Ioannis Vasilopoulos, the legendary rock album cover artist known professionally as Ioannis, has passed away at 66, his family announced.
They shared a heartfelt statement: “With heavy hearts, we mourn the loss of Ioannis, our cherished artist, husband, father, brother, grandfather, uncle, and friend. He has journeyed to the great beyond, reunited with his parents and loved ones.
The love for Ioannis and his art comforts us. He had many dreams, and we, his family, will continue his legacy. His vibrant spirit lives on in his extraordinary work.”
Born in Athens, Greece, Ioannis created over 350 album covers and merchandise designs for rock giants like Bon Jovi, Deep Purple, Allman Brothers Band, Uriah Heep, Styx, Blue Öyster Cult, Lynyrd Skynyrd, and Extreme, among others. His passion for music sparked in college with his first record cover, leading to a prolific career that included award-winning campaigns, photo shoots, videos, logos, and corporate branding for music and media clients. He continued selling his art until his passing, the cause of which remains undisclosed.
Rock band Voivod, for whom Ioannis designed covers for albums Nothingface and Angel Rat, honored him on Instagram with a photo of him holding his artwork. They wrote, “Ioannis’s passing deeply saddens us. His visionary designs shaped our visual identity and left a lasting mark on rock and metal, from Fates Warning to Deep Purple. Our thoughts are with his family. His legacy will inspire generations. Rest in peace, Ioannis.”
Ioannis is survived by his wife Lisa, daughter Maria, son-in-law Conor, grandchildren Henry and Jack, brother George, sister-in-law Gaylene, niece Sophia, and sister Elizabeth.
Image Credits: dangerousage/Instagram (Ioannis portrait), Instagram (Voivod album art)
