Jay Reatard Found Dead In Memphis, Possible Homicide

Jay Reatard, real name Jimmy Lee Lindsey Jr., was found dead in his Memphis home yesterday. According to a statement from Goner Records, the label that released the singer’s earliest efforts, he died in his sleep.

The turbulent musician was just 29 when he died, following the highest-profile – and most volatile – year of his life. He was known just as much for inciting violence and near-riots at shows as he was for his music, which he recorded with a variety of bands after exploding onto the Memphis music scene at 15 years old. He went on to front the punk act The Reatards before playing with the Lost Sounds and eventually branching out on his own.

His 2006 Blood Visions album caught the attention of indie giant Matador Records in 2008, which led to a series of popular singles and a full length, last year’s Watch Me Fall. Jay was far more prolific than his own releases, however, recording dozens of LPs, EPs and 7-inch singles with various bands.

Beck shared his condolences by posting Jay’s cover of his own song Gamma Ray on his website:

Reatard was also notorious for his volatile personality, starting fights with audience members and urinating onstage at shows. His entire band quit in October over an undisclosed dispute that got pretty colorful on Twitter.

Rumors of his death first surfaced Wednesday afternoon, and were confirmed by a post on the Goner Records message board. A statement on the label’s Matablog reads: “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.”

UPDATE: Consequence of Sound reports via the Memphis local Fox affiliate that Reatard’s death is being investigated as a possible homicide. Authorities are now searching for a possible suspect, and seeking the public’s help for any information. A $1,000 reward is being offered for information leading to an arrest.