Fin Costello/Redferns
Fin Costello/RedfernsVeteran producer Rupert Hine, who worked on albums by many well-known artists, including Rush, Tina Turner and The Fixx, died Friday at the age of 72.
Hine’s passing was announced by U.K. songwriters and composers organization The Ivors Academy, for whom Rupert served as Board Director.
“We are so saddened to post that…Rupert Hine has passed away,” reads a message on the academy’s social media pages. “Rupert played an integral part in shaping the organisation, and his passion, wisdom, inspiration and his immense kindness will be hugely missed.”
Hine began his music career in the mid-1960s as part of the folk duo Rupert & David, and later recorded many albums as a solo artist and with various groups and projects.
His main success came behind the scenes, producing or co-producing albums by The Fixx, Howard Jones, Tina Turner, Rush, Stevie Nicks, Chris DeBurgh, Saga, Thompson Twins, ex-Genesis guitarist Anthony Phillips and many others.
Hine notably produced two tracks on Turner’s smash 1985 album Private Dancer, including the hit “Better Be Good to Me.” Among his other credits were The Fixx’s first four albums, Jones’ first two albums, Rush’s Presto and Roll the Bones, and Nicks’ The Other Side of the Mirror.
Jones posted a tribute to Rupert on his Twitter feed that reads, “An extraordinary man and one of my dearest longtime friends, my music mentor and producer, passed away in the early hours of this morning. I’m so fortunate to have spent a precious hour with him Tuesday…luvya Roop!”
By Matt Friedlander
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