Nirvana, Page and Plant, and Pixies engineer Steve Albini dies aged 61
He worked on over 2,000 albums
Prolific rock producer and musician Steve Albini has died aged 61 of a heart attack.
Alongside fronting his own bands Shellac and Big Black, Steve Albini was a revered studio wizard who worked on over 2,000 albums by both eminent and underground bands, largely at his own Chicago studio Electrical Audio.
Diverse artists Albini worked with include Cheap Trick, Manic Street Preachers, The Breeders, Godspeed You! Black Emperor, Mogwai, The Stooges, PJ Harvey, and Bush.
Albini also engineered Jimmy Page and Robert Plant’s only album together outside of Led Zeppelin, 1998’s ‘Walking into Clarksdale.’
Preferring to be dubbed an “engineer” rather than a producer, arguably the most famous album Albini recorded was Nirvana’s third and final studio effort ‘In Utero’ – an album made at the band’s blockbuster commercial peak.
Keen Pixies aficionado Kurt Cobain recruited Albini – much to the dismay of Geffen Records - as he was a fan of his raw and gloriously abrasive work on Pixies’ influential ‘Surfer Rosa’ album.
Albini famously wrote a four-page proposal to Nirvana when they recruited him, and stated that if the album “takes more than a week to make, somebody’s f---ing up”.
He also outlined his ethos as a recording engineer and his refusal to take royalties, explaining: “I do not want and will not take a royalty on any record I record. No points. Period.
“I think paying a royalty to a producer or engineer is ethically indefensible. The band write the songs. The band play the music. It’s the band’s fans who buy the records. The band is responsible for whether it’s a great record or a horrible record. Royalties belong to the band.
“I would like to be paid like a plumber: I do the job and you pay me what it’s worth.”
Nirvana re-shared the letter on social media today (9th May) when news of Albini’s death emerged.
Albini is survived by his filmmaker wife Heather Whinna.
Figures from the rock world who have died in 2024:
Tony Clarkin
Magnum guitarist, songwriter and founding member Tony Clarkin died aged 77 on Sunday 7th January 2024 following a short illness. Tony Clarkin's death came just three days before Magnum released their 23rd studio album 'Here Comes the Rain.' One month earlier, Magnum cancelled their planned 2024 UK tour after Tony was diagnosed with a rare spinal condition. Tony formed Magnum in Birmingham in 1972 alongside vocalist Bob Catley. The pair remained constant members of the Magnum – aside from the band's six-year split from 1995 to 2001 – and they appeared on all 23 of their studio albums. Following Magnum's demise in 1995, Clarkin and Catley formed the melodic rock band Hard Rain and they released two studio albums.
Del Palmer
Greenwich-born musician and sound engineer Del Palmer died aged 71 on Friday 5th January 2024. Best known for being a long-term collaborator with Kate Bush, with whom he had a relationship from the late 1970s to the early 1990s, Palmer also worked with artists including Midge Ure, Roy Harper and Billy Sherwood. Kate Bush said: "It's hard to know what to say… He was a big part of my life and my work for many years. It's going to take a long time to come to terms with him not being here with us. He was incredibly creative – talented in lots of different ways. He was a brilliant musician, bass player, a great artist – he was always drawing. He taught himself to be a recording engineer, engineering several of my albums and later releasing his own."
James Kottak
Former Scorpions and Kingdom Come drummer James Kottak died aged 61 on Tuesday 9th January 2024 after suffering a cardiac arrest. Paying tribute, Scorpions said: "James was a wonderful human being , a great musician and loving family man … he was our 'Brother from another Mother' and will be truly missed." Born on 26th December 1962 in Kentucky, Kottak played with a number of acts throughout his career including Buster Brown, Wild Horses, Montrose, McAuley Schenker Group, Dio and Warrant. He also achieved considerable success as a pivotal early member of Kingdom Come, however he was best known as being a member of Scorpions for two decades from 1996 to 2016.
