Legendary Aussie producer Mark Opitz has joined ANU’s School Of Music

Mark Opitz, the legendary Aussie producer best known for his work with bands such as Cold Chisel, INXS, AC/DC, and The Angels, is joining the Australian National University’s (ANU) School Of Music as a visiting fellow.

As the ABC reports, despite a career as one of the most well-known producers in Aussie pub rock, Mark Opitz says his new opportunity is “about the greatest honour [he has] ever had”.

Opitz also said that he hopes to develop ANU’s music program by combining as much information as possible across a broad range of musical genres.

“In other words we’re trying to cross-pollinate different genres so everyone learns from everyone else,” he said. “The School Of Music has the capacity to produce world-class performances. We need to learn from every side of music, because it’s a universal language.”

“Brian Schmidt, the vice-chancellor, said to me that he wanted to make the School Of Music world-class, he wanted it to be the best in the world,” he continued. “I can’t promise that, but the team he’s got going there is a bloody good team and I’m very proud to be part of it.”

While Mark Opitz might have made a name for himself in the ’70s and ’80s working with some legends of the Australian music scene, his influence and work is still seen today, with Opitz most recently having produced the last two records from Adelaide group Bad//Dreems.

School Of Music Associate Professor Samantha Bennett also stated that staff and students were immensely lucky to have the chance to work with such an esteemed figure in the Australian music industry. “Mark not only has an unparalleled record in professional record production, but he is also an excellent educator,” Dr Bennet said.

Check out an interview with Mark Opitz talking about his time with AC/DC below.

This article originally appeared on The Industry Observer, which is now part of The Music Network.