The Story of How Big Star Influenced a Generation of Indie Rock

In the 1970s, Big Star wasn’t as popular as they would become decades later. Their debut album, #1 Record, was released on April 24, 1972. Their label at the time didn’t know how to properly promote the group, so the distribution of the record was poor. Originally, Big Star was centered around Chris Bell and Alex Chilton. The two saw The Beatles in Memphis in 1966, and at 15 years old, decided to start working together years later. They wanted to replicate Lennon and McCartney’s songwriting partnership. Alex Chilton had minor success with The Box Tops in the late 1960s prior to creating Big Star.

The two created Big Star, and they began contributing to each other’s songs. Bell and Chilton would record their ideas and allow the other to make changes. Some of the songs on the band’s first record were from their previous groups. Bell brought the songs “Feel,” “My Life Is Right,” and “Try Again” from his previous band, Rock City. Alex Chilton had “The Ballad Of El Goodo,” “Thirteen,” and “Watch The Sunrise,” songs he had written with bassist Andy Hummel. Their debut, #1 Record, was the only album credited to Chris Bell. One song penned by Bell was “In The Street,” which decades later was covered and became the theme song for the sitcom That 70’s Show. From Seasons 2 through 8, Cheap Trick’s version of “In The Street” was used as the show’s theme song.

Big Star’s Albums Didn’t Sell How They Had Hoped And Disbanded

Chris Bell was the primary force in the album’s production, as credited by members Andy Hummel and Alex Chilton. He had a particular interest in the recording process and took it very seriously. The album became a commercial failure, which displeased Bell. Soon after its release, he left Big Star. Bassist Andy Hummel stepped up in songwriting efforts, and Chilton became the lead singer.

They released Radio City in 1974, which also didn’t sell well at the time. Following its release, Andy Hummel left the group. The only two remaining members were Chilton and drummer Jody Stephens. They lost interest in continuing the group and abandoned their third album. It was eventually released in 1978, titled Third/Sister Lovers.

Big Star Receives Due Credit As Power Pop Pioneers

Alex Chilton embarked on a solo career, releasing multiple albums through independent labels. He started receiving credit from bands such as R.E.M. and The Posies. Big Star became popular on college radio airplay, and their albums #1 Record and Radio City started receiving praise a decade after their release. As alternative rock became more established in the late 1980s and 1990s, Big Star began receiving more credit. They helped to create power pop, and their songwriting influenced many future groups. The Replacements titled a song, “Alex Chilton,” released in 1987.

Indie rock legends Wilco have cited Big Star as a major influence as well. Drummer Jody Stephens joined the supergroup Golden Smog, along with Jeff Tweedy of Wilco. Other members of the supergroup have included members of The Jayhawks, Soul Asylum, The Replacements, and The Honeydogs. Jody Stephens appeared on the band’s debut release, Weird Tales, in 1998. He returned for the band’s second release, Another Fine Day, in 2006.

Tragically, Chris Bell died in a car accident in 1978. He had pursued a solo career in the 1970s, but his life was cut short. Posthumously, the album I Am The Cosmos was released in 1992. Alex Chilton and Andy Hummel passed away just three months apart in 2010. The only surviving member is drummer Jody Stephens. Though they didn’t see success in their heyday, Big Star now has a cult following and influenced decades of alt-rock bands. Songs such as “Thirteen,” “Feel,” “The Ballad Of El Goodo,” and “O My Soul,” are standout tracks pioneering power pop.