Off The Record
Rock World Mourns: Bon Jovi Icon Passes Away As Tributes Flood In
Sadly, Ioannis Vasilopoulos, who contributed to Bon Jovi and Deep Purple’s success, has passed away.
The innovative musician, who was simply known in the rock world as “Ioannis,” died on April 7.
In a moving online obituary, his family confirmed the devastating news and honored the man whose work helped define a musical age.
“We announce with heavy hearts the passing of Ioannis, our beloved artist, husband, father, brother, grandfather, uncle and friend, who has left us for the great beyond,” the family’s statement read.
“We find comfort knowing that Ioannis is reunited with his father, mother and other beloved family and friends. The outpouring of love for Ioannis and his work is also a great comfort.”
The statement also revealed that Ioannis had no plans of slowing down: “There were so many things Ioannis wanted to do and so many new projects he could not wait to share. As a family we have been tasked to continue this work and that is what we are going to do.”
“His energy will live on through his incredible art. His bright smile and child-like excitement lives on in his works. Ioannis will undoubtedly be remembered as one of rock’s all-time great artists.”
Some of the most recognizable images in rock, including album covers, were created by the renowned album cover designer Ioannis.
Across decades and genres, Ioannis leaves a lasting legacy. Along with numerous other close family members, he is survived by his wife Lisa, daughter Maria, son-in-law Conor, grandchildren Henry and Jack, and brother George.
On Friday, April 11, a Greek Orthodox Church hosted a private burial where family members came to honor the life of a man whose artwork affected millions of people.
Ioannis, who was born in Athens, Greece, immigrated to the US in 1967 along with his family. He grew up there and became passionate about music and animation, two artistic streams that would shape his entire career.
He directed his first MTV music video for Art In America after designing his first album cover while still a college student.
However, some of the biggest names in the industry would choose him as their go-to musician because of his amazing talent for capturing the essence of rock ‘n’ roll.
More than 350 record covers for well-known bands, such as Bon Jovi, Deep Purple, Skid Row, Blue Öyster Cult, and Starship, were made by Ioannis during his career. Not only was his artwork striking, but it also contributed to the music’s overall personality.
Along with classic rock radio stations around the nation, he also worked with big music conglomerates like Virgin Records, Sony Music, Universal Music, and Starz.
According to the Daily Mail, Denny Somach and Martin Popoff’s book Get the Led Out, which focuses on Led Zeppelin, even included his work.
Ioannis kept selling his artwork all over the world and participating in exhibitions around the United States until his death.
Fans and business insiders have been pouring in tributes since word of his passing. One of the most poignant was posted by Patrick Prince, editor of Goldmine Magazine :
“Ioannis was a wonderfully generous person and a dear friend. His talent as an artist was limitless. He had more passion than any artist I’ve met and significantly cherished his work with rock and roll bands.”
“It didn’t matter if his artwork was commissioned for The Allman Brothers Band or a local band down the street, he gave 100 percent dedication to the project representing that specific artist.”
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