CLEVELAND, USA – 17th DECEMBER: Bassist Geddy Lee, Guitarist Alex Lifeson and drummer Neil Peart from Canadian progressive rock band Rush posed in Cleveland, Ohio on 17th December 1977. (Photo by Fin Costello/Redferns)

Peter Collins, renowned for his work on four Rush albums, has passed away at the age of 73. The band’s members, Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson, have both honoured the producer, who succumbed to pancreatic cancer, as reported by BraveWords.

Collins’ production credits include Rush’s “Power Windows” (1985), “Hold Your Fire” (1987), “Counterparts” (1993), and “Test for Echo” (1996). His impressive portfolio also features Queensrÿche’s “Operation: Mindcrime” (1988) and “Empire” (1990), Bon Jovi’s “These Days” (1995), and Alice Cooper’s “Hey Stoopid” (1991).

Geddy Lee expressed his sorrow on Instagram, saying, “So sad to hear of the passing of Peter Collins. A dear, dear friend and producer of 4 different RUSH albums. During periods in the 80’s and 90’s we had some incredible musical adventures together, in various studios across the globe. He truly was our Mr. Big… with his ever-present cigar and constant good humour. After hitting the record button, I can still hear him say, ‘OK boys, from the topping … no stopping!’ We love ya B, rest in peace and thank you from the bottom of our hearts.”

Alex Lifeson also paid tribute, writing, “Peter Collins will forever live in my memory as Mr. Big, sitting at his control centre beside a recording console with his ubiquitous tools: a legal pad, an ashtray and a Monte Cristo No. 2. Love you B. Farewell.”