Jay Bennett, for seven years a member of Wilco until he left in acrimonious circumstances in 2001, has died at the age of 45. Bennett joined the band in 1994 and contributed to their first four albums, including breakthrough record Summerteeth (1999) and the much-lauded Yankee Hotel Foxtrot (2001). During the making of the latter album, he was embroiled in disputes with frontman Jeff Tweedy about the musical direction the band was taking, disputes that would be laid bare in the documentary film I Am Trying to Break Your Heart: A Film About Wilco.
He was dismissed as a member of the band immediately after the completion of the album and embarked on a solo career. Earlier this month he began litigation against Tweedy for royalties he felt he was due dating from his time in Wilco. Two weeks prior, he had announced that he needed hip replacement surgery. On Sunday night, he died unexpectedly in his sleep. Cause of death has not yet been announced.
Through his publicist, Tweedy released the following statement: “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”.
Posted on: May 26, 2009
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