Legendary rock music producer and engineer Steve Albini, known for his work with Nirvana, Pixies, PJ Harvey, and many others, has passed away at the age of 61. The cause of death was a heart attack.
Born in Pasadena, California in 1962, Albini discovered the Ramones as a teenager and began his music career with Big Black in 1982 while studying journalism at Northwestern University. He later formed Shellac with Bob Weston and Todd Trainer in the early 1990s.
Albini was known for his sharp vision for recording bands, preferring a raw and authentic sound. He recorded acclaimed albums for Nirvana, Pixies, PJ Harvey, Cheap Trick, Jimmy Page and Robert Plant among others.
In addition to his work as an engineer and frontman of Big Black and Shellac, Albini also championed the do-it-yourself ethic in music. He was known for his acerbic wit and sharp criticism of those in the industry for money or popularity rather than music.
Albini is survived by his wife, filmmaker Heather Whinna.
Steve Albini's influence on alternative rock and the recording industry cannot be overstated. His work with Nirvana, Pixies, and PJ Harvey helped define the sound of alternative music in the 1980s and 1990s.
Sources:
- Cleveland.com: Legendary rock music producer, frontman dies at 61
- The New York Times: Steve Albini, Influential Producer of Nirvana and Pixies Albums, Dies at 61
- Variety: Steve Albini Dead: Nirvana Engineer and Big Black Frontman Was 61