Martin Phillipps, Founder of NZ Jangle-Pop Band The Chills, Dies at 61

Martin Phillipps, the lead singer and guitarist who founded the renowned New Zealand jangle-pop band The Chills, has passed away. The band’s official social media pages confirmed the sad news today, stating, “It is with broken hearts the family and friends of Martin Phillipps wish to advise Martin has died unexpectedly. The family ask for privacy at this time.” Phillipps was 61 years old.

While the announcement did not disclose the cause of death, it is known that Phillipps faced significant health challenges. As revealed in the 2019 documentary The Chills: The Triumph & Tragedy of Martin Phillipps, he suffered from liver failure due to a severe bout with hepatitis C in the 1990s. According to RNZ, Phillipps struggled with liver disease for several years thereafter.

The Chills gained admiration for their unique and captivating take on jangle pop and indie rock, a sound that seemed effortless. Phillipps, as the primary songwriter, singer, and guitarist, was instrumental in the band’s success. They achieved three Top 10 albums on the New Zealand charts, and their international breakthrough came with the hit “Heavenly Pop Hit.” This song, the leading single from the 1990 album Submarine Bells, received significant airplay in the U.S., U.K., and Australia, as well as in their home country.

Phillipps established The Chills in 1980 in Dunedin, New Zealand when he was just 17. Over the years, the band underwent numerous lineup changes and breakups, with Phillipps being the sole constant member and chief songwriter. The band’s roster included notable musicians like Peter Gutteridge and David Kilgour from The Clean, Jane Dodd from The Verlaines, Justin Harwood from Luna, and Phillipps’ sister Rachel Phillipps.

A key band of Flying Nun Records, The Chills were integral to defining both the label’s and their own sound. Starting with 1982’s Dunedin Double EP, they released a series of records that have become cult classics. These include 1985’s The Lost EP, the 1986 compilation album Kaleidoscope World, and their 1987 debut LP Brave Words. Singles like “Pink Frost” and “I Love My Leather Jacket” earned them major label interest, eventually leading to a deal with Warner Bros. imprint Slash Records.

The Chills continued their musical journey with acclaimed releases such as Submarine Bells and Soft Bomb but disbanded in 1992. Phillipps then joined David Kilgour in a 1960s covers band called the Pop Art Toasters.

The Chills made a comeback two years later and returned to Flying Nun to release their 1996 album Sunburnt, although they disbanded again shortly after. Phillipps remained active in the music scene with various bands and side projects, including his solo album of demos, Sketch Book: Volume One. Ultimately, he revived The Chills with a new lineup, leading to the 2004 release of the Stand By EP and later three more albums: 2015’s Silver Bullets, 2018’s Snow Bound, and 2021’s Scatterbrain.