Tue 6/4 @ 8PM
Few individuals had a wider influence on the “alternative” rock revolution of the 1990s that wiped out 80s hair metal and lightweight synth pop following the release of Nirvana’s breakthrough Nevermind album in September 1991 than Chicago-based musician/producer (although he vigorously denied the latter tag and insisted on calling himself an “engineer”) Steve Albini.
He oversaw sessions for a long list of influential underground bands, who were mostly relegated to college radio until Nirvana kicked open the door. They include the Pixies, Urge Overkill, The Jesus Lizard, Slint, Poster Children, The Breeders, Boss Hog, Pigface, Tar, Superchunk, Jon Spencer Blues Explosion, Fugazi, Dazzling Killmen, Superchunk and dozens more. I feel like I’m back at the Euclid Tavern in the ’90s just writing that. Oh — he also produced — er, “engineered” — the Cleveland kings of that scene, the almighty head-crushing Craw. He was hired by Nirvana to produce 1993’s In Utero, their follow-up to Nevermind, as they attempted to hang onto their own underground cred. He was also known for his curmudgeonly attitudes which he expressed freely in widely circulated articles.
While his frantic pace diminished somewhat in the early 2010s, he continued to work steadily out of his Chicago studio. He also continued to turn out work with his long-running band Shellac, which was preceded in the 80s by his legendary bands, Big Black and Rapeman.
So when he died on a heart attack May 7 at the mere age of 61, much of the national underground rock community went into shock. That surely includes everyone who went to the Euc in the ’90s and a substantial group of music fans too young to have done so who spin the bands he produced on college radio to this day. So the Beachland Ballroom will be hosting “A Night for Steve Albini,” featuring DJs spinning vinyl records, presumably by the bands he produced.
It’s free. Come celebrate his legacy.
Cleveland, OH 44110