Spinner

Jay Reatard Confirmed Dead at 29

Jay ReatardMemphis garage rocker Jay Reatard has died at 29. Goner Records, which has put out several of Reatard's releases, confirmed the news on its website, saying "It is with great sadness that we report the passing of our good friend Jay Reatard. Jay died in his sleep last night. We will pass along information about funeral arrangements when they are made public."

According to Memphis' Commercial Appeal, Reatard -- whose real name was Jay Lindsey -- was found dead in his home in the city's Midtown neighborhood at 3:30AM on Wednesday. Memphis police spokesperson Jennifer Robinson said that an investigation is ongoing.

At 15, Reatard began his prolific career, which blended garage rock, punk and lo-fi styles. The multi-instrumentalist's catalog would go on to include a host of albums and singles with his main bands, the Reatards and the Lost Sounds, and side projects such as Bad Times, the Final Solutions and Angry Angles. He released his first solo album, 'Blood Visions,' in 2006 and followed it last summer with the acclaimed 'Watch Me Fall.'

No stranger to trouble, Reatard was just as well-known for his recording talent and bombastic live shows as he was for his in-your-face personality. In 2009 alone, he made news for referring to the Pains of Being Pure at Heart as "pains of being boring at heart," having his band abruptly quit after a tour and getting assaulted onstage in Austin.

In December, Reatard told Spinner that he was planning to take some time off to "focus on Jay Lindsay for a minute, do boring s---, renovate my house, get the personal side of my life straight." Sadly, it seems he barely got the chance to do so.

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Lewis

This is fuckin tragic. I had know idea who Jay was until i read about his death today so i went and listened to his music and all i can say is wow this guy was the real deal a real talent. R.I.P my brother.

January 14 2010 at 10:00 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
PUNKBOOKKEEPER

Jay has been a legend in the Memphis/New Orleans punk scenes since he was 15 years old. It's only recently that the world at large learned of his talents. He died way too young, no matter what the cause. He will be missed.

January 14 2010 at 9:12 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
paul

What is a matter with just making music?

January 14 2010 at 6:18 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Rockmantica

I'm so heartbroken and sad. Jay Reatard's lyrics and sound and energy really touched me deeply. I'm so shocked because I've been listening to him on heavy rotation everyday since last year.

January 14 2010 at 11:59 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Colleen

Some people commenting here should show a little compassion and respect. He was a talented musician and it is a terrible shame to have him die so young.

January 14 2010 at 8:53 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
jen

the fact that jay reatard might have died from drugs should not deem his death any less respectable than anyone else. the fact that his stage name is "reatard" should not make him any less of a human being. the name came from his previous punk band "the reatards". for all of you who didn't know his music and have decided to post negative comments on this wall, you are a disgrace. it is not mandatory that you make a post on here so if you don't know who the guy is, simply move on from this article. but the fact is, jay reatards music and live show was one of the most energetic, amazing shows i've ever been to. we are allowed to pay respect to this one incredible musician, that doesn't mean we are all disregarding all of the haitians who died. RIP jay reatard. you will be missed.

January 14 2010 at 8:07 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
kimmie

I think that you have a cool last name. Every time I think about your last name it will make me smile, even if it was your stage name . You may be gone but you will never be forgotten. You know what they say (the good die young)I know your family will miss you. See you on the other side bro!! REST IN PEACE
KIMMIE

January 14 2010 at 7:03 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
sjoyce

Lot's of people in this comment say they have never heard of Jay.I live in Nashville and there are alot of artist you have never heard of because they are the ones who are in the back ground playing music behind these so-called great super stars.You can watch most of viedios & live performances w/ out seeing the band members.They are the most under rated singers& song writers in the buss.They are poorly paid& taken atvantage of.You have to have money to make it big almost overnight.JAY has done this many times to make money & made his name the hard way.Watch some of these big stars vidios & look for the people making the music.Thats why you have never heard of JAY.GOD BLESS JAY& many of the great behind the scene people that really make the music come to life!!!R.I.P. JAY.

January 14 2010 at 6:15 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
xavmerck

BIG WOOD.....you, are awesome.
As far as everyone else who has some negative comment to say...; Sit down, Shut up and respect the dead. Someday you are going to be one of them.

January 14 2010 at 3:53 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
psy

scarying :-)

January 14 2010 at 3:51 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply