Mike Shipley RIP

MIKE SHIPLEY, a Grammy-winning producer-engineer who worked on records by Aerosmith, Def Leppard, Van Halen, AC/DC, The Cars, Tom Petty, Faith Hill, Alison Krauss and Union Station, Maroon 5, Kelly Clarkson and countless other acts, died today, according to multiple reports; a cause of death has yet to be determined. "Mike made 24-hour studio sessions feel like they went by in 24 minutes," recalls Andrew W.K., who knew Shipley as a collaborator and friend. "He was as good as it gets and did what he was born to do. I can't believe he's left this realm so soon. There was so much more music for him to perfect, enhance, and deliver to the world. His legacy will live on in the hundreds of sonic masterworks he's left us with. I love you, Mike. You will always be around. Rock in Peace!" (7/26p)