[1] After he died suddenly in 2024, Split Enz and Crowded House frontman Neil Finn said Phillipps was a "true original, fascinated by and devoted to the magic and mystery of music".

He then began supporting Chris Knox's band Toy Love, but mostly played covers before forming The Chills in 1980, aged 17, with high school friend Jane Dodd (also of The Verlaines).

[5] The band made their live performance debut in support of Bored Games at Dunedin's Coronation Hall on 15 November 1980; Gutteridge departed shortly thereafter.

[4] The band poached Terry Moore from Bored Games as their new bass guitarist, and then were joined by Fraser Batts, who played keyboard.

His funeral at Dunedin Town Hall was attended by hundreds of friends, fans, and family members, with the service led by former New Zealand Deputy Prime Minister Grant Robertson.