The music world is mourning the loss of British sound engineer and record producer Andy Johns who passed away yesterday (April 7th) at the age of 61. No cause of death was immediately available, although Johns had been hospitalized for liver problems. Johns had worked on well-known rock albums such as LED ZEPPELIN IV, THE ROLLING STONES' Exile On Main Street, along with revered material from VAN HALEN, HUMBLE PIE, ERIC CLAPTON, CINDERELLA and CHICKENFOOT among many others.

The following artists have paid tribute to Andy Johns:

SLASH: "RIP Andy Johns. One of the great engineer/producers of our time; Free, Zeppelin, Rolling Stones, the list goes on. He will be sorely missed."

Michael Anthony (Chickenfoot, ex-Van Halen): "Just heard about the passing of my friend and producer, Andy johns. Words cannot express my sadness upon hearing this. Those of us who had the pleasure of knowing and working with Andy, you know what I'm saying. I loved you brother. Annette, you are in my thoughts and prayers."

LITA FORD: "My beloved friend has passed away! The GREAT record producer Andy Johns!!! Led Zep, Rolling Stones, many greats will miss you terribly !!!! No one was like my jolly ol' Andy! Deepest sympathy to his wife, Anet , children and family! ANDY!!!! NO! Please come back...... :-( xoxo Lita."

GLENN HUGHES (ex-DEEP PURPLE, BLACK SABBATH): "RIP Andy Johns... Friend and producer of Hughes Thrall - engineer for the Stones - Led Zep and Free... Larger than life-You are loved Andy."

Stacey Blades (ex-LA GUNS): "My friend, my mentor and inspiration Andy Johns passed away today. A true legend in the record biz. I'll miss you old friend."

Juan Croucier (RATT): "RIP legendary producer/engineer Andy Johns, an amazing talent. You'll be missed by so many. God Bless."

Brian May (QUEEN): "Ouch. So sad to hear of the passing of Andy Johns … great record producer. Lovely guy - patient, skilled, funny, encouraging, sharp ... all the qualities you want in someone who is getting your music on to tape. I remember him as one of the Olympic Studios team in Barnes … playing around with varying tape speeds and early phasing … with George Chiantz. He went on to become one of the very top rock producers in the world.

Condolences to all the family. Andy was such a great guy. RIP"

Steve Lukather (TOTO): "Very sorry to hear about the loss of an old friend and legend Andy Johns.. RIP Andy."

PETER FRAMPTON: "Andy Johns engineer/producer and long time friend has left us and way too soon. He worked with HUMBLE PIE on our first two albums. Better known for Led Zep and Stones classic albums. And Songs For A Tailor by Jack Bruce. A big fav of mine. So many other amazing sounding records were recorded/produced by Andy. My thoughts are with his family and especially his brother Glyn. We will all miss Andy. RIP."

Producer Kevin Shirley: "Very sad to learn of the passing of Andy Johns today - too young to go - Andy is a bona fide legend. I met him in New York with Pat and Zoe Thrall when he was very condescending to me at Ruby Foo's over some cold sake, but after listening to some work became somewhat of a fan (according to my friend Pat Thrall, who witnessed him listening to one of my AEROSMITH mixes for hours). Andy's legacy is huge."

ILL NINO: "Tonight we mourn the death of rock n' roll's greatest engineer Andy Johns. We are blessed to have worked with Andy for the entire recording of The Undercover Sessions. His legacy is defined by some of rock's greatest moments such as early Led Zeppelin, early Rolling Stones, Van Halen and Ozzy Osbourne. Rest in peace Mr. Johns. your work inspired a generation and changed the world."