Martin Phillipps, best known as the guitarist and lead singer of New Zealand rock band The Chills, has died at the age of 61. Phillipps passed away peacefully at his home in Dunedin, New Zealand, on Sunday. The band’s manager, Scott Muir, confirmed the news in an emailed statement, revealing that Phillipps had faced severe health issues in recent years.

“He is loved and missed by us all,” Muir expressed.

The band shared the heartbreaking news on social media, stating, “It is with broken hearts the family and friends of Martin Phillipps wish to advise Martin has died unexpectedly. The family asks for privacy at this time.”

Phillipps’ journey with The Chills began in 1980 when he formed the band with his sister Rachel Phillipps and Jane Dodd, following his time with the punk rock band The Same. Despite numerous lineup changes, The Chills went on to release their debut album “Brave Words” in January 1987 through Flying Nun Records.

In 1990, The Chills struck gold with their sophomore effort, “Submarine Bells,” which catapulted them to the top of the New Zealand Charts with a No. 1 album. The album featured the iconic Top 5 hit “Heavenly Pop Hit,” a song that remains a favorite among fans to this day.

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Phillipps branched out on his own in June 1996 with the release of a solo album titled “Sunburnt,” under the name Martin Phillipps and the Chills. But his love for The Chills remained undiminished.

After a long 23-year hiatus, The Chills made a triumphant return with their fourth album, “Silver Bullets,” in 2015. They followed it up with “Snowbound” in 2018 and “Scatterbrain” in 2021, the latter of which peaked at No. 4 on the New Zealand charts.

Phillipps’ life and career were poignantly captured in the 2019 documentary “The Chills: The Triumph and Tragedy of Martin Phillipps,” providing a deep dive into the highs and lows of his journey with the band.

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Last summer, Phillipps toured Europe with The Chills, playing in countries like Spain, the Netherlands, England, and Ireland, delighting fans with his timeless music and unforgettable stage presence.

Martin Phillipps leaves behind a legacy of enchanting melodies, poignant lyrics, and a trail of fans who will forever cherish his contributions to music. As we bid farewell to this legendary rocker, let us remember him for the joy and inspiration he brought into our lives through his incredible body of work. Rest in peace, Martin. You will be missed but never forgotten.

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