Hot topics close

Dunedin Sound icon Martin Phillipps dead at 61

Dunedin Sound icon Martin Phillipps dead at 61
Prominent Dunedin musician and The Chills lead singer Martin Phillipps has died unexpectedly. The New Zealand indie rock band formed in 1980 and...

Prominent Dunedin musician and The Chills lead singer Martin Phillipps has died unexpectedly.

The New Zealand indie rock band formed in 1980 and was one of the earliest proponents of the Dunedin Sound.

Mr Phillipps’ songwriting career spanned four decades.

They became popular around the world with hits like Pink Frost, Doledrums, I Love My Leather Jacket, Heavenly Pop Hit, and Male Monster from the Id.

Earlier this year, he started selling much of his beloved pop culture collection on TradeMe, which included collectable books, comics, posters, toys, CDs, DVDs, and about 3000 rare records.

The 61-year-old had long battles with drug addiction, alcoholism and contracted hepatitis C in the 1990s.

He was recently admitted to Dunedin Hospital with liver problems.

In 2019, a documentary titled The Chills: The Triumph & Tragedy of Martin Phillipps, explored the history of the band and Mr Phillipps' contemporary struggle with hepatitis.

Close friend Scott Muir told the Otago Daily Times it was "with broken hearts" that family and friends advised of Mr Phillipps’s death.

He said it was "unexpected".

"The family ask for privacy at this time. Funeral arrangements will be advised in due course."

An obituary will follow.

john.lewis@odt.co.nz

Similar news
News Archive
  • Tonga vs kiwis
    Tonga vs kiwis
    Kiwis v Tonga double-header: All you need to know
    24 Jun 2022
    3
  • Orpheus Pledger
    Orpheus Pledger
    Former Home and Away star Orpheus Pledger arrested after police ...
    1 Jul 2024
    6
  • Joost Klein
    Joost Klein
    Why Was Netherlands's Joost Klein Removed From Eurovision?
    11 May 2024
    2
  • Edinburgh
    Edinburgh
    Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo: What to expect from this year's Edinburgh Tattoo, in pictures
    5 Aug 2022
    1
  • Panerai
    Panerai
    Panerai Watches & Wonders 2024 Novelties Info
    16 Apr 2024
    6
This week's most popular news