Founder of The Chills, Martin Phillipps, Dead at 61

Martin Phillips, who founded the New Zealand rock band The Chills, has passed away at the age of 61. The news came via a statement from The Chills’ X account this morning, July 28. Phillips’ death was unexpected and followed a recent hospitalization at Dunedin Hospital in Central Dunedin, New Zealand for a liver-related illness.

According to the statement, Phillips’ family is asking for privacy during this time. The cause of his death has not been made public as of yet. The exact date of his death has also not been revealed.

The Influential Career of Martin Phillipps

This sudden loss of Martin Phillipps is a tragic one. As fans, all we can do is mourn and look back at what was a stunning rock music career from one of New Zealand’s most influential musicians.

The Chills started out in 1980 and were quickly signed to Flying Nun Records. The band is widely considered to be a pioneering act of the Dunedin rock genre, which was known for incorporating punk rock music into psychedelic-focused guitar-playing.

The band’s 1990 record Submarine Bells was a notable hit. It quickly hit no. 1 on the charts in New Zealand. Just as well, the following album from 1993, Soft Bomb, also climbed the charts fairly quickly. “Pink Frost” and “Heavenly Pop Hit” were notable hit songs that did well in New Zealand. The latter track was also quite popular in the US. “Heavenly Pop Hit” reached no. 17 on the Billboard Alternative Airplay chart.

The Chills have influenced countless bands throughout the years, both inside and outside of New Zealand. A few notable acts that have cited The Chills as an influence include R.E.M., Yo La Tengo, and Mudhoney.

In 2019, the documentary film The Chills: The Triumph & Tragedy Of Martin Phillipps was released and chronicled Phillips’ personal health struggles with hepatitis C as well as The Chills’ rise to fame. According to The Chills’ website, Phillips was known for his “single-minded determination to take quality, original NZ-sounding, melodic rock music global.”

RIP, Martin. You will be sorely missed. We wish his family and loved ones nothing but the best during this very difficult time.

Photo courtesy of The Chills’ official Facebook page

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