Big Star Box Set Coming in September

Long rumored but now officially confirmed, John Fry of Ardent Records acknowledged on Friday via Bruce Eaton’s Big Star blog that the company will release a Big Star box set on September 15. Due to the holiday weekend, Eaton’s blog didn’t offer many additional details about the plan.

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A source close to the project offered more information on the project yesterday to Blurt Online, answering many questions about what the box will feature. The box set, released by Rhino, will comprise of four discs of material, covering the years 1968-75.  Some of the songs included in the set will be from bands the four members performed with prior to the formation of Big Star in 1971. “Rarities and previously unreleased material,” however, will comprise the majority of the material contained within the boxed set. Live material from a Memphis concert recorded shortly after co-leader Chris Bell left the band will also be included. This concert, dated sometime between 1972-3, features Alex Chilton singing lead vocals on many songs written by Bell. Lastly, the box will include a 100-page book featuring rare photos of the band.

Although Rhino has yet to make an official announcement confirming the yet untitled box set, one is expected soon.