Martin Phillips, frontman and founder of New Zealand rock band The Chills, has passed away at 61.

Forming in 1980, The Chills were one of the first proponents of the Dunedin Sound, a musical and cultural movement that originated in the New Zealand city of the same name.

Announced in a statement posted by the band on Sunday, the cause of his death has yet to be revealed. His funeral will take place on August 9 and will be livestreamed.

The Chills released 7 studio albums, gaining a following in their home country as well as a cult following overseas.

Releasing their debut LP Brave World in 1987, their sophomore Submarine Bells saw them sign with Slash Records, a division of Warner Bros.

Breaking up in the aftermath of their Soft Bomb tour, the band reunited to release Scatterbrain in 2021.

Among those paying tribute to Phillips was Neil Finn of Crowded house, who said in a statement that “He was a good friend, wonderful musician and one of NZ’s greatest songwriters. A true original, fascinated by and devoted to the magic and mystery of music.”

Swedish indie band Peter Bjorn and John also paid tribute to Phillips, who they said was a big inspiration for their music revealing "Our songs were influenced by & named in their honor. Martin found out about this and wrote a very sweet email saying thank you!"

So saddened to hear of the sudden loss of #MartinPhillips💔We loved the seminal sound of the Kiwi-indie-pop of the 80’s not least #TheChills Our song were influenced by & named in their honor. Martin found out about this and wrote a very sweet email saying thank you!! 1/2 pic.twitter.com/5MuH7a7qe4

— Peter Bjorn and John (@PeterBjornJohn) July 28, 2024