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Big Star's Original Bassist Andy Hummel Dead at Age 59

Big StarIt's been a tough year for Big Star. In March, leader Alex Chilton tragically died of heart failure. And now, just four months later, the legendary power-pop group lost a second member on Monday, when founding bassist Andy Hummel passed away at the age of 59. A third member, Chris Bell, died in a car crash in 1978, five years after officially leaving the group. That leaves drummer Jody Stephens as the last man standing.

Hummel fell victim to cancer after battling the disease for several years. He reportedly found out that the cancer had advanced -- and that his condition was, indeed, terminal -- when he was recently hospitalized for a hip operation. But he was already well aware of his illness when he performed a heroic and guest-filled tribute show with Big Star in Austin, Texas during SXSW, just days after Chilton's death. That set was originally supposed to be a triumphant comeback showcase for the band, who had released a well-received box set in 2009 ('Keep an Eye on the Sky') and performed a couple high-profile celebratory gigs in London and New York. The tribute show in Texas was the first time in 35 years that Hummel performed with Big Star.

Hummel, Chilton, Bell and Stephens formed Big Star in 1971 and their untouchable debut, '#1 Record,' remains a must-own classic. It includes the hit 'In the Street,' which was remade by Cheap Trick as the theme song for the television series 'That '70s Show.' Big Star's follow-up album, 1974's 'Radio City,' is also an established pop masterpiece. And their influence continues to be felt -- as MTV.com points out, even the name of Katy Perry's current smash, 'California Gurls' is a bit of a nod to Big Star's hit, 'September Gurls.'

Although Hummel initially resigned from Big Star back in the mid-'70s and he resisted the temptation to rejoin the band during their sporadic reunions, he remained proud of Big Star's accomplishments. His contributions to pop music will continue to shine via their recorded legacy.

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SXSW

Clip of the "Never Traveled Far Without a Little Big Star" panel at South by Southwest 2010.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OV6a1bSSAkE

July 20 2010 at 6:28 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Calvin Froedge

Someone who made a memorial site for Andy Hummel using our memorial website creation service made a mistake on photo and date. We're very sorry for this mixup - death is a sensitive issue and we apologize for any offense made. We would appreciate if you contributed to Andy's site:

http://andyhummel.people2remember.com

Thank you!

July 20 2010 at 4:26 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Bryan

Sad news. Big Star made some amazing music. Andy will be missed, along with Alex and Chris.

July 20 2010 at 4:14 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
ElGoodo

Wow...you've never heard of them, but you call them idiots?
As for why you have never heard of them, the label that put out their first two albums had distribution problems and never promoted them.

They had three nearly perfect albums in their short original life. They have been cited as major influences and/or been covered by a number of bands that I assume you may have heard of.

July 20 2010 at 2:42 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
the stoneman

Wow, what a sad time... first Alex Chilton and now Andy Hummel. Not only are "#1 Record" and "Radio City" two of the best albums of the 1970s, they are two of the best albums of all time. Big Star was to pop music what the Velvet Underground were to rock music - two superb bands that sold zilch while they were together that have been a major influence on countless bands since the breakups.

And Wade, you made the comment that the Bay City Rollers far outsold Big Star. You made a good point - commercially, the Bay City Rollers were far bigger than Big Star. But artistically... are you kidding me???

Now if you will excuse me, I'm going to crank up Big Star's "#1 Record / Radio City" twofer CD.

Rest in peace, Andy...

July 20 2010 at 2:39 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
allen

It's good to see such passion among the fans.I grew up in the late 60s an the 70s..I am familiar with big star..never a big fan....but my taste runs different..everyone has songs and bands that strike a chord in their soul..I respect the love some of you have shown...having been a guitarist for almost 40 years,it's nice to see people show some love....you guys keep up the tribute,,,I think it"s a great thing...ROCK n ROLL FOREVER MAN!!!

July 20 2010 at 2:22 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Kelly

What the Hell are you nimwits reading the article and commenting if you don' know or care who this man was?
Slow day???
The purpose of the article was to let people know who just might have interest that this man has passed away. Show some respect or just stop leaving your ignorant comments!
Don't go away mad, just go away!!

July 20 2010 at 2:17 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
ann

I can understand not knowing who a singer or a big band is. I have heard of Laroux, but just found who he is today. Wow

July 20 2010 at 2:10 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
daninpa

Calling people names because they never heard of an old group isn't the matue thing to do... bet when you hear a hit song from today you say it isn't any good because you don't know it

July 20 2010 at 1:49 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Glurgitty Floop

Yes indeed! Big Star. Hmmmmmm? How might I put this?
If you're a musician then you know how way ahead of their time they were...and still are. If you're not a musician you might not know. Too bad. Andy Hummel, Alex Chilton, Chris Bell and Jody Stevens should have been bigger than that U2 crap or anything else for that matter. Come and get me! Very sorry to have heard this news.

July 20 2010 at 1:47 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply