Vol. 6, No. 5 - May 1999
| Canadian Music News Release Yes to attend Memorial Service Fairbairn in Boston Globe |
From a Canadian Music News Site
May 18, 1999
Internationally renowned rock producer Bruce Fairbairn died in his sleep Monday at his Vancouver home of undetermined causes, it was confirmed today in a statement from the Bruce Allen Talent agency. Fairbairn was just 49.
"Bruce was a friend, a colleague and a client," manager Bruce Allen said Tuesday in a prepared statement. "We grew up in this business together and shared a love for music that ran the gamut from punk rock to classical. I admired him not only as a fabulous musician and producer but also as a man who placed tremendous value on his family and friends. We've lost a great man."
The prolific producer helmed albums by such artists as Aerosmith, Van Halen, AC/DC, Loverboy, Bon Jovi ("Slippery When Wet"), KISS ("Psycho Circus"), the Cranberries, and INXS.
Fairbairn was in the midst of mixing a new album by '70s prog-rockers Yes. The album, tentatively titled "The Ladder", will be completed by the band after a short break and released in September.
When Fairbairn failed to arrive at an afternoon recording session at his Armoury Studios, studio manager Sheryl Preston drove to his home and discovered his body on the bedroom floor, according to MTV.
Fairbairn had a Bachelor Of Science in Biology and a Masters in Environmental Planning and was working for BC Hydro as an environmental consultant before embarking on a full-time musical career. A skilled musician, he took classical training until he was 14 and trumpet lessons till he was 16, before forming his first band, The Spectres, while still in high school.
Fairbairn began his full-time musical career in the 1970s as co-producer, original manager, and horn player with Canadian rock band Prism. The group also featured future Bryan Adams co-songwriter Jim Vallance, with whom Fairbairn had produced the band's original demo tape.
Fairbairn quickly decided that touring was not for him, and he left the band to take a seat behind the production console. He won a Producer Of The Year Juno in 1980 for his work with Prism.
Fairbairn branched out to produce bands such as Loverboy, winning another Producer Of The Year Juno in 1982. He shared that year's award with Loverboy guitarist Paul Dean.
He was often assisted by Payola$ guitarist Bob Rock, who himself went on to a storied production career, helming albums by bands like The Cult.
In 1986, Fairbairn came an international name when he produced Bon Jovi's breakthrough album, 'Slippery When Wet.'
Fairbairn is survived by his wife, Julie Glover, and sons Scott, Kevin and Brent.
Details of a memorial service will be released as soon as arrangements have been made.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Fairbairn's memory may be made to the Vancouver YMCA or a charity of your choice
Company Press Release
Tuesday May 18, 8:28 pm Eastern Time
Fairbairn and the band had recently completed recording an album of new Yes material due later this year.
Speaking on behalf of Yes, founding member Jon Anderson said: "We met Bruce last August while performing in Vancouver,
and we immediately felt we were speaking with a kindred spirit. We are proud to have worked so closely with Bruce on the
new album. He was a teacher and a friend. He left a lasting impression on us and will be missed by so many."
The band plans to attend memorial services for Fairbairn next week.
Four inch blurb in Friday's Boston Globe, Arts and Entertainment Section, under the heading "Rock Notes" (a weekly Friday column):
"Fairbairn remembered: Bruce Fairbairn, who produced Aerosmith's top selling comback albums "Pump" and "Get a Grip", as well as records for Bon Jovi, Van Halen, and AC/DC, was found dead Monday in his Vancouver home. He was 49. He apparently died in his sleep, but no official reason has been given.
"He was an incredible guy.", says Tim Collins, who managed Aerosmith during the two albums that Fairbairn produced. "He was always cool, calm, collected,..... And he danced really well between the record company's desire for a hit and the artistic integrity of the creators."
Fairbairn made a lot of money during his career, Collins adds, but "he used to drive an old VW bus." His contract also stipulated the need for free timie at night "so he could coach his kids' soccer team. His family was his priority" added Collins. Fairbairn had three sons.
"The music industry has lost a great one," says Collins."
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Let me just add...
This was a nice piece about Bruce...but seems further proof just how far off the map YES has become. No mention of the current Fairbairn project with Yes, at all. Even with tragedy at their doorstep, Yes cannot buy publicity. And, lest you think that the Globe writer simply does not know of YES, let me mention...the writer is Steve Morse (no relation to the guitarist), and Morse has been writing rock articles for the Globe for a couple of decades, and has reviewed many Yesshows and Yes albums. He just did not think a current Yes project was relevant when talking about Fairbairn. Think Yes has a problem?
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From: Rick [Samgeyser] - May 22
In Daytona Beach, there was a small article on the passing of Fairbairn. It was pretty much what we all have read, but it did list Yes as one of the bands in his portfolio. Then, it spoke of how he and Yes had recently completed an album of new Yes material. The Jon quote followed about him being a friend to the band and such.
This came from the wire services, either Associated or Reuters. In addition, two "local" radio stations, one here in DB and the other in Orlando both spoke of Fairbairn's death AND how Yes had been recording with him in BC. The DJ here mentioned how interesting it will be when the album comes out knowing that it was Fairbairn's last effort. It is a classic rock station, sort of...but they do play a lot of Yes.
I think people would be upset if Yes was not mentioned talking about Fairbairn's death, or if they used his death as a way to promote themselves. Sometimes, it seems that some feel they can do nothing right with their careers. I think they do just fine and are right on track. I'm just sticking with the music. Besides, that's all that really matters ...isn't it? Please don't take this wrong, in any way, but if Yes, the whole band,
was gone, dissapeared, all died...whatever...wouldn't we all just be talking about the "good stuff" and forgetting the "bad?"
