The Chills Co-Founder Peter Gutteridge Passes Away At 53

16 September 2014 | 9:55 am | Staff Writer

Gutteridge was an underground icon and a pioneer of the 'Dunedin sound'

New Zealand-bred cult indie icon Peter Gutteridge has passed away in Auckland at the age of 53, Flying Nun Records revealed yesterday.

Gutteridge served as a founding member of renowned Kiwi rockers The Clean as well as going on to found The Chills — of which he remained a member for a few months — and self-centric outfit Snapper.

As a result of his deep involvement with several outfits from the late '70s to the dawn of the 1990s, Gutteridge was an indelible part of the late 20th-century Dunedin indie scene and an undeniable influence on the development of the wider 'Dunedin sound' for which the city came to be known in the early 1980s.

"We are greatly saddened to learn of the passing of Peter Gutteridge today," Flying Nun Records - his label home for the past several decades - wrote in their statement.

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"Peter was a Flying Nun original, a founding member of The Clean, The Chills and of course his own brilliant band Snapper. A great talent, he was also member of the Great Unwashed, involved in many Dunedin bands and went on to release beautiful solo material across the years."

Gutteridge's single solo album, Pure, was released in 1989. His songs have since been covered by several better-known contemporary artists, including Wooden Shjips and Yo La Tengo.

"All of us, and so many people around the world, have been touched and affected by his music, whether it be the swirling fuzz of the guitar or haunting piano melodies, Peter was a true hero of New Zealand music, and will be deeply missed," Flying Nun continued.

"Our thoughts and sympathies are with his family and friends at this very sad time.

"Thank you Peter for all the music, may you rest in peace."