Annie Nightingale
Trailblazing radio DJ and TV presenter Annie Nightingale died aged 83 on 11th January 2024 following a short illness. A new music champion, Nightingale joined Radio 1 in 1970 and was the only female presenter for over a decade.She became the station's longest serving broadcaster and held the Guinness World Record for the longest career as a female radio presenter. Nightingale passionately championed an eclectic array of music throughout her 60+ year career including progressive rock and punk. Alongside her distinguished radio career, she was also a TV presenter and well-known for presenting The Old Grey Whistle Test for eleven years.
Wayne Kramer
Wayne Kramer, the co-founder, lead guitarist, and singer with Detroit punk pioneers MC5, died of pancreatic cancer on Friday 2nd February 2024. He was 75 years old. A post on his official Instagram account simply read: "Wayne S. Kramer "PEACE BE WITH YOU" 🕊️ April 30, 1948 - February 2, 2024." Despite not achieving considerable success with MC5, Kramer helped set the blueprint for the punk movement thanks to the band's ferocious concerts, their timeless 1969 live album 'Kick Out the Jams' and two studio releases 'Back in the USA' and 'High Time.' Following MC5's demise, Kramer battled drug addiction before returning to an active recording and performing schedule in the 1990s. He's often ranked among the most influential guitarists of all time.
Damo Suzuki
Can vocalist Damo Suzuki – real name Kenji Suzuki – died aged 74 on 9th February 2024 following a decade-long battle with colon cancer. Born in 1950 in Kobe, Japan, Suzuki moved to Germany as a teenager in the late 1960s where he was spotted busking in Munich by Can bassist Holger Czukay and drummer Jaki Liebezeit. Recruited to their ranks, he sang on the krautrock band's influential albums Tago Mago (1971), Ege Bamyası (1972) and Future Days (1973). In 1974 he retired when he became a Jehovah's Witness, however he returned to music in 1983 and remained active until his health prohibited him in 2019.
Vitalij Kuprij
Ukrainian-American musician Vitalij Kuprij, best known for being keyboardist for Ring of Fire and Trans-Siberian Orchestra, died aged 49 on 20th February 2024. Born in Kyiv on 7th July 1974, Kuprij was a virtuoso musician who performed a concert with the New York Youth Symphony at Carnegie Hall in 1999. He joined as Trans-Siberian Orchestra as pianist/keyboardist in 2009 and remained a member until his untimely death.
Bobby Tench
London-born singer, guitarist and revered sideman Bobby Tench died aged 79 in February 2024. Tench was best known for his work with Freddie King and Van Morrison, as well as being a member of The Jeff Beck Group, Humble Pie, Van Morrison band, and Streetwalkers alongside future Iron Maiden drummer Nicko McBrain. A prolific musician, he was also a founding member of Gass and Hummingbird and he performed with the likes of Ginger Baker, Topper Headon and Linda Lewis.
Dave Myers
Hairy Bikers star and much-loved Planet Rock presenter Dave Myers died on 28th February 2024 aged 66 following a two-year battle with cancer. Dave's Hairy Bikers co-star of more than two decades, Si King, broke the news of his passing in an emotional post on social media. Si said he "will miss him every day and the bond and friendship we shared over half a lifetime." As The Hairy Bikers, Si King and Dave Myers traversed the world on their motorbikes, sampling and cooking food from different regions and cultures. They released numerous cookbooks. Dave was also a keen rock music aficionado, and, with Si, he hosted the Hairy Rock Show on Planet Rock on Sunday mornings from 2015 to 2020.
Brit Turner
Blackberry Smoke drummer Brit Turner died following a 17-month battle with an aggressive brain tumour in early March 2024. Blackberry Smoke said: "If you had the privilege of knowing Brit on any level, you know he was the most caring, empathetic, driven and endearing person one could ever hope to meet. Brit was Blackberry Smoke's True North, the compass that instituted the ideology that will continue to guide this band." Blackberry Smoke revealed to their fans in November 2022 that Brit Turner had been diagnosed with a brain tumour.The diagnosis came just two months after Turner suffered a serious heart attack at his home in Atlanta, Georgia. Brit Turner and his bassist brother Richard formed Blackberry Smoke alongside vocalist Charlie Starr in 2000, and he remained constant member until his death.
