Album covers serve as visual gateways to the sonic worlds within. They capture the essence of the music, offering a glimpse into the artist’s creative vision. But have you ever wondered about the real locations behind these iconic album covers? Join us as we embark on a journey to unveil the hidden gems that have graced the covers of albums by legendary bands like AC/DC, Black Sabbath, Led Zeppelin, and more.
The Real Locations of Iconic Rock and Metal Album Covers
AC/DC – ‘Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap’ (1976)
The international version of AC/DC’s ‘Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap’ album cover features a motel on Sunset Boulevard in Los Angeles. Today, it’s known as Hotel H-Wood, but back then, it set the backdrop for the album’s edgy artwork.
Black Sabbath – ‘Black Sabbath’ (1970)
The eponymous debut album by Black Sabbath was captured at the 15th Century Mapledurham Watermill, situated along the serene banks of the River Thames in Oxfordshire. This location adds an eerie and timeless quality to the album’s cover.
Pink Floyd – ‘The Division Bell’ (1991)
Pink Floyd’s ‘The Division Bell’ album cover features two colossal metal heads positioned in a field near the cathedral city of Ely in Cambridgeshire. The late-great Storm Thorgerson, the band’s album artwork collaborator, brought this surreal vision to life.
Yes – ‘Going For The One’ (1977)
Yes enlisted Storm Thorgerson for ‘Going For The One,’ and the result was a striking image of a naked man gazing at the Century Plaza Towers in Century City, California. Designed by Minoru Yamasaki, these towers stand as architectural marvels outside of Los Angeles and San Francisco.
Neil Young – ‘After The Gold Rush’ (1970)
Neil Young’s third studio album features a photograph of the musician walking through Greenwich Village in New York. The photographer, Joel Bernstein, captured this moment at the northwest corner of Sullivan Street and West 3rd Street, adding a sense of nostalgia to the album.
Led Zeppelin – ‘Physical Graffiti’ (1975)
The cover of Led Zeppelin’s ‘Physical Graffiti’ showcases tenement buildings located at 96 and 98 St. Mark’s Place in New York’s East Village. Artist Peter Corriston and designer Mike Doud skillfully adapted the buildings to fit the square sleeve, creating an iconic image.
Thunder – ‘All The Right Noises’ (2021)
Thunder’s ‘All The Right Noises’ album, released in 2021, showcases the Singing Ringing Tree, a wind-powered sound sculpture located on the Pennine hill range overlooking Burnley in Lancashire. Designed by architects Mike Tonkin and Anna Liu, this unique sculpture adds a dramatic touch to the album’s visual identity.
Rush – ‘Moving Pictures’ (1981)
Rush’s ‘Moving Pictures’ album cover, designed by Hugh Syme, features workers moving paintings outside the Ontario Legislative Building at Queen’s Park, Toronto. The pink-hued sandstone structure is a symbol of Canada’s rich history and culture.
The Who – ‘The Kids Are Alright’ (1979)
The Who’s album cover for ‘The Kids Are Alright’ was shot at the Carl Schurz Monument at 116th Street and Morningside Drive in New York. Roger Daltrey, Pete Townshend, John Entwistle, and Keith Moon draped in a Union Jack flag create an iconic rock ‘n’ roll image.
David Bowie – ‘The Rise And Fall Of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars’ (1973)
David Bowie’s masterpiece, ‘The Rise And Fall Of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars,’ features the artist as Ziggy at 23 Heddon Street in London. This location, outside the home of furriers “K. West,” adds a touch of glam to the album’s persona.
Led Zeppelin – ‘Houses of the Holy’ (1973)
Led Zeppelin’s ‘Houses of the Holy’ cover is a collage of photographs of two alien-like children taken at the Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland. These unique hexagonal basalt columns, formed by ancient volcanic activity, create a surreal and captivating image.
KISS – ‘Dressed to Kill’ (1975)
KISS’s ‘Dressed to Kill’ album cover features the band members standing on the southwest corner of 23rd Street and 8th Avenue in New York City. This iconic image was captured by esteemed photographer Bob Gruen.
U2 – ‘The Unforgettable Fire’ (1984)
While U2 recorded ‘The Unforgettable Fire’ at Slane Castle in County Meath, Ireland, they chose Moydrum Castle, east of Athlone, for the album’s cover. The ivy-engulfed ruined castle added a touch of mysticism that resonated with the music’s ambiance.
Pink Floyd – ‘Animals’ (1977)
Pink Floyd’s ‘Animals’ album cover showcases a floating pig above Battersea Power Station in London. The monumental Art Deco structure contrasts with the surreal image of the flying pig, creating a powerful visual statement.
The Clash – ‘The Clash’ (1977)
The Clash’s eponymous debut album cover features an alleyway opposite Camden Market in London. Designed by Polish artist Rosław Szaybo, this gritty location complements the band’s punk rock ethos.
Eagles – ‘Hotel California’ (1976)
The iconic ‘Hotel California’ album cover by the Eagles features The Beverley Hills Hotel in California. Photographer David Alexander captured this timeless image from 60 feet above Sunset Boulevard, immortalizing Hollywood glamour.
Ramones – ‘Rocket To Russia’ (1977)
The Ramones’ third studio album cover was shot behind the legendary New York club CBGB. The band members posed outside 315 Bowery, creating a punk rock icon that still resonates today.
Pink Floyd – ‘Wish You Were Here’ (1975)
Pink Floyd’s ‘Wish You Were Here’ album cover features stuntmen Ronnie Rondell and Danny Rogers. The photograph was taken at The Burbank Studios in California, where one of the stuntmen was set on fire for the shot, showcasing the dedication of the era’s artists.
Steely Dan – ‘Pretzel Logic’ (1974)
Steely Dan’s ‘Pretzel Logic’ album cover features a pretzel seller standing on the west side of Fifth Avenue and 79th Street in New York. This simple yet iconic image captures the essence of the album’s name.
Deep Purple – ‘Deep Purple in Rock’ (1970)
The ‘Deep Purple in Rock’ album cover cleverly combines the heads of the Mark II lineup with the US Presidents’ heads on Mount Rushmore. This imaginative creation adds a playful twist to the album’s concept.
Queen – ‘Made In Heaven’ (1995)
Queen’s ‘Made In Heaven’ album cover features Irena Sedlecká’s Mercury sculpture at Lake Geneva in Montreux, Switzerland. This breathtaking location pays homage to the band’s legacy and Freddie Mercury’s enduring presence.
Black Sabbath – ‘The Best of Black Sabbath’ (2000)
Black Sabbath’s 2000 compilation album ‘The Best of Black Sabbath’ showcases a black-and-white photograph of four water-filled stone graves. These ancient stone graves date back to the 11th Century and are located at the ruined St. Patrick’s Chapel in Heysham, Lancashire.
Led Zeppelin – ‘Led Zeppelin IV’ (1971)
The back sleeve of ‘Led Zeppelin IV’ features Salisbury Tower, a 20-storey tower block in the Ladywood district of Birmingham. Completed in 1968, it stands as a symbol of the era and adds a unique touch to the album’s artwork.
As we’ve journeyed through the real locations behind these iconic rock and metal album covers, we’ve gained a deeper appreciation for the creativity and ingenuity that goes into crafting the visual identity of music. These places, captured in time, continue to hold a special place in the hearts of music enthusiasts worldwide, forever intertwined with the sounds that define generations.