Alex Chilton Dies at 59

Sad, sad news: According to a report by Memphis’ Commercial Appeal (via ArtsBeat), iconic rock musician Alex Chilton has died. The cause of death is suspected to be a heart attack. He was 59.

Chilton and his band Big Star were set to perform at Austin’s SXSW this weekend, but Chilton fell ill earlier today in New Orleans, LA before being taken by paramedics to an emergency room where he was later pronounced dead. The news was confirmed to Commercial Appeal by Big Star drummer Jody Stephens.

More information is available here and here.

R.I.P. Alex Chilton, 1950-2010