Some of the artists who worked with engineer Geoff Emerick have commented on his sudden death Tuesday at the age of 72:
Paul McCartney: He had a sense of humor that fitted well with our attitude to work in the studio and was always open to the many new ideas that we threw at him. He grew to understand what we liked to hear and developed all sorts of techniques to achieve this… We spent many exciting hours in the studio and he never failed to come up with the goods.
He came with me to Lagos, Nigeria to record my album Band on the Run. I remember arriving at the half-built studio with a handful of 45s which I played for him… I remember asking him to make sure that the tracks had a lot of space and he was happy to deliver that. We kept in touch through the years and our phone calls or messages always gained a giggle or two.
Having seen him as recently as this year when he came to visit us at Henson Studio in L.A., where we were putting the finishing touches to Egypt Station, he was his usual cheerful friendly self and gave me the thumbs up to the mixes we played him.
I’ll always remember him with great fondness, and I know his work will be long remembered by connoisseurs of sound.
Lots of love Geoff, it was a privilege to know you.
Ringo Starr: “I am so sorry and shocked to hear about Geoff Emerick. He was a great engineer, very helpful to all of us in the studio. He and George Martin helped us to step up on Revolver. He will be missed. Barbara and I send peace and our love to his family. Peace & love, Ringo xxx ”
Rick Nielsen: “Geoff Emerick, you just reminded me a month ago that we’re supposed to be meeting at NAMM 2019 for our 40th year reunion this coming January. Now I’m really missing you, but thanks for the book. RIP.” Emerick engineered Cheap Trick‘s 1980 album, All Shook Up, which was produced by George Martin.
Yoko Ono: “I’m so shocked that Geoff Emerick is no longer with us… Not only was he the best engineer, he was very, very kind.”
Producer Giles Martin, son of Beatles producer George Martin: “One of finest and most innovative engineers to have graced a recording studio. I grew up with him as he worked so much with my father. We have all been touched by the sounds he helped create on the greatest music ever recorded.”
Abbey Road Studios: “Geoff Emerick helped transform music recording with his creative flair, innovation and passion. Born in London in 1946, he began his career at the tender age of 15 and went on to play a paramount part not only in Abbey Road Studios’ own history, but in music history itself.”
The Beatles: “Geoff Emerick’s work as The Beatles’ audio engineer from Revolver to Abbey Road was integral. Our thoughts are with Geoff’s family and friends as we remember him with love.”
Elvis Costello: “Such sad news. Geoff told me once that working at Abbey Road might mean a morning recording Otto Klemperer, Judy Garlandin the afternoon or The Beatles until the small hours. Nothing could confound him. How fortunate to have known and worked with him. I will miss him greatly.”
