Black Sabbath, Judas Priest lead tributes to producer Chris Tsangarides, who has died aged 61

According to his daughter Anastasia, Tsangarides died peacefully following a battle with pneumonia and heart failure. He was 61.

The British producer began his career as a teenager when he worked as an apprentice at Morgan Studios in London back in 1974 and got his big break when he worked as a sound engineer on Judas Priest’s second studio album ‘Sad Wings of Destiny’.

Tsangarides made his debut as a producer helming his friend Gary Moore’s 1978 solo album ‘Back on the Streets’ and went on to produce a series of influential rock albums throughout the eighties and nineties including Anvil's ‘Metal on Metal’, Thin Lizzy's ‘Thunder and Lightning’, Judas Priest’s tour-de-force ‘Painkiller’ and Bruce Dickinson's first solo album ‘Tattooed Millionaire’.

Other bands he worked with over the decades include Y&T, Black Sabbath, Tygers of Pan Tang, Ian Gillan, Girlschool, Exodus, Yngwie Malmsteen, Magnum, Ozzy Osbourne, The Quireboys, The Amorettes, Rock Goddess, Concrete Blonde and Helloween.

Outside of the rock sphere he also produced a diverse array of artists including Depeche Mode, The Human League and Tom Jones. 

Remembering Tsangarides, Judas Priest said: “We are saddened to hear of the passing of our friend Chris Tsangarides - his contributions to our metal and so many others will forever remain - Love and condolences to his family.”

> We are saddened to hear of the passing of our friend Chris Tsangarides - his contributions to our metal and so many others will forever remain - Love and condolences to his family > > — Judas Priest (@judaspriest) January 8, 2018

Black Sabbath’s Tony Iommi said: “I'm so saddened to hear of the passing of the Producer Chris Tsangarides - he has been a part of my life since the 70 when he worked as tape operator on the Sabbath album Sabotage and he's worked with me on lots of other albums and stuff. He'll be sadly missed. RIP my friend.”

His band mate Geezer Butler added: “Sad to hear of Chris Tsangarides passing away. He worked on the Sabotage album, a thoroughly lovely bloke. R.I.P. Chris.”

> I'm so saddened to hear of the passing of the Producer Chris Tsangarides - he has been a part of my life since the 70 when he worked as tape operator on the Sabbath album Sabotage and he's worked with me on lots of other albums and stuff. He'll be sadly missed. RIP my friend. pic.twitter.com/GPWTEilPSe > > — Tony Iommi (@tonyiommi) January 7, 2018

> Sad to hear of Chris Tsangarides passing away. He worked on the Sabotage album, a thoroughly lovely bloke. R.I.P. Chris. > > — Geezer Butler (@GZRMusic) January 7, 2018

Anvil’s Steve 'Lips' Kudlow said: “It's with profound sadness I say goodbye to a dear friend...Chris Tsangarides was our beloved record producer who I am grateful to say appeared in Anvil The Story of Anvil with us. He was truly an amazing human being who had a deep passion for music. He understood not only the music but even more so the musicians. He became part of our lives and he will be sorely missed. Rest easy my friend.”

Scott Gorham said: “Shocking to hear that Chris Tsangarides has passed away. He produced two great albums for Thin Lizzy, was a really good guy to work with and a friend. We will miss him.” 

Thin Lizzy wrote on Facebook: “It is with great sadness that we hear of the passing of Producer Chris Tsangarides who worked with the band on Renegade and Thunder and Lightning. Our thoughts go out to Chris’s wife Jane and family at this time.”

> So devastated to hear about the death of Chris Tsangarides, who produced our Game On album, and so many legendary records and bands.
> Thinking of his lovely wife Jane and his family right now.
> Thank you for starting this crazy journey off for us x pic.twitter.com/HrlcnYHMMS > > — The Amorettes (@TheAmorettes) January 7, 2018

The Amorettes wrote: “So devastated to hear about the death of Chris Tsangarides, who produced our Game On album, and so many legendary records and bands. Thinking of his lovely wife Jane and his family right now. Thank you for starting this crazy journey off for us x”

Saxon drummer Nigel Glockler said: "So very sorry to wake up to the news that Chris Tsangarides has passed. A truly fantastic producer and even better person."

> Overkill are saddened to hear about the death of Chris Tsangarides.
> We were fortunate to have worked with him. A great guy with amazing talent, and humor and smile to match. Thoughts go out to his family and friends. RIP Chris > > — OVERKILL (@OverkillBand) January 7, 2018

> So sad to hear about the passing of Chris Tsangarides. Such a lovely fellow, great storyteller and talented producer. It was an honour to have worked with him. > > — Ginger Wildheart (@GingerWildheart) January 7, 2018

> Devastated to hear that Chris Tsangarides, my good friend & all round lovely man (as well as being a legendary producer), passed away today. Chris you will be much missed. RIP Dark Lord. Deepest sympathy to your family, friends & band. ??? > > — Bernie Torme #FBPE (@Bernie_Torme) January 7, 2018

> I am saddened by the news of outstanding producer and dear friend Chris Tsangarides passing. My thoughts and prayers to his wife Jane and family ?? https://t.co/SSmACAetx5 > > — Rudy Sarzo (@rudysarzo) January 7, 2018

> Shocking to hear that Chris Tsangarides has passed away. He produced two great albums for Thin Lizzy, was a... https://t.co/MZmG5cuXkk > > — Scott Gorham (@Scott_Gorham) January 7, 2018

> A great producer & mixer I never worked with, but who was the man behind the desk on many of my favorite Metal albums from Judas Priest, Thin Lizzy, Tygers Of Pan Tang, King Diamond and the list goes on... R.I.P #christsangarides https://t.co/bzxSEQHHuE > > — Michael Amott (@Michael_Amott) January 7, 2018