Big Star Bass Player Dies – Reports

Andy Hummel passes away

Big Star bass player Andy Hummel has passed after a short illness, reports in the United States indicate.

Big Star’s second wind is drawing to a close. The Memphis group formed in the 70s and despite two perfect albums found little success. Fragmenting as the decade grew to a close, their tortured third album ‘Sister Lovers’ saw the group’s career shudder to a halt.

However fans of the band’s stunning power pop refused to let them lie. Forming a new generation of groups, artists such as R.E.M. and more covered the songs of Big Star in concert and on record.

Reforming for a series of shows in the early 90s, Big Star re-united on a permanent basis after the Millennium. Singer Alex Chilton was joined by drummer Jody Stephens and bass player Andy Hummel, playing a series of shows.

Enjoying renewed success, Big Star found widespread appreciation for their timeless mixture of chugging blues riffs and effortless harmonies. Recording new material, the band were afforded the respect they deserved.

Yet it seems as if the group’s career is now coming to a natural end. After the death of Alex Chilton earlier this year bass player Andy Hummel has reportedly died at the age of 59 following a short illness.

The bassist played an important role in Big Star, especially on their second album. Songwriter Chris Bell had departed the group, leaving Hummel to assist Alex Chilton in crafting new material.

Although Bell later returned for fraught sessions, second album ‘Big Star’ is widely regarded as benefiting from Andy Hummel’s input.

A fine musician, the news was confirmed by Posies singer and part-time Big Star member Ken Stringfellow. Writing on his Twitter account he said: “Another sad loss for Big Star fans as Andy Hummel passes away after long illness.”

The tragic news now leaves Jody Stephens as the sole surviving member of the classic Big Star four piece line up.

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