Metalfanatics Board

Blabbermouth hat geschrieben:Acclaimed Rock Cover Artist IOANNIS Dies; Has Worked With URIAH HEEP, FATES WARNING, BIOHAZARD, Others

Ioannis Vasilopoulos, known as just Ioannis, an internationally renowned artist and designer, has passed away.

Born in Athens, Greece, Ioannis arrived in the U.S. in 1967 and grew up influenced by comic books, animation, fantasy art and music. Music inspired his admiration of album cover art, specifically of Roger Dean and Storm Thorgerson (Hipgnosis). While he was in college, he created his first record cover and art directed the music video for the group ART IN AMERICA, an MTV video breakout in 1983. The cover would later be featured in the book "1000 Record Covers" by Michael Ochs. Ioannis's work was featured in the books "Fade To Black" with Martin Popoff and "Get The Led Out", written by Denny Somach, with a foreword by Carol Miller.

Over the years, he created award-winning campaigns, logos, and art for his clients. These included Universal Music, Sony Music, Starz, IFC Films, EMI, Virgin and XM Satellite Radio. Ioannis also has designed over 350 record covers and merchandise for groups like DEEP PURPLE, ALLMAN BROTHERS, BON JOVI, URIAH HEEP, STYX, BLUE ÖYSTER CULT, DREAM THEATER, KING CRIMSON, Bob Weir, ALAN PARSONS PROJECT, STARSHIP, Yngwie Malmsteen, VOIVOD, BIOHAZARD, SEPULTURA, LYNYRD SKYNYRD, FATES WARNING, QUIET RIOT, Johnny Winter, EXTREME, Jon Anderson (YES),Michael Bolton, and more.

Cult Metal Classics hat geschrieben:It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Ioannis, an extraordinary artist whose legacy in the world of album art will forever live on. Born in Athens, Greece, and later finding his place in the US, Ioannis left a profound mark on the music world through his iconic album covers. His passion for art and music led him to design over 350 record covers, including unforgettable works for bands like Deep Purple, Bon Jovi, Uriah Heep, Dream Theater, and many more.
One of his most cherished contributions was designing the cover artwork for LEGEND's From the Fjords, a masterpiece that has become a staple for fans of the album. We were honored to reissue this album through our label, CULT ROCK CLASSICS, a few years ago, giving fans a chance to celebrate both the music and the vision Ioannis brought to life.
Ioannis’s work extended far beyond album covers; his contributions to logos, campaigns, and merchandise for brands like Universal Music, Sony Music, and EMI were unmatched. He truly defined the essence of rock and roll art, blending his love for fantasy and music into every piece.
We take comfort knowing that his bright spirit lives on through his art, his family, and the countless people whose lives were touched by his incredible talent. Ioannis will always be remembered as one of rock’s all-time great artists.
Our deepest condolences go to his family and loved ones during this difficult time. Rest in peace, Ioannis. Your art and legacy will never be forgotten.

Trauma hat geschrieben:Sad news, Our brother passed away too soon!. What an Artist. We were blessed with his album art for our last release, AWAKENING. Ioannis was one of the most positive people I know of in the music business. He would periodically call just to Check in.. RIP...