The passing of a music legend
The producer and engineer Dave Jerden, recognized for his contributions to artists such as Jane’s Addiction, Alice in Chains, and The Rolling Stones, passed away at the age of 75.
This sad news was shared by his son, Brian Jerden, in a Facebook post on Thursday (January 6). “Our father, David Jerden, peacefully passed away in his sleep on February 5. It is challenging to articulate what he meant to me, my sister Michelle, and the rest of our family,” the post began.
He continued, “He was more than life itself and had a profound passion for many pursuits, from history to science, but above all, he was a musical creator. His collaborations with remarkable artists produced many intriguing and memorable musical paths, of which I am incredibly proud.
“We will miss his smile, infectious laughter, engaging stories, and wonderful conversations. The memories will endure forever. Music will remain, as will our love. Rest well, Dad. Thank you for your love and inspiration.”
Tributes from fellow artists
Dave Navarro took to his official Instagram account to post a photo of Jerden, accompanied by the message: “Jane’s Addiction lost a special friend this week… Producer Dave Jerden. He produced our first two studio albums: ‘Nothing Shocking’ and ‘Ritual’.”
“Together with @ronnie.s.Champagne, Dave helped us find our unique sound while allowing us the freedom to explore creatively. He will be missed forever. Dave was part of our family, the cornerstone of the band, and we wish him peace on his journey. RIP, Dav.”
The Psychedelic Furs also paid their respects to the late producer with a tweet on X/Twitter: “We are saddened to learn of the passing of producer #Lovespitlove, Dave Jerden 😪”
Check out more tributes below.
We are saddened to hear about the passing #Lovespitlove Producer Dave Jerden 😪 pic.twitter.com/ojzgmujqpz
– psychedelic furs (@Pfurs) February 6, 2025
RIP Dave Jerden, brilliant producer and engineer who worked with everyone from
Herbie Hancock to The Talking Heads. He is probably best known for his work with Jane’s Addiction and @AliceInChains – Facelift and Dirt, including this classic track. 🪦– Greg Renoff (@gregrenoff) February 7, 2025
Goodbye to my mentor, my friend, my brother Dave Jerden
Dave, you were a prince among men, a rare and beautiful soul who touched every life you entered. For 27 years you have been one of my guiding lights, a teacher, and, above all, my cherished friend. It was never enough… pic.twitter.com/cglbxxslux
– produce as a professional (@produelikeupro) February 6, 2025
My friend and mentor, Dave Jerden, peacefully passed away on February 5, 2025. The remarkable talent of Dave and his generous spirit significantly shaped my life and career. His work with cult bands, such as Jane’s Addiction and Alice in Chains, not only defined a generation but also inspired…
– produce as a professional (@produelikeupro) February 7, 2025
I am deeply saddened by the passing of Dave Jerden. He left his distinct sound on groundbreaking albums for artists such as Jane’s Addiction, Talking Heads, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Herbie Hancock, The Rolling Stones, Public Image Limited, and many more.
💔 https://t.co/vnnnxtohj1 pic.twitter.com/qyid4f5nwi– ribbon op (@tapeopmag) February 7, 2025
A prolific career in music
Jerden began his career in the late 70s, working as a mixer and engineer at Eldorado Studio in Los Angeles. Among his early projects, he collaborated with artists like the Red Hot Chili Peppers, The Rolling Stones, Talking Heads, and Frank Zappa.
By the end of the 80s, Jerden was working with bands emerging in the alternative scene, including Perry Farrell and Co., producing Jane’s Addiction’s first two LPs: “Nothing Shocking” and the 1990 release “Ritual de lo Habitual.”
Throughout the 90s, he continued producing and developing albums for various punk, hard rock, and metal bands. Some of the albums he worked on include Talking Heads’ “Remain in Light,” Alice in Chains’ “Facelift” and “Dirt,” Spinal Tap’s “Break Like the Wind,” Public Image Ltd.’s “The Sound of White Noise,” and The Offspring’s “Ixnay on the Hombre,” among many others.
In a 2013 interview with Music Radar, Jerden reminisced: “My father was a musician, so I went with him to sessions. I watched the engineer and thought he was the most important person in the room. He was the person making the record, unlike the producer. The engineer was the one handling all the knobs and gear – he was like a rocket scientist.”
https://www.nme.com/news/music/janes-addiction-alice-in-chains-rolling-stones-talking-heads-producer-and-engineer-dave-jerden-dies-3836165?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=janes-addiction-alice-in-chains-rolling-stones-talking-heads-producer-and-engineer-dave-jerden-dies
