Steve Albini, a legendary figure in the music industry as both a producer and performer, passed away on May 7, 2024 at the age of 61 due to a heart attack. Born in Pasadena, California and raised in Missoula, Montana, Albini's life was transformed by his discovery of the Ramones. He later studied journalism in Illinois and became an integral part of Chicago's punk scene.
Albini began recording under the name Big Black in the early 1980s with a drum machine and later added band members Jeff Pezzati and Santiago Durango. After Big Black, he formed Rapeman before founding Shellac with Bob Weston and Todd Trainer. Albini's production work includes Nirvana's In Utero, Pixies' Surfer Rosa, PJ Harvey's Rid of Me, Joanna Newsom's Ys, Nina Nastasia's early records, and Jason Molina catalog.
Beyond his work with Shellac and as a producer for numerous other artists, Albini was known for his insistence on analogue techniques and set up Electrical Audio in 1995. He worked with landmark acts such as Nirvana, Pixies, PJ Harvey, Robert Plant and Jimmy Page.
Shellac was preparing to tour their first album in a decade when the sad news of Albini's passing was announced. Albini remained an outspoken critic of exploitative music industry practices until his final years.
Steve Albini is survived by his family, friends, and countless fans who will remember him as a pioneer in the world of indie rock.
