Following the tragic and sudden passing of Big Star's Alex Chilton this week, the remaining members of the band, who were set to play at this year's SXSW, will carry on with the show.
In lieu of a complete Big Star performance, Jody Stephens, Ken Stringfellow and Jon Auer will play a tribute to their deceased band-mate at SXSW, along with a host of special guests, including M. Ward and R.E.M.'s Mike Mills.
"It'll be just a cool way for us to all share that music Alex was part of," Stephens told Billboard. "Certainly where Alex and I connected over the years was through music, either in the studio or on stage, so I think that's a great way for us all to tip our hats to Alex and celebrate his life."
Stephens continued, "I ran into somebody who said, 'Y'know, I've seen three bands play today, and each one of them played a Big Star song.' I thought, 'Wow, what a wonderful way to remember someone.'"
Asked whether Big Star might continue without Chilton, Stephens suggested it was unlikely. "I can't imagine that, to tell you the truth. Alex was the heart of it. Maybe Jon and Ken and I can do something together, but now's not the time to think about it."
The Alex Chilton tribute show is scheduled for Saturday night (March 20) at SXSW venue Antone's.
To read reactions to Chilton's passing, click here.
In lieu of a complete Big Star performance, Jody Stephens, Ken Stringfellow and Jon Auer will play a tribute to their deceased band-mate at SXSW, along with a host of special guests, including M. Ward and R.E.M.'s Mike Mills.
"It'll be just a cool way for us to all share that music Alex was part of," Stephens told Billboard. "Certainly where Alex and I connected over the years was through music, either in the studio or on stage, so I think that's a great way for us all to tip our hats to Alex and celebrate his life."
Stephens continued, "I ran into somebody who said, 'Y'know, I've seen three bands play today, and each one of them played a Big Star song.' I thought, 'Wow, what a wonderful way to remember someone.'"
Asked whether Big Star might continue without Chilton, Stephens suggested it was unlikely. "I can't imagine that, to tell you the truth. Alex was the heart of it. Maybe Jon and Ken and I can do something together, but now's not the time to think about it."
The Alex Chilton tribute show is scheduled for Saturday night (March 20) at SXSW venue Antone's.
To read reactions to Chilton's passing, click here.
