This is a sad day for all of us here at LIRS. One of our own, Instructor Michael Ford, died Wednesday February 20th. Michael came to us in 2006 as a recording student. Having been around music his whole life (even learning the piano and clarinet in grade school) Michael was an easy fit into the school. He had been doing home recording and small studio projects for years back home in Alabama before coming here, and that experience served him well in the analog portion of the course where he was able to use his knowledge to give his crew-mates some real world insights during their personal mixing time.

After completing the course, Michael was asked to join the team here at Lirco and quickly found himself taking over the responsibilities for the analog room. His unique take on the art of recording really helped the new students visualize the different sounds and effects, all while learning their way around an old school control room.

With all of the staff, Michael always had a good story or comment to add to the conversation and sometimes just the mention of a band or a certain amplifier would send him off into story after story. Michael was a great person and when he was forced to quit due to his illness, we all felt the void left in his absence. The last time I saw Michael was a couple of weeks ago when he came over to sit in and help track a session with me. He seemed visibly better to me and was talking up his usual blue-streak. I could tell he was in some pain, but he looked good and seemed really happy to be able to come by and hang out again. This is how I think we should all remember Michael. Sitting in the studio, doing one of the things he loved to do. And all the while smiling and joking with everyone in the room.

I know I speak for all of us here at LIRS when I say that you will be missed very much.

Steve Nall
Head Engineer, LIRS