The likes of PJ Harvey, Mogwai, Shellac‘s Todd Trainer and more have paid tribute to the late Steve Albini on what would have been his 62nd birthday.
The legendary producer and engineer tragically passed on May 7 from a heart attack. He was well known for being the producer of major albums such as Nirvana’s ‘In Utero‘, Pixies’ ‘Surfer Rosa’, Harvey’s ‘Rid of Me’, Manic Street Preachers‘ ‘Journal For Plague Lovers’ and more.
On Monday (July 22), Albini would have turned 62 and to celebrate his birthday, his widow, Heather Whinna, launched a campaign via Touch and Go Records that would turn his birthday “into a worldwide celebration to honor his life and legacy” by sharing photos or memories fans and friends had with Albini on social media using the hashtag #ThankyouSteveAlbini.
Harvey took to her official Instagram stories to share the cover art of ‘Rid of Me’ with the caption: “Remembering Steve Albini on this day, his birthday.” Mogwai followed in the same footsteps and shared the cover of their 2001 single ‘My Father, My King’ which Albini worked on.
Trainer – Albini’s Shellac bandmate – shared dozens of photos of the late engineer while travelling all around the world. Some include the band dressed up in their Halloween costumes, them posing with the leaning tower of Piza in Rome, Albini sitting behind a gigantic drum kit and one of the late producer working in a studio sat in front of a mixing board.
Whinna also paid tribute to her late husband by sharing a photo of his guitar pick case alongside two plectrums for Cheap Trick’s Rick Nielsen and one of Albini’s metal guitar picks. “Steve always carried his guitar pick case in his right pocket. Now I do,” read the caption of the photo.
American rock band The Jesus Lizard shared a clip of Albini from the 2014 documentary Breadcrumb Trail in which the late producer tells the story behind the creation of the band’s 1990 track ‘Mouth Breather’ from their second album ‘Goat’.
Check out more tributes to the late and great Albini below:
Happy birthday Steve Albini. Thanks for changing the way records sound. And thanks for recording our upcoming record. We can't wait for people to hear it.#thankyoustevealbini pic.twitter.com/oCtR84obvT
— Toadies (Official) (@thetoadies) July 22, 2024
Happy birthday, Steve-san!
For 22 years, Steve-san has always been our guide, teacher and hero. He is the coolest genius and forever, our soul partner. We're so glad we met you, Steve-san. We love you from the bottom of our hearts. We hope to see you again.#ThankYouSteveAlbini pic.twitter.com/hjQBoHvKGX
— MONO (Japan) (@monoofjapan) July 22, 2024
Our man Albini at the boards, circa ‘99. Where the action was: Chicago’s (still-)decrepit Congress Theatre, cutting tracks with Plush for Fed. He was there with us, all the way. Just a few of the things we and the world’ll miss about the old boy. #thankyoustevealbini pic.twitter.com/GmP18VWwTL
— 𝕯𝖗𝖆𝖌 𝕮𝖎𝖙𝖞 (@dragcityrecords) July 22, 2024
A number of musicians have previously shared tributes to Albini in the wake of his death. During her performance Primavera Sound this year, Harvey gave a speech in honour of the producer. The festival also named a stage after Albini in his honour.
A statement from Primavera read at the time: “Farewell, Steve. Although it will be the first year since 2007 in which he will not command the inimitable Shellac at his annual date with his favourite festival, the figure of the late Steve Albini will be more present than ever at Primavera Sound.
“The Steve Albini stage, situated opposite the Plenitude stage, will be a tribute to an irreplaceable member of the Primavera family, although he will, in fact, be honoured in every inch of the Parc del Fòrum, during every second of the festival.”
Meanwhile, Joanna Newsom dedicated ‘Cosmia’ to him and Foo Fighters dedicated ‘My Hero’ to the producer as well.
“Tonight I’d like to dedicate this song to a friend that we lost the other day, who I’ve known a long, long time,” Foos frontman Dave Grohl told the crowd. “He left us much too soon. He’s touched all of your lives, I’m sure. I’m talking about Steve Albini. For those of you who know, you know. For those of you who don’t know, just remember that name: Steve Albini. Let’s sing this one for him.”
Elsewhere, back in 2018, Albini spoke to former NME staffer Tom Connick about his recording process and advice for new bands.
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