You know, Steve Albini was a legend to a lot of folks, and his whole vibe was just Chicago, the place he called home for ages - where he started making music, built his killer studio Electrical Audio, and rocked out with his bands Big Black, Rapeman, and Shellac, all dropping tracks on the Chicago-based Touch and Go Records. Corey Rusk, the boss man of that rad indie label, penned a heartfelt tribute to his buddy of 40 years after Albini's sudden passing at 61.
Rusk poured out his feelings for Albini in a post shared online, reminiscing about their bond since they crossed paths in '84.
"He was like supernaturally gifted (in way more stuff than you or I), had a heart of gold, and was always down to help out. Plus, that smile of his? Pure sunshine," Rusk wrote in his tribute.
"He was all over Touch and Go - played in more bands, recorded more acts, and released more music than anyone else. He was like family to me and a huge supporter of my label for four decades."
Their friendship kicked off in Detroit back in 2024, and besides geeking out over tunes, they bonded over BBQ and fireworks. After pulling an all-nighter on their first hangout, Rusk felt like they'd been buddies forever. And man, those Fourth of Julys? They were lit, literally. Fireworks and bands, what a combo!
"Over the years, our lives were like two peas in a pod. Steve made music, we put it out there. We signed new acts, Steve recorded them," Rusk reminisced. "And once Electrical, Steve's dream studio, was up and running, our bands were all about recording there."
Rusk even hit the road with Shellac for a bit, mixing their sound and having the time of his life. Those tour adventures? Memories for days.
"Shellac wrapped up their latest album last year. It's tough knowing Steve won't be around when it drops next week," Rusk added. Touch and Go is gearing up to release "To All Trains" by Shellac on May 17.
"My life, and everyone close to Steve, won't ever be the same. You can't fill the shoes of a friend and soul like Steve," Rusk ended his tribute on a poignant note. "I'll miss him forever." Since Albini's passing on May 7, tons of artists he worked with - like Dave Grohl, Jimmy Page, PJ Harvey, Superchunk, Santiago Durango from Big Black, and more - have been sharing their own tributes and memories of the legend.
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