Chicago has renamed a street in honour of the late Steve Albini. The city council confirmed that honorary street name signs will be installed along the 2600-2700 block of West Belmont Avenue to rename it Steve Albini Way. This section of the street is notable for being the location of Electrical Audio studio, which Albini was associated with until his death from a heart attack on 7 May 2024.
Steve Albini was an admired producer and engineer known for his work with various bands signed on to Touch and Go Records, including Big Black in the late 1980s. Musicians paid tribute to Albini on what would have been his 62nd birthday, with PJ Harvey, Mogwai, and Shellac’s Todd Trainer all sharing their gratitude to Albini.
Albini was responsible for producing iconic albums like Nirvana’s In Utero and Manic Street Preachers’ Journal For Plague Lovers. Earlier this year, Primavera Sound festival dedicated a stage to Albini and festival organizer issued a statement that said, “Although it will be the first year since 2007 in which he will not command the inimitable Shellac at his annual date with his favorite festival, the figure of the late Steve Albini will be more present than ever at Primavera Sound.”
Joanna Newsom dedicated her song “Cosmia” to Albini whilst Foo Fighters dedicated “My Hero” to the producer at their shows. Albini’s contributions to music continue to be celebrated and remembered by fans and contemporaries alike.
The renaming of a Chicago street after Steve Albini serves to honour a legendary producer who has left behind a great musical legacy that has influenced many artists over the years. Albini’s contribution to the music industry has undoubtedly made him a legend in his own right
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