Who Was Martin Phillipps? Influential Founder Of New Zealand Rock Band The Chills Passes Away At 61

The Chills are known for their popular tracks such as Pink Frost, Heavenly Pop Hit, I Love My Leather Jacket, and Kaleidoscope World. These tunes captured the interest of global listeners, showcasing the band’s unique style. Their 1990 album, Submarine Bells, was especially well-received, with Melody Maker, a leading British music publication, describing it as an enchanting experience.

The Chills faced several challenges

Although they initially thrived, The Chills faced some hurdles. In the late 1990s, their progress came to a halt when their American record label went under. In an interview with RNZ in 2019, Philips acknowledged this time, stating, “We didn’t anticipate the far-reaching effects of the digital evolution and the drastic shifts in music, with Nirvana, hip-hop, and more, that we could so swiftly become obsolete and outdated.”

During this challenging time, Phillipps faced various personal struggles including battles with drug addiction, alcoholism, and hepatitis C. He shared his experiences candidly: “Following that, I retreated to Dunedin with my tail between my legs, facing criticism from all sides such as ‘You tried your best, it’s time for a real job,’ and so on. There was an underlying mental collapse in the midst of these events.”

Martin Phillipps’ later years and legacy

I, as a lifestyle expert, can share that Philipps didn’t let go of his musical pursuits. In the year 2015, The Chills, under Philipps’ leadership, dropped their long-awaited studio album titled Silver Bullets. Five years later, in 2018, they graced us with Snowbound. And just recently, in 2021, they released their final studio album, Scatterbrain. Throughout his career, Philipps’ unwavering dedication and fervor for music shone brightly.

A documentary titled “The Chills: The Triumph and Tragedy of Martin Phillipps” came out in 2019. This film offered an in-depth portrayal of Phillipps’ life experiences. He candidly shared his health struggles, specifically living with hepatitis C. He revealed that he is currently waiting for access to new trial medications, but until then, his condition has progressed to stage four.

In the documentary film, the musician shared that he is currently in the fifth stage of cancer. With cirrhosis of the liver already present, he remains uncertain about his remaining time. The production offered a joyous tribute to his accomplishments while providing an honest portrayal of his struggles.