One of the most influential metal albums of all time is Metallica‘s 1983 debut Kill ‘Em All, which introduced the world to James Hetfield, Lars Ulrich, Kirk Hammett and Cliff Burton. It birthed the biggest metal band of all time and introduced thrash into the mainstream. Behind the production of the record was Paul Curcio, who has passed away at the age of 73.
Loudwire reports that, according to Curcio’s daughter Brianne, the producer and studio founder suffered heart failure in St. Petersburg, Fla. on the night of Sept. 10.
Curcio’s career started as a musician, playing with J.P. Racer and The Mojo Men. He eventually relocated from New York to the West Coast where he founded Pacific Recording in San Mateo, California, and his includes albums by Bay Area favorites Santana (1990’s Acapulco Sunrise, 2002’s Soul Sacrifice), the Doobie Brothers (1971’s The Doobie Brothers) and Blue Cheer (1985’s The Beast Is … Back).
Curcio told Billboard that Metallica manager Jon “Jonny Z” Zazula chose him because he was willing to book the band at an inexpensive rate, with the project budgeted for approximately $15,000 for 17 days of studio work.
