Storm Thorgerson, the graphic artist responsible for the iconic light refracting prism on Pink Floyd’s 1973 album "Dark Side Of The Moon," died Wednesday after a battle with cancer. He was 69.
In addition to his collaboration with Pink Floyd, Thorgerson's work has also graced the covers of multi-million selling albums by Led Zeppelin, Muse, Genesis, Phish and Peter Gabriel, reported Britain's Daily Mail.
"His ending was peaceful," his family said in a statement, reported
Rolling Stone magazine. "He was surrounded by family and friends. He had been ill for some time with cancer though he had made a remarkable recovery from his stroke in 2003."
Urgent: Should Obama Ban Guns? Vote in Poll
Celebrating the 40th anniversary of their "Dark Side Of The Moon" album, Pink Floyd’s website released a statement regarding Thorgerson's death that read, "We are saddened by the news that long-time Pink Floyd graphic genius, friend and collaborator, Storm Thorgerson, has died. Our thoughts are with his family and many friends."
"We would gather at Sheep's Green, a spot by the river in Cambridge, and Storm would always be there holding forth, making the most noise, bursting with ideas and enthusiasm," said Pink Floyd guitarist and lead vocalist David Gilmour who recalled meeting Thorgerson in his early teens. "The artworks that he created for Pink Floyd from 1968 to the present day have been an inseparable part of our work . . . I will miss him."
In 2011, Thorgerson spoke with
Rolling Stone about his work with Pink Floyd.
Special: Should the Supreme Court Legalize Gay Marriage? Vote in Urgent Poll.
"I don't have much to say about music," he said. "Usually I like it, and I just absorb it. I don't have much to say, and they ain't let me say anything anyway. They say ,'For God's sake, Storm, do not harm our song. Do not murder our tune.'"
"So I never say anything, really, about the music. I just let it go over, really, I suppose. It's my job to reinterpret it, really," he said.
Related stories:
Colin Davis Dies: Renowned British Conductor Was 85
Bee Gees Singer Robin Gibb Dies Aged 62