Dear IASPM members,

The IASPM Executive is saddened to hear of the passing of IASPM founding member and popular music studies pioneer, Philip Tagg. Philip laid the groundwork for our discipline as we know it today, championing the study of popular music in the academy. Philip’s analytical methodologies brought popular musicology to the fore and showed us the depth and reach of popular musicality. Philip’s many works are widely cited today, and he leaves an extraordinary legacy that will resonate throughout our field now and long into the future. Philip was a generous and witty academic, a huge contributor to IASPM, and a mentor to many. He will be greatly missed.

The IASPM Executive will convene to see how best we can honour Phillip and his work. In the meantime, we extend our sincere condolences to his family, friends, and all who knew him.

Sincerely,

Sam 

On behalf of the IASPM Executive Committee