Legendary New Zealand music pioneer Doug Hood died on Tuesday at the age of 70 after a long battle with throat cancer.
The beloved music producer worked as a studio engineer and mixer for over forty years and helped many popular New Zealand bands hone their sound.
Throughout his storied career, he worked with a host of acclaimed New Zealand and international bands including The Clean, MGMT, The Chills and The Verlaines.
Hood’s son Jack confirmed the heartbreaking news to Radio NZ.
“My mother and I were here with Dad when he died. It was a very quiet and dignified moment,” Jack began.
“It’s been a tough battle for him the last two years. He lived his life his way.”
In addition to his engineering work, Hood also worked as a music promoter for several popular Australian bands, including Hunters & Collectors.
Hood was born in 1953 in Te Kuiti, a small town on New Zealand’s North Island, and began his esteemed career with Flying Nun Records in 1981.
Legendary New Zealand music pioneer Doug Hood died on Tuesday at the age of 70 after a long battle with throat cancer.
Throughout his career, he developed a reputation as a consummate studio professional and helped countless performers create a crystal-clear sound that they used on their studio albums.
In recognition of his long services to music, Hood was honoured by King Charles in the 2023 Coronation and Birthday Honours and appointed an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit.
He was diagnosed with cancer in 2022.
Hood is survived by his wife Victoria and son Jack, 36.
The beloved music producer worked as a studio engineer and mixer for over forty years and helped many popular New Zealand bands hone their sound. Throughout his celebrated career, he worked with a host of acclaimed New Zealand and international bands including The Clean, MGMT, The Chills and The Verlaines.
