Steve Albini, Big Black and Shellac Frontman, Dead at 61

Indie rocker Steve Albini, who was finest recognized for being the entrance man for the rock bands Big Black and Shellac, has died.

His staff at his Chicago-based studio, Digital Audio, confirmed the unhappy information Wednesday … sharing that the musician’s reason behind dying was a coronary heart assault.

Albini rose to fame within the ’80s together with his punk rock band, Big Black, which he began alongside guitarist Santiago Durango and bassist Jeff Pezzati. The group was recognized for controversial lyrics … and for selecting to make use of a drum machine over a drum package. They launched 2 studio albums earlier than disbanding in 1987.

Regardless of his disdain for the time period producer, Albini went on to work on a number of high-profile albums, together with the Pixies’ 1988 album “Surfer Rosa” and Nirvana’s 1993 “In Utero” album. He also recorded PJ Harvey’s second studio album, “Rid of Me,” which additionally got here out in 1993.

He famously rejected royalty funds … asking for a flat payment generally — usually criticizing musicians for being in it for the cash.

Albini went on to entrance one other rock band, referred to as Shellac … releasing 5 albums over their tenure collectively. Shellac was set to launch their sixth album subsequent week … it was their first album in a decade. They had been additionally reportedly planning to tour the album later this yr.

Elijah Wood paid tribute to the late music legend on X … writing … “Ugh man, a heartbreaking loss of a legend. Love to his family and innumerable colleagues.”

Marc Maron expressed the same sentiment, noting … “The great Steve Albini has died. He engineered some of the greatest albums of all time. Here’s our 2015 talk in remembrance. Rest in heavy peace, Steve.”

He was 61 years outdated.