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.
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.
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.
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.
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)