http://blogs.suntimes.com/derogatis/200 ... ge_45.html

Jay Bennett, a rock musician with deep ties to Chicago best known as a former member of Wilco, died early Sunday morning in downstate Urbana, where he had been running a recording studio, according to a spokesman for his family.

The singer and multi-instrumentalist was 45 years old.

"Early this morning, Jay died in his sleep and an autopsy is being performed," said Edward Burch, a friend and musician who collaborated with Bennett on the 2005 album "The Palace at 4 a.m." "The family is in mourning and is unavailable for comment at this time."

Born in the Chicago suburb of Rolling Meadows, Bennett began playing in bands as a teenager. He attended the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and earned multiple degrees in secondary education, math and political science. In between, he co-founded the Replacements-like power-pop band Titanic Love Affair, which released three albums during the alternative-rock heyday between 1991 and 1996, when it was dropped from its label.

Bennett was working at a VCR repair shop in Champaign when he was tapped to join Wilco as it toured in support of its first album, "A.M." A talented arranger and versatile musician who could play virtually any instrument he picked up, from mandolin to Mellotron, Bennett formed a fruitful partnership with Wilco bandleader Jeff Tweedy. His contributions over a seven-year period were key to the albums that resulted in the band's national breakthrough, including "Being There" (1996), "Summerteeth" (1999) and "Yankee Hotel Foxtrot" (2002).

Relations between Bennett and Tweedy, both painstaking perfectionists, soured during the latter recording, as documented in the film "I Am Trying to Break Your Heart," and Bennett left the band. Earlier this month, Bennett filed a lawsuit against Tweedy for breach of contract and unpaid artist's royalties, stemming in part from his role in the film.

In late April, Bennett wrote on his MySpace blog about dealing with intense pain from a hip injury suffered during a dive from the stage while playing with Titanic Love Affair. He was preparing to have surgery, but was concerned about his lack of health insurance. However, he also was looking forward to finishing his fifth solo album, "Kicking at the Perfumed Air," at his studio, Pieholden Suites, named after the song on "Summerteeth" that best encapsulates his talents as an arranger.

"This whole experience [with the hip pain] 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. "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... All in all, I'm 'in a really good place' right now; I'm just waiting until I can make it all happen."

Bennett's former bandmates in Wilco are touring in Spain and could not be reached for comment. But Burch said he had spoken to bassist John Stirratt, and the band was "broken up" about the news.

"He was an extremely talented musician and a great person, and I'll miss him terribly," Burch added.

This is the most terrible news. I met him once briefly as well as other members of Wilco who I have much admiration for.
Most talented and highly educated, his contributions to "Wilco" are superlative.

Such a young man to go from us all. The comment about "He was preparing to have surgery, but was concerned about his lack of health insurance" truly angers me. This delay may have been THE most contributing factor in saving his life.

Damm, not right for anyone to suffer and then die because of lack of health care availability.

Rick A.

I'm stunned. Such a wonderful musician. Never mind the musical loss. 45 is too damn young.

I'm saddened to hear this. I wish his family strength and peace.

Sad news indeed. It is such a tragedy when one so young is taken. He seemed to have made some personal breakthroughs of clarity, and then to have them taken away. He was such a large part of Summerteeth, which is my personal favorite Wilco album.

Very sad news indeed. To die so young, he's the same age as I am. So much life was ahead of him. Summerteeth is also my favorite. RIP

I first saw Jay Bennett when he was touring with Tommy Keene's band in the early 90s. He was a great guitarist, and a wonderful compliment to Keene. I was happy to see him have some success with Wilco and his various other projects.

This really is very sad. I have become a huge Wilco fan over the past year, and the albums on which he played are all terrific. I'm listening to the last show he played with Wilco, from July 4, 2001, and its a great show. You can really hear his contribution when you compare it to more recent shows. RIP.

Man, that friggin' sucks. I'll always remember his great guitar playing from Being There & Yankee in particular, plus his smart ass sense of humor in the Wilco & Mermaid Ave. DVDs. RIP.

Truly devastating news, indeed. Jay was a very talented musician, and his loss will be felt deeply. As Greg pointed out, his collaborations with Tommy Keene were another highlight of his career. My thoughts go out to his family and friends in this time of loss

http://www.nme.com/news/wilco/45547



Ex-Wilco guitarist died of a drug overdose, says coroner

Jun 23, 2009

Wilco's former guitarist, Jay Bennett, died of a drug overdose, according to coroner's reports.

Illinois coroner Duane Northrup determined that the 45-year-old multi-instrumentalist died from an overdose of fentanyl, a drug that is commonly prescribed to treat chronic pain, reports the Associated Press. His death is being treated as an accident.

Bennett was declared dead after being found unresponsive at his Illinois home on May 24.

Bennett played with Wilco from 1994 to 2001, leaving the Americana band because of a fall-out with band leader Jeff Tweedy.

Shortly before his death, he sued the band for $50,000 (£33,000), claiming he was owed royalties for albums he worked on while in the band.

---

What sucks about this is that the casual observer will think "Yet another rock star ODs on drugs", but he wasn't being self-indulgent, he was in PAIN and trying to feel better.

Sad.

Thanks Linda, this is a VERY important fact!

Rick A.

Wilco opened with Via Chicago last night. Maybe not intentional, but I heard it as a tribute to Jay.
Having been close to someone who was taking prescribed pills for pain and anti-depressants, I watched how easily someone could get deep in this while trying to do nothing but get rid of the pain.