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..."

Hot Press editor Niall Stokes also paid tribute.

“We are very sad, here at Hot Press, to hear of the death of Ingmar Kiang,” Niall said. “I remember his first band, Sordid Details – who could forget the name? – but Ingmar was best known as lead singer with New Versions, who were among the brightest of the new wave bands in Ireland towards the end of the 1970s, with an impressive energy, genuine musicality and great sense of fun about them.

"They featured alongside U2, Teen Commandments, The Atrix and other luminaries on the Just For Kicks sampler album, on the Scoff label, in 1979 – and released their first single ‘Like Gordon of Khartoum’ on Mulligan Records in 1981. They helped to break the all-male-band stranglehold here in Ireland, with Regine Moylett on keyboards, at a time when there were very few women playing in rock ’n’ roll bands in Ireland.

“It was obvious that Ingmar was very talented, and that he would make his life in music, and he did, becoming a very highly thought-of engineer and producer, who worked with some very big stars during a stint at Island Records in London, and again back in Ireland. Musicians like Ingmar, who operate behind the scenes in recording studios, often contribute far more than is widely appreciated, helping to shape songs, define an artist’s or band’s sound and generally bringing their talent and wisdom to bear where and when it is needed.

“When I saw that Ingmar was in action again in recent years with the band Skanger, I thought – brilliant. Sadly that adventure is over for him now. Our thoughts are with Ingmar’s family and friends, his fellow musicians in Skanger and all of the people who knew and loved him in music and in life. He will be greatly missed."

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.

 

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