Peter Gutteridge, a key figure in the development of the Dunedin sound, has passed away, aged in his early 50s. He was a founder of the New Zealand indie bands The Clean and The Chills, later forming his own group Snapper and releasing a solo album, Pure, in 1989.

A post on the website of Flying Nun Records, who, in addition to The Clean, The Chills and Snapper, had The Great Unwashed, Gutteridge's band with The Clean's Hamish and David Kilgour, on their roster, said: "Peter was a Flying Nun original, a founding member of The Clean, The Chills and of course his own brilliant band Snapper. A great talent, he was also member of the Great Unwashed, involved in many Dunedin bands and went on to release beautiful solo material across the years. All of us, and so many people around the world, have been touched and affected by his music, whether it be the swirling fuzz of the guitar or haunting piano melodies, Peter was a true hero of New Zealand music, and will be deeply missed." Watch the video for 'Buddy' from Snapper's self-titled 1988 debut EP below: