Musicians, writers and overseas publications have joined in tributes for Martin Phillipps, the late frontman of seminal New Zealand band The Chills.
It was confirmed on the band’s social media channels on Sunday that Phillipps had died “unexpectedly”.
He was recently admitted to Dunedin Hospital with liver problems, as reported by the Otago Daily Times.
Formed in 1980, The Chills were considered a major musical flag-bearer of the burgeoning Dunedin Sound during the post-punk era.
The band released seven studio albums and served up several releases with quintessential label Flying Nun Records.
Some of their notable singles included ‘Pink Frost’, ‘I Love My Leather Jacket’, and ‘Heavenly Pop Hit’, two of which peaked in the New Zealand Top 10.
1990’s ‘Heavenly Pop Hit’ – the opening track on their second studio album Submarine Bells – would also chart in the United States, the UK and Australia.
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