British producer Peter Collins, known for his work with RUSH and Queensrÿche, has died at the age of 73.
Collins was perhaps best known for his production credits on four RUSH albums in the 1980s and ’90s: Power Windows (1985), Hold Your Fire (1987), Counterparts (1993), and Test for Echo (1996).
He also notably produced Queensrÿche’s biggest albums — 1988’s Operation: Mindcrime and 1990’s Empire — as well as Alice Cooper’s 1991 LP Hey Stoopid, Suicidal Tendencies’ The Art of Rebellion (1992), and Bon Jovi’s These Days (1995).
Outside of metal and hard rock, Collins was behind the boards on numerous hits throughout the 1980s by the likes of Nik Kershaw, Musical Youth, Tracey Ullman, Alvin Stardust, and Gary Moore.
RUSH’s Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson, as well as the band’s official account, paid tribute to the late producer on social media.
Lee posted the following in remembrance of Collins:
“So sad to hear of the passing of Peter Collins. A dear, dear friend and producer of 4 different RUSH albums. During periods in the 80’s and 90’s we had some incredible musical adventures together, in various studios across the globe. He truly was our Mr. Big…with his ever present cigar and constant good humour. After hitting the record button, I can still hear him say ‘OK boys, from the topping … no stopping!’
We love ya B, rest in peace and thank you from the bottom of our hearts.”
Lifeson added:
“Peter Collins will forever live in my memory as Mr. Big, sitting at his control centre beside a recording console with his ubiquitous tools: a legal pad, an ashtray and a Monte Cristo No. 2.
Love you B. Farewell.”
Fellow prog luminary, Dream Theater drummer Mike Portnoy, also worked with Collins during the making of Flying Colors’ 2012 self-titled album and paid his respects on Instagram:
“Sad to hear of the passing of legendary Producer Peter Collins. I had the honor of working with Peter making the first Flying Colors album back in 2011. He also Produced such classic albums as RUSH’s Power Windows & Counterparts and Queensrÿche’s Operation: Mindcrime & Empire among so many others… He was an absolute pleasure to work with and gave us so many great memories and hilarious expressions & quotes that we still reference to this day…(that is his voice that kicks off the 1st FC album ‘standby studio and good luck’) #RIPPeterCollins.”
You can see the tribute posts below.