Jay Reatard, 1980 to 2010 - Obituary

Jimmy Lee Lindsey sadly died yesterday (January 13) at the tender age of 29. Taking the stage name of Jay Reatard he released countless albums and singles and will leave the legacy of a relentless song-writer and prolific performing artist.

Reatard released his first single aged just 15 after being spotted supporting Rocket From The Crypt in his native Memphis by Eric Friedl of Goner Records. Over the next fourteen years he went on to release over twenty albums with various bands such as the Reatards, the Lost Sounds, Final Solutions and in recent years as a solo act. Famous for his flying V Gibson guitar and short, succinct punk songs, Reatard was later signed to Matador Records who issued the following statement following the announcement of his death.

“"We are devastated by the death of Jimmy Lee Lindsey Jr., aka Jay Reatard. Jay was as full of life as anyone we’ve ever met, and responsible for so many memorable moments as a person and artist. We’re honored to have known and worked with him, and we will miss him terribly." ”

Beck has also paid tribute to Lindsey by posting the Jay Reatard cover of his single 'Gamma Ray' from 2008 on his website. Never one to rest when he could be making, recording or playing music live Reatard's back catalogue is a comprehensive archive. His love of making music eventually led Jay to creating a record label (Shattered Records) with his then girlfriend Alix Brown in 2004. The label specialised in 7” lo-fi punk singles and gave releases to acts such as Angry Angles, Digital Leather and Rat Traps. The label was given a rest in 2006 but revived again in 2009 when Jay Reatard's final solo record 'When I Fall' was released.

Reatard had a volatile relationship with his fans and news stories and video clips would regularly emerge of him have attacking or fighting with people at his shows. It was this intensity and adrenalised state that powered his music and personality though, taking his mountain of songs and giving them a spiky vigour and energetic charisma.

Jay Reatard was found dead in his home at 3:30 am on January 13, arrangements for the funeral will be announced shortly.

RIP Jay.