Steve Albini dead: Legendary rock producer passes away aged 61

Legendary music producer Steve Albini, best known for recording with Nirvana, has passed away aged 61. 

Albini died from a heart attack, his music studio cast told Pitchfork. 

He led a storied decades-long career in the studio, while also performing as a frontman for Big Black and Shellac, the latter he was reportedly preparing an upcoming tour with. 

He was credited for his role in the rise of alternative rock music in the 80s and 90s, also including work with the Pixies, Jarvis Cocker, and PJ Harvey. 

Despite his success in the recording studio, Albini's later career was also marked by his outspoken criticism of the music industry. 

He notably took aim at predatory practices from music executives, arguing that young bands are often lured into exploitative deals early in their careers. 

Albini was known for his preference to the term 'music engineer' over producer, and left his mark on iconic music from the grunge era - including recording Nirvana's album 'In Utero.' 

Those that worked with him said he was not afraid to show his distaste at the music he was producing, and he famously described the Pixies in 1988 as 'four cows more anxious to be led around by their nose rings.' 

In the weeks before his death, Albini had been preparing to tour with his band Shellac, and the band had recorded their first album in a decade that is scheduled for release next week.