Vince Power
Irish music promoter and venue owner Vince Power, nicknamed the 'Godfather of Gigs', died aged 76 on 9th March 2024. Born in County Waterford, Power moved to London aged 15 in 1963 and in the early 80s he opened the Mean Fiddler in Harlesden, which featured boasted performances from the likes of Van Morrison, Johnny Cash and Paul McCartney. At its peak, Power's Mean Fiddler Music Group owned esteemed venues in London including GAY, The Astoria and The Jazz Café. Power helped popularise festivals in the UK through the rise of Reading, Leeds, The Phoenix, The Fleadh, Madstock, and numerous other one offs including the first Sex Pistols re-union in Finsbury Park. His family said he was "a visionary entrepreneur who enhanced and influenced the music industry significantly, whilst always being a dedicated, loving father and a loyal friend to so many."
Karl Wallinger
Karl Wallinger, the Welsh musician and songwriter who fronted World Party and was a former member of The Waterboys, died aged 66 on 10th March 2024. A statement from Wallinger's publicist read: "Karl Wallinger, the Welsh-born musician and composer better known as the singular force behind World Party, died Sunday March 10.Presciently ahead of his time with songs such as Ship Of Fools, Put The Message In The Box and Is It Like Today?, in addition to the magic of She's The One and the Waterboys' The Whole Of The Moon, Wallinger was 66. Karl leaves behind a loving family including wife Suzie Zamit, son Louis Wallinger, daughter Nancy Zamit and two grandchildren."
Eric Carmen
Former Raspberries frontman and hitmaking solo star Eric Carmen died aged 74 in early March 2024. Carmen's wife Amy broke wrote: "Our sweet, loving and talented Eric passed away in his sleep, over the weekend. It brought him great joy to know, that for decades, his music touched so many and will be his lasting legacy. Please respect the family's privacy as we mourn our enormous loss." Carmen co-founded the Raspberries in his native Cleveland, Ohio, in 1970, and the pop rock band released four studio albums in the early 70s. However, he's best known for his solo hits including 'All By Myself', 'Hungry Eyes' (from the Dirty Dancing soundtrack) and 'Make Me Lose Control.'
Steve Harley
Steve Harley died on Sunday 17th March 2024 aged 73 following a battle with cancer. Best known as the frontman of glam rock band Cockney Rebel, he scored five hit singles in the 1970s including 'Judy Teen', 'Mr. Soft' and the Number 1 smash 'Make Me Smile (Come Up and See Me)'. In a statement, Steve Harley's daughter Greta said: "We are devastated to announce that our wonderful Husband and Father has passed away peacefully at home, with his family by his side. The birdsong from his woodland that he loved so much was singing for him. His home has been filled with the sounds and laughter of his four Grandchildren. Stephen. Steve. Dad. Grandar. Steve Harley. Whoever you know him as, his heart exuded only core elements. Passion, kindness, generosity. And much more, in abundance."
C.J. Snare
Firehouse singer C.J. Snare passed away at the age of 64 on 5th April. Snare co-founded Firehouse and sang and played keyboards on all seven of the band's albums, including their 1990 self-titled debut, which went double Platinum in the US. Snare's partner Katherine Little shared a message, revealing that Snare had been diagnosed with Stage IV colon cancer. She wrote: "His initial prognosis was grim, but that didn't stop him. We went for a second opinion and in September of 2021, he had a life-saving operation that gave us these last years with him. He was so incredibly positive during this whole disease."
Dickey Betts
Dickey Betts, co-founder, guitarist and eventual leader of The Allman Brothers Band died at the age of 80 on 18th April 2024. Betts was part of the original line-up of the band featuring Duane and Gregg Allman, who coalesced around jam sessions in 1968. He went on to write their biggest hits including 'Jessica', 'Ramblin' Man', 'In Memory of Elizabeth Reed' and many more besides. His distinctive dual guitar soloing with Duane Allman helped define the Southern Rock genre, although Betts himself disliked the term, saying "I think it's limiting. I'd rather just be known as a progressive rock band from the South."
