REM bass player Mike Mills has paid tribute to Big Star singer Alex Chilton, who died yesterday.
With their back catalogue containing just three studio albums, Big Star’s musical output is nigh on perfect. Enshrining the experience of adolescence in just a few strummed chords and some sighing harmonies, their glorious music has enjoyed a hugely influential second life.
Denied the audience they so richly deserved, Big Star have become a cause celebre with the likes of REM, The Bangles, The Replacements, Primal Scream, Jeff Buckley and more covering their music.
For lead singer Alex Chilton, Big Star was just one part of a much larger career. Recently reforming the Memphis group with a little help from The Posies, the songwriter tragically passed away on Wednesday (March 17th).
The tributes are flowing in for the revered songwriter, with Primal Scream singer Bobby Gillespie telling BBC 6Music that Alex Chilton remains an enormous influence on the band.
“He just made so many great records, and they were crazy rock ‘n’ roll records” the singer explained. “But they were also art records and beautiful records, mournful records, sad records, joyous records. What I’m trying to say is that Alex Chilton was one of the greats.”
Meanwhile, REM bass player Mike Mills has paid his own respects to the late singer. “Alex Chilton’s music was a big part of my life and a huge influence on R.E.M. He will live on for us through all the great music he made.”
Big Star member Andy Hummel, meanwhile, told the Dallas Observer that he hoped Alex Chilton’s music would be remembered. “I hope people really understand and appreciate what a brilliant musician the guy was…. He should be remembered in that way. He was really a creative genius, always testing the limits.”
