Tributes have flooded in following Martin Birch’s passing on Sunday, aged 71.
The British music producer was behind iconic albums from bands including Iron Maiden, Black Sabbath and Deep Purple.
Birch’s death was confirmed by Whitesnake singer David Coverdale, who tweeted: “It is with a very heavy heart I’ve just had verified my very dear friend and producer Martin Birch has passed away.
“Martin was a huge part of my life … helping me from the first time we met through until Slide It In. My thoughts and prayers to his family, friends and fans.”
Martin Birch produced behind iconic albums from bands including Iron Maiden, Black Sabbath and Deep Purple (Image: Redferns)
Born in Woking, Surrey, he began his career in music as an audio engineer with Jeff Beck, Fleetwood Mac and Deep Purple, producing and engineering eleven albums for the latter.
Since news of Birch’s passing broke, a number of tributes have been posted on Twitter.
Geezer Butler, the bassist from Black Sabbath, said: “Really sad to hear of the passing of Martin Birch. Brilliant producer. Had the pleasure of working with him on the Black Sabbath albums #HeavenandHell and #MobRules. Condolences to Vera and family #RIPMartin.”
Birch passed away aged 71, with Whitensake’s David Coverdale confirming his death (Image: Redferns)
Black Sabbath band mate and guitarist Tony Iommi penned: “So shocked to hear the sad news of Martin Birch’s passing. Martin was a lovely guy and a great producer – he produced Heaven and Hell and The Mob Rules for Sabbath.
“He will be deeply missed and my thoughts go out to his family. R.I.P.”
Birch produced and engineering eleven albums for Deep Purple, and was called upon by Black Sabbath for Heaven and Hell in 1980.
Martin Birch, pictured with Ronnie Dio and Ritchie Blackmore, was a heavy metal icon (Image: Redferns)
He began a long tenure working exclusively with Iron Maiden in 1981, producing and engineering Killers and retiring from working with other bands for a while.
Birch retired in 1992, after producing Iron Maiden’s Fear of the Dark album.
It was the last of the ten records he produced with the group.
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