Mike Pinder
Mike Pinder, the co-founder and original keyboard player with the Moody Blues, died aged 82 on 24th April 2024. Pinder was the last surviving original member of the group, having founded the band alongside Denny Laine, Graeme Edge, Ray Thomas, and Clint Warwick in 1964. He co-wrote all the songs on debut album 'The Magnificent Moodies' with guitarist Laine. He was also an early proponent of the Mellotron and was considered to be an influential rock keyboard player. His death was announced by his family, who did not share a cause of death but said he had died peacefully on Wednesday at his home in Northern California.
Duane Eddy
'King of Twang' guitarist Duane Eddy died aged 86 on 30th April 2024 following a cancer battle. "Duane inspired a generation of guitarists the world over with his unmistakeable signature 'Twang' sound," a statement from his family read. "He was the first rock and roll guitar god, a truly humble and incredible human being. He will be sorely missed." Born in Corning, New York state, in 1936, Duane Eddy had a series of instrumental hits in the late 50s and early 60s, including the theme to TV series 'Peter Gunn', 'Because They're Young' and 'Rebel Rouser.' His first three studio albums – 'Have Twangy Guitar Will Travel', 'Especially for You' and 'The Twangs the Thang' – were all Top 10 hits in the UK along with his 1960 compilation '$1,000,000 Worth of Twang.' Throughout his illustrious and influential career, Eddy sold more than 100 million records worldwide.
Richard Tandy
Electric Light Orchestra keyboardist and multi-instrumentalist Richard Tandy died aged 76 on 1st May 2024. ELO lynchpin Jeff Lynne broke the news of Tandy's passing, writing on social media: "It is with great sadness that I share the news of the passing of my long-time collaborator and dear friend Richard Tandy. He was a remarkable musician and friend and I'll cherish the lifetime of memories we had together." No cause of death was revealed. A core member of Electric Light Orchestra who helped shape their unique sound on anthems like 'Mr Blue Sky', 'Evil Woman', 'Sweet Talkin' Woman' and 'Living Thing', Tandy also played Minimoog synthesiser, a Wurlitzer electric piano, the clavinet, Mellotron and piano. Tandy performed on every ELO album except their debut, and together with his band mates he sold over 50 million records worldwide.
Steve Albini
Prolific rock producer and musician Steve Albini died on 8th May 2024 aged 61 of a heart attack. Alongside fronting his own bands Shellac and Big Black, Steve Albini was a revered studio wizard who worked on over 2,000 albums by both eminent and underground bands, largely at his own Chicago studio Electrical Audio. Diverse artists Albini worked with include Pixies, Nirvana, Jimmy Page and Robert Plant, Cheap Trick, Manic Street Preachers, The Breeders, Godspeed You! Black Emperor, Mogwai, The Stooges, PJ Harvey, and Bush. Albini famously wrote a four-page proposal to Nirvana when they recruited him for 'In Utero', and stated that if the album "takes more than a week to make, somebody's f---ing up". He also outlined his ethos as a recording engineer and his refusal to take royalties, explaining: "I do not want and will not take a royalty on any record I record. No points. Period."
Dennis Thompson
MC5 drummer and last surviving member Dennis Thompson died aged 75 on 9th May 2024. Thompson died in a Michigan nursing home just a few weeks after suffering a heart attack in April. His death follows the passing of MC5 leader Wayne Kramer in February. Thompson's son Chris McNulty said: "He was a true, free-spirited rock and roller up until the very last day. He was a very intense, extremely bright individual who had a really soft heart. He had a soft side that I don't think a lot of people got to see."
David Sanborn
Revered jazz saxophonist David Sanborn, who worked with a smorgasbord of rockers including David Bowie, Eagles, Bruce Springsteen and The Rolling Stones, died aged 78 on 12th May 2024. A statement from Sanborn's representatives read: "It is with sad and heavy hearts that we convey to you the loss of internationally renowned, 6 time Grammy Award-winning, saxophonist, David Sanborn. Mr. Sanborn passed Sunday afternoon, May 12th, after an extended battle with prostate cancer with complications. Mr. Sanborn had been dealing with prostate cancer since 2018, but had been able to maintain his normal schedule of concerts until just recently. Indeed he already had concerts scheduled into 2025. David Sanborn was a seminal figure in contemporary pop and jazz music. It has been said that he "put the saxophone back into Rock 'n Roll." Sanborn is perhaps best known for his work on David Bowie's 'Young Americans' album.
