Chet "JR" White from the now-defunct indie rock band Girls has died. The artist passed away on Sunday night (October 18) at his family home in California. He was 40 years old.
White died in his sleep after his heart stopped in the night, according to a statement to the media from Dean Bein, founder of Girls' label True Panther Records.
Former bandmate Christopher Owens confirmed White's passing last night (October 20), writing in a tweet, "I hope you feel nothing but peace now my brother. I love you, and thank you for believing in me, and for what you brought to the table. Always and Forever, and I'll always be proud of you… I'll always remember you protecting Liza, Patrick, myself and Beta from the jerks."
White was raised in Santa Cruz, where he spent his early years playing in local punk acts and hanging out in record stores. In 2007, White met Owens, and the two formed Girls, releasing their debut album, Album, in 2009.
The pair went on to release their sophomore LP titled Father, Son, Holy Ghost in 2011, as well as an EP titled Broken Dreams Club in 2010 before they officially disbanded in 2012. At the time, Owens announced his departure citing personal reasons and the band's constantly shifting tour lineup.
Since their breakup, White went on to produce records for Tobias Jesso Jr., Cass McCombs, DIIV and more.
Tributes to the late artist have been pouring in since news of his death surfaced. See a few of those, and listen to "Lust for Life" by Girls, below.
White died in his sleep after his heart stopped in the night, according to a statement to the media from Dean Bein, founder of Girls' label True Panther Records.
Former bandmate Christopher Owens confirmed White's passing last night (October 20), writing in a tweet, "I hope you feel nothing but peace now my brother. I love you, and thank you for believing in me, and for what you brought to the table. Always and Forever, and I'll always be proud of you… I'll always remember you protecting Liza, Patrick, myself and Beta from the jerks."
White was raised in Santa Cruz, where he spent his early years playing in local punk acts and hanging out in record stores. In 2007, White met Owens, and the two formed Girls, releasing their debut album, Album, in 2009.
The pair went on to release their sophomore LP titled Father, Son, Holy Ghost in 2011, as well as an EP titled Broken Dreams Club in 2010 before they officially disbanded in 2012. At the time, Owens announced his departure citing personal reasons and the band's constantly shifting tour lineup.
Since their breakup, White went on to produce records for Tobias Jesso Jr., Cass McCombs, DIIV and more.
Tributes to the late artist have been pouring in since news of his death surfaced. See a few of those, and listen to "Lust for Life" by Girls, below.