Steve Albini dead: Legendary rock producer passes away aged 61
- The legendary music producer died of a heart attack
Legendary music producer Steve Albini, best known for his recordings with Nirvana, has died at the age of 61.
Albini died of a heart attack, his cast said in the music studio Pitchfork.
He led a decades-long career in the studio, while also fronting for Big Black and Shellac, with the latter with whom he was reportedly preparing for an upcoming tour.
He was credited with his role in the rise of alternative rock music in the 1980s and 1990s, including his work with the Pixies, Jarvis Cocker and PJ Harvey.
Legendary music producer Steve Albini, best known for his recordings with Nirvana, has died at the age of 61
Outside the studio, Albini fronted Big Black and The Shellac, with the latter reportedly preparing for an upcoming tour before his death.
Despite his success in the recording studio, Albini’s later career was also marked by his outspoken criticism of the music industry.
He took particular aim at predatory practices by music executives, arguing that young bands are often lured into exploitative deals early in their careers.
Albini was known for his preference for the term ‘music engineer’ over producer, and made his mark on iconic music of the grunge era – including the recording of Nirvana’s album ‘In Utero’.
Those who worked with him said he was not afraid to show his distaste for the music he produced, and he famously described the Pixies in 1988 as “four cows who prefer to be led around by their nose rings.”
In the weeks before his death, Albini had been preparing for a tour with his band Shellac, and the band had recorded their first album in ten years, due for release the following week.