Mike Stone (record producer)

Mike Stone is a British record producer and audio engineer, primarily known for his work in the hard rock and heavy metal genres during the 1970s and 1980s.

Stone began his career in the music industry as a tape operator at Trident Studios in London, where he gained experience working with prominent artists. He quickly progressed to engineering and then to producing, establishing a reputation for his technical expertise and ability to craft powerful, polished sounds.

He is particularly celebrated for his contributions to the "New Wave of British Heavy Metal" movement, having produced albums for bands such as Queen, Journey, Foreigner, Asia, and Whitesnake. Stone's production style often emphasized clean and dynamic mixes, with a focus on vocal harmonies and strong instrumental performances. His engineering background allowed him to experiment with recording techniques, contributing to the signature sounds of many classic rock albums.

Some of his most notable production credits include Queen's Sheer Heart Attack (1974), A Night at the Opera (1975), and News of the World (1977); Journey's Infinity (1978) and Evolution (1979); and Foreigner's 4 (1981). These albums achieved considerable commercial success and critical acclaim, solidifying Stone's position as a leading record producer of the era.

While less active in production in later years, Mike Stone's influence on the sound of hard rock and heavy metal remains significant, and his work continues to be appreciated by musicians and fans worldwide.