Brian McBride, one half of ambient duo Stars of the Lid, has died. His bandmate, Adam Wiltzie, shared the news on their social media, writing, “I am deeply saddened to tell everyone that Brian McBride has passed away. I loved this guy & he will be missed.” The group’s label, Kranky, simply wrote “REST IN PEACE BRIAN MCBRIDE [1970-2023].”
McBride and Wiltzie formed Stars of the lid in Austin, Texas in 1993, creating a unique orchestral version of drone music with such modern ambient classics as 1997’s The Ballasted Orchestra and 2007’s And Their Refinement of the Decline which was the last studio album. Stars of the Lid last played NYC 10 years ago as part of Kranky’s 20th anniversary. McBride released two solo albums, as well as two albums as part of chamber pop group Bell Gardens.
Rest in peace, Brian.