Jon Wysocki
Jon Wysocki, the founding drummer of Massachusetts rock band Staind, died aged 53 on 18th May 2024. The cause of death was noted as due to "issues with his liver that required him to be under the care of medical professionals." Wysocki founded Staind alongside vocalist Aaron Lewis, guitarist Mike Mushok and bassist Johnny April in 1995 and he performed on their first seven studio albums, including the blockbuster 2001 smash 'Break the Cycle.' He was also a member of SOiL from 2011 to 2012.
Doug Ingle
Iron Butterfly founder, organist, primary composer and lead vocalist Doug Ingle died on 24th May 2024 aged 79. His son, Doug Ingle Jr., wrote: "It's with a heavy heart and great sadness to announce the passing of my Father Doug Ingle. Dad passed away peacefully on Friday evening in the presence of family. Ingle was the last surviving original member of Iron Butterfly, the American psychedelic rock band best known for the 1968 hit 'In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida.'
Shifty Shellshock
Shifty Shellshock, the frontman of American rap-rock group Crazy Town who scored a blockbuster hit with 'Butterfly', died aged 49 on 24th June 2024. According to an official report on the County of Los Angeles Medical Examiner website, Shellshock – real name Seth Brooks Binzer – was found dead at his home. No cause of death has been revealed. In 2000, Crazy Town scored an international mega-hit with their 'Butterfly', which sampled Red Hot Chili Peppers' 1989 instrumental track 'Pretty Little Ditty.' 'Butterfly' sold over 6 million copies worldwide and stormed to Number 1 in numerous countries including Crazy Town's native US.
John Mayall
John Mayall, The Godfather of British Blues, died aged 90 on 22nd July 2024 at his home in California. His family said in a statement: "Health issues that forced John to end his epic touring career have finally led to peace for one of this world's greatest road warriors. John Mayall gave us ninety years of tireless efforts to educate, inspire and entertain." Born in Macclesfield, Cheshire on 29th November 1933, Mayall grew up in Cheadle Hulme and he formed his eponymous revolving band John Mayall & the Bluesbreakers in 1963. The Bluesbreakers proved to be a platform for an array of rock legends including Eric Clapton, Fleetwood Mac's Peter Green, Mick Fleetwood and John McVie, The Rolling Stones' Mick Taylor, and Cream's Jack Bruce to name but a few. Highly influential, Mayall enjoyed a career that spanned more than six decades.
Bill Crook
Bill Crook, the former bassist of Canadian metallers Spiritbox, died in July 2024. Crook also worked with a number of other projects including Living With Lions and A Textbook Tragedy, and he had a four-year tenure with Spiritbox from 2018 until May 2022. Although Michael Stringer played bass on Spiritbox's acclaimed debut studio album 'Eternal Blue', Crook contributed backing vocals on the record. Breaking the news of Crook's passing, A Textbook Tragedy's Kai Turmann wrote: "I'm so profoundly sad to say that our dear friend Bill Crook has passed away. "He was a friend to so many, and a dear friend to me since we were children. Bill was, and is, loved by so many people, and I'm so incredible sorry to have to share this devastating information with you. "There will be many words and many tears, but for now I just need to get the terrible news out. I'm so sorry. I love you all. I love you Bill."
Jack Russell
Jack Russell, the former frontman of Great White, died aged 63 on 7th August 2024. In a statement, his family wrote that he "died peacefully" surrounded by his family and friends. They continued: "Jack is loved and remembered for his sense of humor, exceptional zest for life, and unshakeable contribution to rock and roll where his legacy will forever thrive. His family asks for privacy at this time." Great White shared "deepest condolences to the family of Jack Russell" on their Instagram page, adding: "We hope they take comfort in knowing Jack's incredible voice will live on forever. His love for the fans and his sons went unmatched, as was his own love for rock music." Russell announced in July 2024 that he would be stepping away from touring following diagnoses of Lewy Body Dementia and Multiple System Atrophy.
