SXSW 2010: Big Star Tribute at Antone's
The passing of rock and roll luminary Alex Chilton on Wednesday established a somber tone for this year’s SXSW music conference. At Antone’s on Saturday night, the remaining members of Chilton’s band, Big Star, did their best to celebrate the late Chilton through his songs. Big Star guitarist John Auer described the evening as “the epitome of bittersweet” and noted that the memorial had an air of finality about Chilton’s death that had not occurred to him before the show.
The evening’s tribute began with original Big Star drummer Jody Stevens thanking the Austin community for “wrapping their arms around” the band and Chilton’s family. Publicist Heather West then read a somber statement prepared by Chilton’s wife.
The music began with the remaining Big Star trio – Stephens, Auer and bassist Ken Stringfellow – performing “Back of a Car.” The evening was punctuated by appearances and performances by rock and roll icons including original Big Star member Andy Hummel, M. Wardof She and Him, REM’s Mike Mills, John Doe and Sondre Lerche.
