Sims Ellison
Sims Ellison (March 10, 1967 – June 6, 1995) was an American guitarist, who played for Pariah. In 1995, Ellison killed himself due to depression about the music industry. Today there is a charity for local Austin musicians who suffer from mental health and suicidal issues called the Sims Foundation.
Sims Ellison | |
|---|---|
| Birth name | Sims Edgar Ellison |
| Born | March 10, 1967 San Antonio, Texas, United States |
| Died | June 6, 1995 (aged 28) Austin, Texas, United States |
| Genres | Alternative, heavy metal, hard rock |
| Occupation(s) | Musician, guiatirst |
| Instrument(s) | Guitar |
| Years active | 1980's–1995 |
| Website | |
Biography
Ellison was born into a San Antonio musical family. He and his brother Kyle formed a heavy metal band in high school called Pariah. After a few albums released with different record labels they signed with Geffen Records in 1991 recording their notable album To Mock A Killingbird that was released in 1993. In May 1995 Geffen Records dumped the band after which Ellison went into a major depression.
Death
On June 6, 1995 Ellison died after he shot himself with a gun in his Austin apartment. He was 28 years old.[1]
SIMS Foundation
The SIMS Foundation was founded by former Pariah manager Wayne Nagle shortly after Sims`death, in honor of him. This charity helps local Austin musicians who have mental health issues by supporting them and their families.[2]
In October 2021, the SIMS Foundation launched a campaign to treat musicians' mental health. The idea first arose in the immediate aftermath of the 2017 Las Vegas shooting and was expanded during the COVID-19 pandemic when, in late 2020, Ellison's father launched The Founders Challenge to address mental health in the musical stage.[3]
Personal life
Ellison dated actress Renée Zellweger for a few years.
Discography
Studio albums
- 1989 - Rattle Your Skull (Not On Label)
- 1992 - Make Believe (Sick Kids Productions)
- 1993 - To Mock A Killingbird (Geffen Records)
Tribute albums
- 2015 - It`s All Over Now Baby Blue (SIMS Foundation)
References
- "After Sims Ellison took his life in 1995, foundation was set up to aid musicians with mental health woes". Austin360.com.
- Talevski, Nick (2010). Rock Obituaries - Knocking On Heaven's Door. Omnibus Press. p. 156. ISBN 9780857121172 – via Google Books.
- Mims, Taylor (10 October 2021). "Austin's SIMS Foundation Wants to Take Musician Mental Healthcare Nationwide". Billboard. Retrieved 11 October 2021.