Steve Albini, an American musician and record producer who recently passed away at 61, was highly principled about his work. While artists openly demanded royalties in general, Steve considered royalties ‘Unethical’ and refused to accept them.
In his 2013 interview, he detailed his reason for not taking royalties. He said, “If we assume three million sales, that works out to 400,000 dollars or so. There’s no f*cking way I would ever take that much money. I wouldn’t be able to sleep.”
The California-based musician also mentioned that he preferred to be paid more like a plumber than an artist.
Over the years, he worked with several bands, including Nirvana, Pixies, Big Black, and Shellac.
Likewise, in his four decades of musical career, he engineered several albums and earned enough money to maintain his lifestyle. Steve Albini had an estimated net worth of $2.5 million at the time of his passing.
Many paid homage to Steve Albini, considering him a brilliant artist and a true gift to music
Since the world learned about Steve Albini’s sudden demise, social media have been flooded with condolence messages. Many of his colleagues praised him for his work and expressed their admiration for him.
On May 8, 2024, the Twitter page of Rough Trade Records complimented the late Steve, saying he always ‘brought an intangible brilliance to the studio.’ It also stated, “Like all music fans, everyone at Rough Trade will miss his sound, his ideas, and, most of all, his presence.”
Ugh man, a heartbreaking loss of a legend. Love to his family and innumerable colleagues.
— Elijah Wood (@elijahwood) May 8, 2024
Farewell, Steve Albini. pic.twitter.com/xVY27cmdbU
Likewise, an English musician and songwriter, David Gedge, praised him, saying he was a true gift to music.
Since Steve Albini was one of the gems of the American music industry, his absence will be felt for a more extended period. His fans and well-wishers will always remember him for his contribution.
But more than anyone else, his wife, Heather Whinna, will undoubtedly miss him dearly. She currently resides in the Chicago area, as mentioned in her LinkedIn.
By profession, Steve Albini’s wife is the founder and EXD of Poverty Alleviation Chicago.
We at Superslice extend our heartfelt condolences to Steve Albini’s mourning family and friends. May his soul rest in paradise.
Additional Information
- Steve Albini was born to his parents on July 22, 1962, in Pasadena, California.
- He began his musical career in 1981, forming a punk rock band, Big Black.
- At age 61, Steve unexpectedly bid a last goodbye to the world. He reportedly passed away from a heart attack.
