Steve Albini has died aged 61.
The acclaimed musician – who helmed some of the most revered albums across the US alternative music scene – has passed away after suffering a heart attack at his recording studio.
Staff at the studio, Electrical Audio, have confirmed to Pitchfork that Albini died on Tuesday (07.05.24).
The late musician fronted bands such as Big Black, Rapeman and Shellac, while he also produced albums for the likes of Nirvana, Pixies, PJ Harvey, and Jimmy Page and Robert Plant.
Albini was heavily influenced by the punk movement during his younger years, and he ultimately founded his own music project called Big Black, firstly as a solo effort before it eventually became a quartet.
The group released their debut album, ‘Atomizer’ in 1986, and they’re now recognised as one of the most influential punk groups of the era.
Despite this, the group split and in 1987, Albini formed a new band called Rapeman.
Albini then formed Shellac in 1992 alongside drummer Todd Trainer and bassist Bob Weston. Together, they released five albums and the group are actually scheduled to release their latest record, ‘To All Trains’, next week.
In 1995, Albini established his own recording studio and he worked with several high-profile acts, including Joanna Newsom, Low, Jon Spencer Blues Explosion, Manic Street Preachers, and Jarvis Cocker.
Away from the music scene, Albini also enjoyed huge success as a poker player, winning two coveted bracelets at World Series of Poker tournaments, as well as hundreds of thousands of dollars in prize money.
Albini is survived by his wife, movie-maker Heather Whinna.