Big Star type Music

Image Credit: Tony Nelson/Retna Ltd.Andy Hummel, who played bass guitar in power-pop icons Big Star’s original line-up, has died of cancer at age 59. A representative for Rhino Records, which recently released a superlative box set of Big Star’s work, confirmed the sad news to EW.

Hummel’s passing comes just four months after Big Star leader Alex Chilton‘s life was claimed at the same far too young age of 59. Singer-songwriter Chris Bell died in a 1978 car crash, several years after leaving Big Star. Drummer Jody Stephens is now the only surviving member of the foursome that recorded 1972’s note-perfect debut #1 Record.

Hummel played bass on that album and 1974’s equally classic Radio City before departing the band. I saw him join Stephens and others on a Big Star panel at SXSW this March, days after Chilton’s sudden loss. He also helped perform several tunes at a tribute show for Chilton that weekend (pictured). It’s awful to think that now he, too, is gone too soon.

Please join the Music Mix in sending our sincerest condolences to Andy Hummel’s friends and family.

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