Richard Macphail
Former Genesis and Peter Gabriel tour manager and "sixth-member", Richard Macphail, died aged 73 on 28th August 2024. Peter Gabriel said: "We had sixty years of history together, from when we were at school and he was the cool singer in the band called the Anon to when I spoke to him last week after he had had a nasty fall. Rich was the person who time after time bailed us out of difficult situations. When some of the band were having doubts about our future, he would inspire all of us and convince us to carry on. He went from friend and champion to became Genesis's tour manager and then my own tour manager when I started working again. His determination, good humour and enthusiasm got us all through so many difficult moments." He released the book, 'My Book of Genesis', in 2017.
Herbie Flowers
Esteemed bass guitarist Herbie Flowers, who worked with an array of rock icons, died aged 86 on 5th September 2024. A prolific session musician, Herbie Flowers was also a member of groups including Blue Mink, T. Rex and Sky, and by the end of the 1970s it's estimated that he played on more than 500 hit recordings. Arguably Flowers' most famous bass line was Lou Reed's 'Walk on the Wild Side' from his seminal 1972 album 'Transformer.' Flowers also played on two David Bowie albums, 1969's 'David Bowie' and 'Diamond Dogs', and songs he appeared on include 'Space Oddity', 'Rebel Rebel' and '1984.'
JD Souther
American singer, songwriter, and actor John David Souther died aged 78 on 17th September 2024. JD Souther co-wrote some of the biggest hits for the Eagles, including 'Best of My Love', 'Victim of Love', 'Heartache Tonight', and 'New Kid in Town.' Paying tribute, Eagles said: "We have lost a brother, a friend and a brilliant collaborator, and the world has lost a great songwriter, a pioneer of the Southern California sound that emerged in the 1970s. JD Souther was smart, talented, well-read, and in possession of a wicked sense of humour." Souther also scored his own chart hits with 'You're Only Lonely' and 'Her Town Too,' and he worked with an array of other artists including Linda Ronstadt and Don Henley.
Juan Brujo
Juan Brujo (real name Juan Lepe), vocalist of US extreme metal band Brujeria, died of a heart attack on Wednesday 18th September 2024 aged 61. "It is with deep sadness we have to announce that our leader Juan Brujo has passed away today," Brujeria wrote. "Juan suffered a heart attack on early Monday morning, after a day off from the current 'Mexorcista' tour in Saint Clairsville, Ohio. He was rushed to the nearest hospital in Wheeling, West Viriginia by emergency services, but, despite the medical team's greatest efforts, he died this morning."
Paul Di'Anno
Former Iron Maiden frontman Paul Di'Anno died aged 66 on 20th October 2024. A statement from Di'Anno's current record label Conquest Music to Planet Rock read: 'On behalf of his family, Conquest Music are sad to confirm the death of Paul Andrews, professionally known as Paul Di'Anno. Paul passed away at his home in Salisbury at the age of 66. Born in Chingford, East London on 17th May 1958, Paul first came to prominence as lead singer of English Heavy Metal band, Iron Maiden between 1978 and 1981. He sang on their groundbreaking debut album Iron Maiden, and the influential follow up release, Killers. Since leaving Iron Maiden, Paul Di'Anno had a long and eventful recording career with Battlezone and Killers as well as numerous solo releases and guest appearances.'
Phil Lesh
Grateful Dead bassist Phil Lesh died aged 84 on 25th October 2024. Born in Berkeley, California, on 15th March 1940, Philip Chapman Lesh formed Grateful Dead alongside Jerry Garcia, Bob Weir, Ron "Pigpen" McKernan and Bill Kreutzmann in 1965 and he remained a constant member of the band until their split 30 years later. A short statement on Lesh's social media channels read: "Phil Lesh, bassist and founding member of The Grateful Dead, passed peacefully this morning. He was surrounded by his family and full of love. Phil brought immense joy to everyone around him and leaves behind a legacy of music and love."