Original Big Star bass player Andy Hummel has lost his battle with cancer at the age of 59.
The news is a blow to Big Star fans who mourned the passing of singer Alex Chilton in March this year.Hummel, Chilton, Chris Bell and Jody Stephens formed Big Star in 1971 but Hummel left after the first album '#1 Record'. Bell died in a car accident in 1978. Stephens is now the only living founding member.
Hummel was diagnosed with cancer but never made news of his illness.
Big Star were to reform for SXSW in Austin this year but lead singer Alex Chilton died just days before their showcase. Hummel, Stephens and Ken Stringfellow and special guests included Mike Mills of REM, Sondre Lerche, John Doe, Curt Kirkwood, M. Ward, Chuck Prophet, Evan Dando, Susan Cowsill and Watson Sisters performed a show in Alex's honour at Antone's nightclub during SXSW.
Hummel appeared on stage for 'Way Out West' and 'September Gurls' at the SXSW show.
On Twitter, Ken Stringfellows posted "Another sad loss for Big Star fans as Andy Hummel passes away after long illness".
