We were deeply saddened to hear the heartbreaking news this morning that Jay Reatard has died.
Matador Records have issued this statement on their blog:
“We are devastated by the death of Jimmy Lee Lindsey Jr., aka Jay Reatard. Jay was as full of life as anyone we’ve ever met, and responsible for so many memorable moments as a person and artist. We’re honored to have known and worked with him, and we will miss him terribly.”
At just 29, the prolific Memphis garage rock musician leaves behind a very sizeable body of work, including 2006’s Blood Visions, before signing with Matador who released a compilation of Jay’s numerous 7″ singles as Matador Singles ’08 and his last album Watch Me Fall, released in 2009.
Jay Reatard toured Australia twice, first in 2008 including shows with The Dirtbombs, and returning almost a year ago for Laneway Festival and side shows with No Age.
More details over at Pitchfork.
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This comes just weeks after the equally saddening news that Roland S. Howard lost his battle with liver cancer on December 30th, 2009. He was only 50 years old.
