Andy Johns Passes

ANDY JOHNS, 61, engineer and producer for albums by Led Zeppelin, the Rolling Stones, Television and Van Halen, among many others, died yesterday after entering a hospital about 10 days ago. Johns, the younger brother of fellow producer Glyn Johns and uncle of Ethan Johns, was the engineer for Led Zeppelin II, Led Zeppelin IV, Houses of the Holy and Physical Graffiti, known for his skill at recording a range of guitar sounds and John Bonham's room-shaking drums. The first album he ever produced and engineered was Jethro Tull’s Stand Up, and had a hand in the Stones' Sticky Fingers, Exile on Main Street and Goats Head Soup, Van Halen's For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge (which he produced) and two albums by guitarist Joe Satriani. In addition, Johns co-produced N.Y. punk band Television’s 1977 seminal album Marquee Moon, where his big drum sound went against the goals of the group, according to guitarist Richard Lloyd. Johns' more recent recordings included albums by the Steve Miller Band, Godsmack, Chickenfoot and Sabyrtooth. Several of the musicians who worked with him are organizing a memorial concert next month. (4/8p)