SXSW: RIP, Alex Chilton

None of the bands I heard in Austin tonight paid tribute to Alex Chilton, the 59 year old Memphian who led both the Box Tops and, more crucially, Big Star, and died in New Orleans on Wednesday. But I suspect that'll be in the cards in the coming days. Big Star is one of the greatest of American rock bands, and Chilton was always an indie role model who couldn't help but wear his outsider status and diffidence about success on his sleeve.

He was scheduled to perform in a Big Star reunion show on Saturday, and there is/was a panel discussion about the band, occasion by the superb box set, Keep An Eye On The Sky, which came out last year, planned for that same day. There's no word yet from SXSW organizers as to whether thoese events will be cancelled, or turned into tributes.  SXSW's Brent Grulke issued a statement that said: "Alex Chilton always messed with your head, charming and amazing you while doing so. His gift for melody was second to none, yet he frequently seemed in disdain of that gift. He seemed as troubled by neglect as he did by fame. He wrote the most accessible pop songs that turned into something quite sour on closer reflection. ... And make no mistake: Alex Chilton was an artist of the very highest caliber. It's too early to do much but cry about our loss right now, but he'll be missed, and missed more as the ages pass and his myth continues to expand — that music isn't going anywhere."

Previously: One Eyed Blogger