Former Wilco member Jay Bennett dies*

Multi-instrumentalist and former member of Wilco Jay Bennett died this weekend, according to a post on the website for Undertow Music Collective. He was 45.

A cause of death was unknown. “We are profoundly saddened to report that our friend died in his sleep last night. Jay was a beautiful human being who will be missed,” read the update on Undertow. The company released his 2002 solo album, “Palace at 4 am (Part I).”

Representatives from the label and management firm had not responded to requests for comment as of Sunday evening, but the Chicago Sun-Times reached Bennett’s friend and collaborator Edward Burch. "Early this morning, Jay died in his sleep and an autopsy is being performed," Burch told Jim DeRogatis.

In the late ‘80s, Bennett founded the rock band Titanic Love Affair in Urbana, Ill., which lasted into the mid-‘90s. He was best known for his seven years in adventurous rock act Wilco. Bennett split from the Chicago-based group in 2001, and since his departure had been pursuing a solo career, as well as operating Pieholden Suite Sound – named after a song on Wilco’s 1999 album “Summerteeth” -- in Champaign , Ill. 

Bennett released the solo effort “Whatever Happened I Apologize” via the Web late last year, and reported at that time that he was pursuing "another" master’s degree at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Yet it was Bennett’s time in Wilco that won him the most acclaim.

He had a not-so-amicable split from the band in 2001, which was documented in the 2002 film “I Am Trying to Break Your Heart” and Greg Kot’s book “Wilco: Learning How to Die.” He did, however, play a major role in the band as a writer, producer and musician. The orchestrated pop of “Summerteeth” further stripped Wilco of its country-rock roots, and 2002’s “Yankee Hotel Foxtrot” saw the band move into more atmospheric territory.

Bennett was asked to leave the group before “Yankee Hotel Foxtrot” was released, and his relationship with Wilco leader Jeff Tweedy remained strained. In early May of this year, Bennett filed suit against his former band mate for breach of contract stemming from his participation in “I Am Trying to Break Your Heart.” Bennett was seeking damages in excess of $50,000, according to court papers.

Late last month, Bennett posted on his MySpace page that he was to undergo hip replacement surgery, revealing that he had been living with a torn ACL since his time in Titanic Love Affair, and lacked health insurance. He was also completing work on his fifth solo effort, "Kicking at the Perfumed Air."

"This whole experience has really taught me to look both inward and outward for support, and I’ve learned things about myself that I thought I had completely figured out years ago," Bennett wrote on his MySpace page. "Family and friends have helped me to keep faith in a future that will actually be much more carefree than my constricted present state. I encourage you all to tell me stories of recovery, as they really do help."

Wilco are on tour in Spain, but a spokesperson for the band passed along a statement from Tweedy: "We are all deeply saddened by this tragedy. We will miss Jay as we remember him -- as a truly unique and gifted human being and one who made welcome and significant contributions to the band's songs and evolution. Our thoughts go out to his family and friends in this very difficult time."

-- Todd Martens

Photo: Wilco in 1996. Max Johnston, left, Ken Coomer, Tweedy, Bennett and John Stirratt. Credit: Warner Bros.

*Updated on May 25 to include comment from Wilco's Jeff Tweedy.

Comments

[DFS]

This is a damn shame. I remember seeing Jay and Burch play a show in Sacramento several years ago in a small venue shortly after his departure from Wilco. The crowd was clearly delighted with the show and both performers were noticeably moved, especially Jay, who made several comments throughout the show thanking the audience for their kindness, smiling and laughing in genuine surprise at how much we were digging their tunes.

R.I.P.

[David B Livingstone]

a loss of a tremendous talent, and really kind of unbelievable...i am sure that jay had decades more of inspired music waiting to come out of him, and it's tragic that the world will never hear it. all the best to his family and friends, and to jay, thanks so much for what you shared while you were here.

[Hung]

Even though Jay really came off as a huge douche this past month for filing a lawsuit against his former bandmates, this is pretty sad news. Condolences to friends and family members.

[Sean]

You're not a douche to try to get paid for the exploitation of your life.
Unless you have firsthand knowledge of the intricate contract between Wilco and Jay, STFU.
RIP Jay.

[stephen a.]

Jay was a sweet, sweet man who also had a creative genius. He was extremely generous which I learned first hand. A friend of mine sent him some unfinished tracks asking him to give them a listen. The tracks were sent back with amazing slide guitar overdubs added to them with permission to release. I met Jay at the UPS at Hollywood and Western as he was shipping back guitars to Illinois from a club date here. He was happy to talk about Wilco and even more excited to talk about his new work. He sent me home with three of his solo cd's.

Gonna miss you Jay.

[Cynth The Poet]

Why is there no way for musicians to afford health insurance to cover the medical procedures they need in order to stay creative and strong? The major labels only give coverage to mega-hit stars and treat the rest like replaceable cogs in their machine.

If there was ever a sign for needing a non-profit health insurance model, this is just one of many.

[Lecti]

Jay was a real savant and virtuoso, and his contributions to Wilco rank among their finest work. Something his family should be very proud of. As unfortunate as this is, to hear one goes in their sleep, you hope it was peaceful and during a wonderful dream.

RIP Jay Bennett

[Hung]

Hey Sean,
His lawsuit was because he was being a douche. No need to sue former bandmembers on the grounds he was trying to do. I'm sure he wasn't being "exploited" as you claim. And if he was, he should've been glad since no one else has heard of this guy otherwise.
I've got firsthand knowledge, so you can STFU. Idiot.

[josh Viste]

hung, you are a freaking clown.

SHUT UP. No one cares about your stupid and ignorant opinions at this time, or probably any other time frankly.

Anytime someone dies at 45 it's a tragedy, rip Jay.

Stephen A, thanks for sharing that experience, that's really cool that he would take the time to listen to someone's tracks, let alone help the guy along like he did.