific adult video career, Joe Romero toured the U.S. and Europe in support of his two CDs, 'Heavy Metal Porno Star' and 'Sexpig ' which he self-released on his own label, MotoRock Records."

Romero worked with virtually all of the big studios from 1994-2006. His last known title appears to have been “Leather Daddies Gang-Banging Brad Benton” for U.S. Male in 2006.

Other credits include “Biker Pigs From Hell 1 & 2” for Wildcat Productions; “Cockpit,” “Erotikus" and “Dream Lover” for Catalina Video ; “Courting Libido” from HIS Video Gold ; “Hot Cops” for Centaur Films ; “Leather Obsession” and “How to Get a Man in Bed” from Forum Studios; “Technical Ecstasy” for Men of Odyssey ; “Motel Sex” from Gino Pictures and “Married Cops Do” for Big Blue Entertainment.

. “I am absolutely devastated,” director Blue Blake of Big Blue Productions told Adams. “I cannot express the depth of my grief. I knew Joe really well … he starred in “Married Cops Do” for me and I starred in films with him. I am absolutely obliterated by this news.”

“His persona as a hell-raiser was his public image,” Romero’s partner wrote. “Privately, he volunteered for organizations such as PAWS LA , AIDS Project Los Angeles and The Tom of Finland Foundation . [He] was an uncommon and vibrant spirit.”

He is survived by his partner, his father and two sisters.