Legendary producer and longtime Chicago resident Steve Albini sadly passed away on May 7, 2024 of a heart attack. The city of Chicago has now honored Albini's legacy by renaming the 2600-2700 block of Belmont Avenue to Steve Albini Way. The portion of the now-renamed street also contained Albini's studio of nearly 30 years Electrical Audio, where Albini recorded countless artists over the years.
"BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHICAGO," reads a proclamation from the office of Alderman Carlos Ramirez-Rosa.
"SECTION 1. Pursuant to Section 2-8-040 of the Municipal Code of Chicago, which allows erection of honorary street name designations, the Commissioner of the Chicago Department of Transportation shall be directed to install Honorary Street Name Signs to honor Steve Albini on the 2600-2700 block of West Belmont Avenue, from North Rockwell Ave to North California Avenue as 'Steve Albini Way.'
"SECTION 2. This ordinance shall take effect on passage and publication."
Albini's mark on music is nothing short of monolithic. Albini is responsible for recording such major albums as Nirvana's In Utero and Pixies' Surfer Rosa, as well as recording and producing albums by Neurosis, Om, Sunn O))), Weedeater, The Jesus Lizard, Helmet, Jawbreaker, and so many more that a whole page would need to be dedicated to it.
Outside his credits behind the boards, Albini played in bands like Shellac and Big Black. Shellac recently released their first new record in 10 years To All Trains, which sadly came out after Albini's death.
