MINNEAPOLIS — Beej Chaney, always a bold adventurer as a guitarist and performer, had a ritual of swimming in the Pacific Ocean almost daily. The Twin Cities-reared musician did so Sunday around sunset,

Onstage, playing “beejtar” with The Suburbs in the 1970s and ’80s, Chaney was intense. Whether he was running around shirtless or swinging from the rafters, he looked, as Semisonic member Dan Wilson told the Pioneer Press a few years ago, “like he might explode at any moment.”

Chaney and high school chum Chan Poling founded the 'Burbs, known for their unusual melding of new wave and punk sensibilities in the '70s and '80s.

Blaine John "Beej" Chaney, co-founder of Twin Cities punk rock band The Suburbs, has died at the age of 68. The Star Tribune's Jon Bream and Chris Riemenschneider first reported the news, with Chaney's personal assistant and driver confirming it was him, adding that he had a "ritual" of swimming in the Pacific Ocean almost daily.

A Minnesota band popular across the country in the late 70s and through the 80s is saying goodbye to a founding member. The Suburbs’ John “Beej” Chaney, of Blaine, has passed away, according to the band.