The announcement of Rupert’s passing was made a few days ago but I stumbled upon it today during my daily newspaper scans (usually the New York Times and The Guardian).
For me, he will forever be the Fixx’s sixth member since he really had a hand in their sound. If you recall Tina Turner’s hit, “Better Be Good To Me,” that’s the essence of his work alongside Cy Curnin’s lyrics; you could even say Tina did a Fixx cover.
I also got hooked into Underworld with their debut Underneath the Radar in 1988 without hesitation because as soon as I saw Rupert’s name on there as producer, I was hooked and ready to listen. Ditto for Duncan Sheik.
Besides the Fixx, Tina, Duncan and Underworld he collaborated with Camel, Saga, Chris De Burgh, the Waterboys, Robert Palmer, Howard Jones, Power Station, Bob Geldof, Thompson Twins, Stevie Nicks, Rush, Wilson Phillips, Dusty Springfield, Suzanne Vega and Katey Sagal!
Goodbye Rupert. You were a huge part of the soundtrack to my high school years and I can never thank you enough for your contributions to it.