Two more deaths

Two power pop musicians passed away recently. Just when we thought Alex Chilton of the power pop group Big Star earlier this year in March, was as big of a loss and enough to handle, we lose another member of Big Star four months later along with another power pop musician who died weeks ago. The founding member and former bassist of Big Star, Andy Hummel died recently, adding to the loss of yet another power pop musician mostly known for his solo work, who has also collaborated with Chris Bell and Alex Chilton of Big Star, who died just weeks ago: power pop musician Tommy Hoehn. Rough year for poor Memphis, power pop, Big Star and company...

“He was such an inspiration,” said Big Star drummer Jody Stephens, now the lone surviving original member of the band. “I’d known Andy since the 7th grade. What an impact he had on my life. He will be sorely missed.”

Hummel’s death comes during what has been a bittersweet year for the Big Star family. In the fall of 2009, the band — which reunited sans Hummel in the early ’90s — released a critically acclaimed multidisc box set and a played series of high-profile performances in London and New York. But the past 10 months have also witnessed the deaths of Big Star frontman Alex Chilton, producer Jim Dickinson, band associate Tommy Hoehn and now Hummel.

Andy Hummel: http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2010/jul/19/former-big-star-bassist-andy-hummel/

Tommy Hoehn: http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2010/jun/25/tommy-hoehn-memphis-musician-and-power-pop-scene-s/