I had mean’t to post the article above about Rodney Matthews from May’s edition of “Classic Rock Presents Prog” some time ago. My apologies but better late than never.
Matthews was born in Paulton in Somerset, England and after attending the West Of Englend College Of Art and a short stint at an advertising agency he became one of the partners in the Plastic Dog (graphics and music agency) (see the very first post on this blog).
Matthews' work began to come to the notice of record companies, poster publishers subsequently going on to design some very well known LP (then CD) covers. He is particularly known for his work with Asia and Magnum. In a addition he had a long-standing working relationship with Michael Moorcock and many of Matthews designs cover the popular sci-fi writers books.
As well as a fine artist he was an excellent drummer and his band appeared many times at the Old Granary in Bristol, England. Names like “Pentworth's People', 'Originn', and his final band 'Squidd' are legendary with Old Granary oldsters like me. The bands were also noted support acts to Cream, Eric Clapton's Derek & the Dominoes, Genesis, Yes, Manfred Mann, and many others.
As well as owning the Amon Duul II’s “Live in London” CD (Matthews first LP cover), I also own the Squidd “Twice Upon A Time” mini-CD, cover by Matthews of course.
Squidd : Twice Upon A Time
Amon Duul II : Live In London
Here's some more of my favourite Matthews covers...
