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Guy Peellaert’s Wild Vision of The Rolling Stones
Belgian artist, painter, illustrator, comic artist and photographer whose book Rock Dreams includes paintings of the Stones. After it was published in 1974, Mick invited Guy to a Munich recording session to find inspiration for the Stones next LP cover, and he designed and painted the jacket for the It’s Only Rock’ n Roll album. Peellart was also in charge of David Bowie’s Diamond Dogs album, among other assorted works.
From Rock Dreams to Album Covers: Peellaert’s Stones in Full Glory
Belgian artist Guy Peellaert left a lasting mark on rock history with his striking, cinematic artwork, particularly through his collaborations with The Rolling Stones. His 1974 book Rock Dreams, created with journalist Nik Cohn, featured surreal, hyper-stylized depictions of rock legends, including the Stones. The book’s vivid, dreamlike imagery captured the rebellious and mythical aura surrounding rock’s biggest icons, earning Peellaert recognition as one of the most visionary artists in music culture.
That same year, Peellaert was commissioned to create the album cover for It’s Only Rock ’n Roll, The Rolling Stones’ 1974 release. His artwork, inspired by classical paintings and infused with a sense of decadent glamour, depicted the band in a lavish, Roman-style setting, descending a grand staircase surrounded by adoring fans. The dramatic, almost theatrical presentation perfectly matched the album’s defiant, celebratory spirit.
The Rolling Stones and Guy Peellaert:One Album, Endless Influence
Peellaert’s unique blend of pop art, realism, and fantasy made him a natural fit for the Stones’ aesthetic, complementing their larger-than-life persona. His work not only captured the band’s essence but also helped define the visual identity of the 1970s rock scene.
Though his direct collaboration with the Stones was limited to this one album, Peellaert’s influence on rock imagery remains significant. His ability to merge music and visual art in a bold, dreamlike fashion ensured that his work, much like the Stones’ music, would stand the test of time.
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