On Monday, a ceremony was held where the official name “Steve Albini Waywith the presence of his wife Heather Whinna, Kim Dealemployees from Electrical Audio and others. The public event on West Belmont Avenue, where Albini’s Electrical Audio studio is located, was attended by a large number of fans and friends. After that, inside the legendary studio, a private, intimate concert was held where they performed Jeff Tweedy, Fred Armisenand members Mekonsa, Jon Langford i Sally Timms.
During the ceremony, Whinna and Greg Norman of Electrical Audio shared stories about Albini and the studio. Councilor Carlos Ramirez-Rosa, who signed the ordinance naming the street honorably, was also in attendance. Kim Deal, a longtime friend of Albini’s, spoke about her new solo album, Nobody Loves You Moreand evoked memories of Albini.
“He was a flawed man; he could contradict himself in two sentences. But deep down he knew the value of every person,” said Kim Deal. “Well, not every one. If you were a bully, he wouldn’t put up with you. Maybe he was overprotective of people. He was interested in the ordinary world, he did not like ‘winners’. I think he liked people with low self-esteem.” She added: “I think he thought the music business was exciting, and I don’t think he would have liked me saying that.”
Deal also shared a funny story about Poker Nights at Albini’s and praised how Whinna made Albini a better person. She recalled how people all over the world told her anecdotes about Albini.
“I like to talk about Steve and the studio, how kind and professional the people are. Steve’s ‘no asshole’ policy is legendary,” she said.
“I’m not the main character, Steve is the main character in my life,” she finished, naming mutual friends who attended. “All these people I know, I know them because of Steve. He enriched my life, not only musically, but he connected us all.”
After the dedication of the street, a private party was held where Electrical Audio staff and close associates with Albini shared their experiences. Jeff Tweedy, Fred Armisen and Mekons members Jon Langford and Sally Timms performed as a fictional band, which Whinna named, Belmont Adjacents or Electrical Adjacents.
Source: balkanrock.com
