Martin Phillipps, the lead singer of the iconic New Zealand band The Chills, has passed away at the age of 61. Known for their heavenly and melancholic music, The Chills were a prominent export from New Zealand’s indie label Flying Nun. Their music, characterized by floating melodies and dark undertones, left a lasting impact on listeners.
Tragedy and mortality plagued the band throughout their career. The death of drummer Martyn Bull in 1983, just as they were gaining international recognition, set the tone for the band’s struggles. Despite Phillipps’ perfectionism and self-absorption leading to numerous lineup changes, The Chills managed to produce timeless songs like the haunting Pink Frost and the uplifting Heavenly Pop Hit.
Phillipps’ personal battles with alcoholism and addiction added to the band’s tumultuous journey, but his redemption story, beautifully portrayed in a 2019 documentary, showed his resilience and growth. The Chills’ comeback in 2015 with Silver Bullets marked a successful return to the music scene, solidifying their place in the industry.
Martin Phillipps’ legacy lies in the captivating and exquisite music he created, filled with natural imagery and concern for the future. His songs, characterized by a sense of wonder and introspection, continue to resonate with fans around the world. Heavenly Pop Hit, with its opening line about the setting sun, remains a poignant reminder of Phillipps’ talent and impact on the music industry.
Source
Photo credit www.theguardian.com
