Chris Kimsey

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

Kimsey's relationship with the Rolling Stones evolved from engineering on *Sticky Fingers* (1971) and *Some Girls* (1978) to a pivotal production role. He assisted Mick Jagger and Keith Richards closely during the preparation of the 1981 album *Tattoo You*, earning engineering and associate producer credits. His influence expanded further as he co-produced subsequent Stones albums, including *Undercover* and *Steel Wheels*. Beyond the Stones, his production credits in the 1980s included helping Killing Joke achieve commercial success with the melodic albums *Night Time* and *Brighter Than a Thousand Suns*, as well as producing Marillion's 1985 album *Misplaced Childhood* and its follow-up, *Clutching at Straws*. He also contributed backing vocals to the track "Incommunicado" from that album.

In Their Own Story

In 1982, Kimsey took on a multifaceted role for Bill Wyman's self-titled third album. Serving as both co-producer (with Wyman) and engineer, he mastered the record alongside Ted Jensen and mixed it himself. His involvement went beyond technical duties; he sang backing vocals and co-wrote the song "Jump Up" with Wyman. Later in his career, Kimsey returned to his roots in 2014 at Olympic Studios, where he began as a tea boy decades prior. He now serves as the sound consultant and engineer for the venue's live concert series and recording facilities, completing a full circle of his professional journey.

Reader's Guide

For listeners exploring Chris Kimsey's catalog, focus on his engineering work with Peter Frampton and the Rolling Stones to understand his impact on classic rock production. His discography reveals a versatility that ranges from the raw energy of Anti Nowhere League to the polished sounds of Duran Duran and INXS. Notably, he mixed performances by Elton John, Paul McCartney, and Cliff Richard & the Shadows for the 1990 Knebworth double album. In 2008, Kimsey served as a judge for the 7th annual Independent Music Awards to support independent artists' careers. His career demonstrates a consistent ability to adapt to different genres while maintaining high technical standards, evident in his work with artists like The Cult, Joan Jett & the Blackhearts, and Ash.

Did You Know?

• Kimsey began his career in 1967 as a tea boy at Olympic Studios.
• He co-wrote the song "Jump Up" and sang backing vocals on Bill Wyman's 1982 self-titled album.
• In 2014, Kimsey returned to Olympic Studios to serve as sound consultant and engineer for its live concert series.
• He engineered and mixed Peter Frampton's bestselling double live album *Frampton Comes Alive!* in 1976.
• Kimsey was a judge for the 7th annual Independent Music Awards in 2008.