Tributes paid to Irish producer and musician Ingmar Kiang, who has died

Irish producer, engineer and musician Ingmar Kiang died suddenly at his home on Tuesday, July 14 – with his band Skanger confirming the sad news this afternoon.

A prolific producer and engineer, Ingmar worked under Chris Blackwell and Stephen Street at Island Records. He secured multiple international gold discs over the course of his career, with his credits including tracks by Bob Marley, U2, Damien Dempsey, Power Of Dreams, and many more – as well as demos for Suede and Pulp.

Ingmar's father was Professor Tao Kiang, a prominent Chinese-born Irish astronomer. According to the Dublin history and culture site Come Here To Me!, Ingmar, “was a Trinity College student when he co-launched 'Dublin’s first mobile Punk Rock disco' in early 1978.” He later rose to prominence in the city fronting the band The New Versions – who released the single ‘Like Gordon of Khartoum’, produced by Donal Lunny, via Mulligan Records in 1981.

More recently, he was bassist and producer with the Irish band Skanger, alongside Mark Healy (vocals, guitar) and Terry Hackett (drums).

Under Skanger's post about Ingmar's death, Jerry Fish shared his own tribute:

"Very sorry to hear this sad news worked with Ingmar on a project with Kym Mazelle in the 90's... hung out a bit in the 80's too! Very cool man..."

Some Neck Guitars also shared a post on social media:

"It’s with shock and incredible sadness we have learnt of the sudden passing of Ingmar Kiang, only in the shop with us last weekend it’s hard to believe that he has left us. We send all our love and strength out to his family at this incredibly difficult time."

Singer-songwriter Jem Mitchell has stated that his "debut album will be dedicated to the memory of Ingmar Kiang," as he "did such a fine job mixing it."

"I'm deeply saddened by his passing, he was a kind, talented and fiercely intelligent person. My thoughts are with his family and friends."

Ingmar Kiang is survived by his family, including his wife Darina and his children Oisín and Eve.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by S K A N G E R (@skanger_20)