Signals was just so open-ended as a concept, it was intimidating. What album did you find the most challenging to represent visually?
They were all fun to work on, to be honest. But painting the Power Windows cover was a special experience, and a special time in my life.
As an art director, what more could I ask for than variety? Both stylistic and thematic… It’s been less a challenge, more a joy, really. What have been the challenges of working with a band as prolific and varied as Rush? But, as Neil’s lyrics became more and more thematic, the more the cover artwork was charged with the task of representing those themes – either specifically or obtusely, but, one hopes, always entertainingly. I believe that our longevity was maintained through a mutual dynamic: a band that dared to deviate from the norm was my kind of client! And they proved to be much more than that: friends, both graphic and musical.ĭo you get carte blanche when it comes to creating artwork for them, or do they give you a brief?Īt first, I pretty much did, yes. How have you managed to keep the working relationship going for so long? I considered for a moment and then agreed, completely unaware that this would mark the beginning of a 40-year sojourn, beginning with Caress Of Steel. Their manager, Ray Danniels, summoned me to his inner sanctum, where he asked if I’d consider designing a cover for Rush. I was keyboardist, singer and co-arranger in The Ian Thomas Band, who were on the same label as Rush, and with their management, SRO-Anthem. How did you first get involved with Rush? Listen to the best of Rush on Apple Music and Spotify.