The Chills lead singer and guitarist, Martin Phillipps, passed away suddenly at the age of 61. The news was announced through the band’s official social media accounts, with no cause of death specified. The statement from the band simply read that the family and friends of Martin Phillipps were heartbroken and that his death was unexpected. The family asks that their privacy is respected during this difficult time.
Phillipps was an instrumental figure in the New Zealand post-punk music scene, fronting one of its most significant bands. The Chills formed in 1980 and are considered to be key players in creating the unique Dunedin sound, which incorporated punk rock with psychedelic, jangly riffs. They released seven albums, with their first album, ‘Brave Words,’ debuting in 1987.
Over the years, the band split and reformed several times, with the additions of new band members. Still, they had remained together since 1999, continuing to release music and tour. In 2019, The Chills were the subject of a documentary titled ‘The Chills: The Triumph & Tragedy of Martin Phillipps,’ which not only told the story of the band but also touched on Phillipps’ illness when he suffered from hepatitis C and liver failure.
The Chills last album, ‘Scatterbrain,’ was released in May of 2021. The band will be remembered as a pioneer in the New Zealand post-punk scene, and Martin Phillipps will be remembered for his contributions to the genre and his unique style as a musician. Funeral arrangements for Phillipps will be announced by his family at a later date
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