SXSW Creative Director Bruce Grukle has dedicated SXSW 2010 to Alex Chilton, who passed away this week after suffering a heart attack.
Chilton was due to perform at SXSW on Saturday night with his band Big Star.Chilton was the lead singer of the Box Tops and was only 16 years old when he had a global hit with the now classic ‘The Letter’.
In 1971, Chilton joined Big Star, arguably the world’s first power-pop band.
Alex Chilton was taken to hospital on March 17 after complaining of chest pains. He died soon after from a heart attack.
He is survived by his wife Laura and son Timothy.
The Saturday night performance of Big Star at SXSW will go ahead as a tribute to Chilton. Grukle announced the show will be a benefit for the singer’s family and feature special guests.
