Chicago indie label to celebrate Steve Albini’s “life and legacy” on late icon’s birthday
Touch and Go Records, a Chicago indie label, has announced a campaign to celebrate the late Steve Albini‘s “life and legacy” on his birthday.
The producer and engineer tragically passed on May 7, 2024 from a heart attack. He played in plenty of bands signed to Touch and Go Records, including Big Black, who signed with the label around late 1985/early 1986.
Now, the label is launching a campaign to turn Albini’s birthday – July 22nd – “into a worldwide celebration to honor his life and legacy.”
They have called on fans to “flood stories and photos that capture the essence of Steve’s impact” using the hashtag #ThankyouSteveAlbini, adding: “Share pictures of his albums that shaped you, concert memories, or even handwritten notes that resonated deeply. If you were lucky enough to meet him, let’s see those photos!”
Touch and Go are also aiming to “create a digital archive of our collective gratitude, ensuring Steve’s influence remains vibrantly visible,” saying that Albini “dedicated his life to preserving music’s raw integrity. His legacy continues inspiring artists and fans alike. This is our chance to demonstrate the immense impact of his life’s work.”
A number of musicians have shared tributes to Albini in the wake of his death. Albini – who was the mastermind behind iconic albums such as Nirvana‘s ‘In Utero‘ and Manic Street Preachers‘ ‘Journal For Plague Lovers’ – saw a speech from PJ Harvey at Primavera Sound this year, with the festival naming 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.”
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Alex Rigotti
NME
