Martin Phillipps, the iconic frontman and creative force behind the influential New Zealand jangle-pop band The Chills, has passed away at the age of 61. Phillipps died unexpectedly at his home in Dunedin, New Zealand, leaving behind a legacy that has touched countless fans and fellow musicians.
Phillipps was renowned for his melancholic songwriting and distinctive melodic sensibility, which helped shape the sound of The Chills and influenced bands such as R.E.M. and Pavement. The Chills, known for their hit singles like “Heavenly Pop Hit” and “Pink Frost,” were a cornerstone of the Dunedin Sound movement that emerged in the 1980s.
Tributes have poured in from around the world, celebrating Phillipps’ contributions to music and his enduring impact on the indie music scene. His passing marks the end of an era for fans of The Chills and the broader jangle-pop genre.