Rupert Hine, musician and producer, RIP
Musician and producer Rupert Hine has died at age 72. Billboard reports that his death was confirmed by songwriter association The Ivors Academy, of which he served on the board. “His passion, wisdom, inspiration and his immense kindness will be hugely missed.” No cause of death has been reported yet.
While Hine released over a dozen records during his career, which began in the ’60s, he was best known as a producer, having worked behind the boards on Tina Turner‘s Private Dancer, Howard Jones‘ Human’s Lib and Dream Into Action, The Fixx‘s Reach the Beach and Phantoms, Rush‘s Presto, Stevie Nicks‘ The Other Side of the Mirror, Duncan Sheik‘s 1996 self-titled debut, and more. He also composed the score for ’80s John Cusack comedy Better Off Dead.
Howard Jones wrote on Twitter today, “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.”
Rest in peace, Rupert. Your work lives on. Read a few other tribute to Hines from The Fixx, Kevin Godley (10cc / Godley & Creme), former Longpigs frontman Crispin Hunt, and more, below.
We are all in deep mourning to learn of the passing of our dear friend Rupert Hine.
We will miss you but you know that you will live on in the dimension of sound as the true North Star of our lives.
~ The FIXX pic.twitter.com/ccxizxUG7a— The Fixx (@FixxOnline) June 5, 2020
Rupert Hine ….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. I will be writing about him on FB soon… luvya Roop !! pic.twitter.com/2lTSa0J35P
— Howard Jones (@howardjones) June 5, 2020
My friend, my ears and partner in the One World One Voice project has passed away. A valued co-conspirator, source of wisdom and a gentleman. His focus and humour kept us on track during the chaos. Without him OWOV would never have existed. God bless you Rupert Hine.
— Kevin Godley (@kevingodley9) June 5, 2020
Very sorry to hear of the death of Rupert Hine. Producer, musician, composer and all round good guy. He produced a single for the Planets back in 1980 “Intensive Care”. You’ll remember his band Quantum Jump – Lone Ranger [totp2] https://t.co/nsajaIiIQM via @YouTube
— Steve Lindsey (@AverageSuburbia) June 5, 2020
😢Songwriter musician & producer Rupert Hine died last night. His enormous talent, kindness, generosity of spirit & mischievous humour will be missed. It was privilege to work with him and to be his friend for 22 years. Huge love to his son Kingsley and to his wonderful wife Fay. pic.twitter.com/ZuIW2y6gP8
— Eleanor McEvoy (@eleanormcevoy) June 5, 2020
Our dear friend & inspiration ,Rupert Hine: legend,@IvorsAcademy Director, songwriter, producer ,creator advocate & tech pioneer has passed. Our , hearts, love & strength are with his loved ones. He’s deeply,deeply missed. But his spirit is everywhere. https://t.co/P6OwGG8bJP
— Crispin Hunt (@crispinhunt) June 5, 2020
This song, is allowing me to weep in instant memory of my friend Rupert Hine and in the name of everything , everything . Thank you @rufuswainwright . Try it. https://t.co/sVQk1ns9zy
— Crispin Hunt (@crispinhunt) June 5, 2020
Gosh. What a lovely person was. Such a good heart with just the right amount of mischief. I’m sorry. RIP Rupert Hine https://t.co/U3lDSL9byY
— Zoë Keating (@zoecello) June 5, 2020