Rupert Hine, Stevie’s ‘Mirror’ producer, dead at 72

Rupert Hine, British music producer, has died at 72, according to a tweet from The Ivors Academy where he served as Board Director. Rupert produced Stevie Nicks’ fourth solo album, The Other Side of the Mirror (1989), a concept record inspired by Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.

Rupert and Stevie dated for a short time; their relationship was the subject of Stevie’s Billboard Top 20 single “Rooms on Fire,” also a No 1. Billboard Rock Track. In her 1991 Timespace compilation liner notes, Stevie described their instant connection: “It always seemed to be that whenever Rupert walked into one of those rooms…that the rooms were on fire. There was a connection between us that everyone around us picked up on, and everyone was very careful to respect our space…our Timespace.”

Stevie’s 1989 album The Other Side of the Mirror featured a more whimsical sound, a sonic landscape that Rupert Hine had created with keyboard-driven arrangements. In addition to the Top 40 “Room on Fire,” the album also featured standout cuts “Long Way to Go,” “Ooh My Love,” and the blues rocker “Whole Lotta Trouble.” 

During his long music career, Rupert Hine also worked on material for The Fixx (1981’s Shuttered Room and 1984’s Reach the Beach), Rush, (1989’s Presto and 1991’s Roll the Bones), and Howard Jones, (1985′ Dream into Action) among many others.

Rupert Hine’s friends and colleagues have tweeted warm tributes of the talented musician, songwriter, and producer.

Billboard has published an obituary for Rupert Hine.

We are so saddened to post that our Board Director Rupert Hine has passed away.

Rupert played an integral part in shaping the organisation, and his passion, wisdom, inspiration and his immense kindness will be hugely missed.

A full tribute will be up on our website shortly pic.twitter.com/jKFtViLrUF

— The Ivors Academy (@IvorsAcademy) June 5, 2020

For our dear Rupert Hine. We miss you already.
(Special thanks to Rick Brandt). ~ Cy@FixxOnline https://t.co/yXL5T3rHu7

— The Fixx (@FixxOnline) June 15, 2020

In the wee hours of this morning our dear friend and super talented musician, songwriter, and producer of two Rush albums, Presto and Roll The Bones, sadly passed away. RIP
dear “Roop”…We love you man!
RIP Rupert Hinehttps://t.co/w1czmhQcMb pic.twitter.com/yZfCLuHbYF

— Rush (@rushtheband) June 5, 2020

My lovely friend & partner in crime these past 7 yrs, my hero, my mentor, my sounding board, my inspiration, my idol, my favorite, my conspirator, my everything, Rupert Hine has passed. I have so much to say and so many stories and photos to share…but for now…just my love. pic.twitter.com/VwtZM2aNGD

— Alan Graham: he’s just this guy, you know? (@agraham999) June 5, 2020

Rooms on Fire

Whole Lotta Trouble