Tributes are flowing for Australian record producer and sound engineer Tony Cohen who has died at the age of 60.
The sad news was announced by Cohen’s brother Martin who took to social media to write, “Just arrived home to learn that my only sibling, my older brother Tony Cohen, passed away peacefully in Dandenong Hospital this afternoon.
“Tony lived a hard life with drugs and alcohol playing a big part of his professional career,” he continued.
“He did give them up many years ago but always knew that he would eventually pay for his ‘sins’.”
Cohen was responsible for producing and engineering some of the most iconic records in Australian music. He worked on Supernaut’s first album in 1976, engineered two Hunters & Collectors records and worked on eight of Nick Cave‘s records. Powderfinger, Paul Kelly, Frenzal Rhomb and Tex Perkins are just a few more of the names that he worked with during his career.
The Australian music community is collectively mourning his loss with many paying tribute to Cohen on social media.
Lindsay ‘The Doctor’ McDougall of Frenzal Rhomb called Cohen, “the brain, ears and fingers behind some of Australia’s best music,” a sentiment that is being echoed by many.
Australian music writer Bernard Zuel lamented on the, “cracked genius,” of Cohen, sharing The Birthday Party’s ‘She’s Hit’ which he produced.
US guitarist and singer Kid Congo Powers, who was a member of Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds, remembered their last time together, “laughing & making music.”
Ed Kuepper, co-founder of Laughing Clowns who Cohen worked with, also shared his fond memories of working with the legend on their debut album. Meanwhile, Tex Perkins, who also worked with him, told Double J he was a, “genius”.
ABC’s music program Rage shared a tribute on social media writing, “We are very saddened to her about the passing of the producer who defined the sound of dark Australian rock and punk music.”
Check out the tributes below. RIP to an integral part of the Australian music community.
RIP Tony Cohen, the brain, ears and fingers behind some of Australia's best music. I'm gonna listen to The Honeymoon Is Over. https://t.co/RReefnZZu0
— Lindsay McDowens (@doctormcdougall) August 3, 2017
Thanks to Phil Calvert, who played on this, for a reminder of what the cracked genius of Tony Cohen could produce. https://t.co/HnipM27brN
— Bernard Zuel (@BernardZuel) August 2, 2017
Tony Cohen's Discogs page is immense. Simply put, he produced all of our great records. https://t.co/pieVIL39UH
— Ꮆ㇄ə?? 尸ə七ə尺丂 (@nightwatchman) August 2, 2017
Tony Cohen was the funniest bugger. Brilliant producer, wonderful man. His life caught up with him today. RIP. Fond hugs to TC's family.
— Virginia M. Moncrieff ? (@VMMoncrieff) August 2, 2017
Tony Cohen #RIP Glad our last meeting was laughing & making music #friend #producer #nickcaveandthebadseeds #thebutchershop #thegunclub pic.twitter.com/gA3iQ2iH6f
— Kid Congo Powers (@kidcongopowers) August 2, 2017
RIP Tony Cohen, producer of lots of great Australian records. Nick Cave, Cruel Sea, GoBetweens, Models, Tiddas, Ferrets. Only made it to 60.
— Suzy Ramone (@SuzyRamone) August 2, 2017
Just seen Tony Cohen's dead. RIP. Captured the greatest opening to a record ever. An incredible moment in time https://t.co/wJG3zIktQU
— Girls Names (@Girls_Names) August 2, 2017
Vale Tony Cohen.A legend of our industry and producer of many a fine album by many a fine band
— David Bridie (@dbridie) August 2, 2017