New Zealand singer Martin Phillipps dies unexpectedly at age 61

Singer-guitarist and founder of the New Zealand jangle-pop band the Chills, Martin Phillipps, died unexpectedly at age 61, the band's social media account confirmed Saturday.

“It is with broken hearts the family and friend of Martin Phillipps wish to advise Martin has died unexpectedly. The family ask for privacy at this time,” the statement read, according to Pitchfork.

Phillipps had hepatitis in the 1990s and subsequently battled liver disease for several years, but his cause of death is not known.

The band's sound influenced American indie-pop bands like REM and Pavement. Phillipps founded it at age 17 in the 1980s.

Its biggest song was "Heavenly Pop Hit," which was popular in the U.S., U.K., and Australia as well as New Zealand. Three of the band's records were top 10 hits in New Zealand.

The band underwent many lineup changes over the years, with Phillipps being the only consistent member throughout.