Producer of The Jesus & Mary Chain and Vibrators Pat Collier dies at 72

Pat Collier, the celebrated record producer and former bassist for punk band The Vibrators, has died at the age of 72.

Collier’s career was rich and varied, most notably with The Vibrators, a pioneering punk band from London known for hits such as “Automatic Lover” and “Baby Baby.” However, his influence extended far beyond his work with the band, as he became a highly respected record producer.

Throughout his production career, Collier contributed to the music of several renowned artists and bands, including The Jesus And Mary Chain, Robyn Hitchcock, The Wonderstuff, Katrina And The Waves, and X-Ray Spex.

Robyn Hitchcock shared the sad news of Collier’s passing on social media early Monday (July 29). Reflecting on their collaboration, Hitchcock said, “Pat produced the bulk of the Soft Boys’ ‘Underwater Moonlight’ and went on to co-produce and engineer much of my solo work, from ‘Black Snake Diamond Rôle’ to ‘Jewels For Sophia.'”

I heard the sad news today that Pat Collier passed away last night. Pat produced the bulk of the Soft Boys Underwater Moonlight album and went on to co-produce and engineer much of my solo work, from Black Snake Diamond Rôle to Jewels For Sophia

— Robyn Hitchcock (@RobynHitchcock) July 29, 2024

Hitchcock elaborated on Collier’s technical proficiency and artistic flair. “His mastery of 4-track recording, bouncing tracks down à la George Martin, and love of 1960s pop in general chimed perfectly with the post-Can of Bees SBs, and helped us glide into a less abrasive sound,” he noted. The duo later reunited for the Soft Boys’ reunion album, ‘NextDoorLand.’

We discovered our own version of joy recording with Pat. He worked with many UK hitmakers in the 1980s & 90s, moving from his funky, spore-infested lair of Alaska Studios (under the railway arches at Waterloo) to the airy, spacious Greenhouse premises near Old Street.

— Robyn Hitchcock (@RobynHitchcock) July 29, 2024

He was a good man, I’m glad I got to work with him back in those earlier days, and I’m grateful. RIP Mr Collier.

— Robyn Hitchcock (@RobynHitchcock) July 29, 2024

Tributes have poured in from various corners of the music world. One former manager expressed his admiration, saying, “I managed him way, way back… He was a gentle, modest, lovely man. Not to mention talented!” Others praised his production skills and the impact he had on the music industry.

Sad to hear of Pat’s passing. I managed him way, way back when I was at 19 Mgmt. In ‘91 I set up This Much Talent management and Pat was among my first clients. He was a gentle, modest, lovely man. Not to mention talented! 🥲 Love to his family xx https://t.co/DpfSWMpjy9

— Terri Hall 💙 (@twizzlehall) July 29, 2024

Another tribute highlighted the effective collaboration between Collier and various artists, noting that his name was often on many seminal records. “Produced so many fantastic records and you never heard anyone say a bad word about him. RIP Pat Collier.”

Produced so many fantastic records and you never heard anyone say a bad word about him. RIP Pat Collier. https://t.co/TxA6DVekp8

— wichitarecs (@wichitarecs) July 29, 2024

Jim Jasmin expressed his long-standing relationship with Collier, beginning in 1982 when they first used his rehearsal studios in Waterloo. “We’ve spent many weeks over the years recording at his Alaska and Greenhouse studios,” he said.

Just heard the terrible news that Pat Collier has passed away. We go way back to 1982 when we first started using his rehearsal studios in Waterloo. We’ve spent many weeks over the years recording at his Alaska and Greenhouse studios. We worked with him again… pic.twitter.com/MhWoVWmbWs

— Jim 🅹🅰🆂🅼🅸🅽🅴 🅼🅸🅽🅺🆂 (@behappydadda) July 29, 2024

Collier’s history in the music industry dates back to the early ’70s when he started as a tape operator at Decca Studios. He also played with pub rock bands Bazooka Joe and Cafe Racers, mingling with future stars like Adam Ant and Mark Knopfler.

In 1977, The Vibrators released their debut album ‘Pure Mania’ through Epic Records, followed by ‘V2,’ which included the hit “Automatic Lover,” their only UK Top 40 entry.

Beyond his early work, Collier’s production credits included The House Of Love, The Candyskins, UK Subs, The Darling Buds, Maximo Park, The Soup Dragons, Jona Lewie, New Model Army, and Primal Scream.