Singer David Coverdale announced the death of Martin Birch via Twitter. The British producer once worked with Coverdale.
Iconic rock and metal producer Martin Birch (1948-2020) has died at the age of 71. The Brit recorded groundbreaking albums for bands such as Iron Maiden, Black Sabbath and Deep Purple. David Coverdale (68, "Here I Go Again") also sang for the latter in the seventies. The hard rock musician who worked with Birch in addition to Deep Purple with his band Whitesnake, confirmed the death of the producer on Sunday via Twitter.
"It is with a heavy heart that I have just received confirmation that my beloved friend and producer Martin Birch has passed away," wrote the 68-year-old. "Martin has been a big part of my life … He helped me from the first time we met all the way through to 'Slide It In' … My thoughts and prayers go out to his family, friends and fans." The singer gave no information about the cause of death.
With Birch went a "brilliant producer"
Birch recorded six records for Whitesnake as well as classic albums for Iron Maiden, Black Sabbath and Rainbow. "Really sad to hear that Martin Birch has died", Black Sabbath bassist Geezer Butler tweeted (71). Working with Birch was a pleasure, said Butler, who described him as a "brilliant producer". Birch had already mixed songs for Fleetwood Mac in the sixties. After his tenth Iron Maiden album "Fear of the Dark", the "Headmaster" withdrew from the music business in 1992.