With the passing of Peter “Sleazy” Christopherson today, we lost a prolifically creative soul.
Christopherson is probably best known as a pioneer of industrial music. He explored confrontation and sound with such germinal outfits as Throbbing Gristle, Psychic TV, and Coil. He directed commercials and music videos (including most of Rage Against the Machine’s best ones, a few for Ministry, Van Halen, and Yes‘s chart-topping “Owner of a Lonely Heart”) and was also the designer of some of the most memorable album covers in music history. Pink Floyd’s Wish You Were Here (1975), Animals (1977), and Peter Gabriel’s early solo records, among many others.
With the help of Cynthia Usery and Jessy Helms, I even attempted to replicate one of his designs.
Peter Christopherson was a truly creative spirit. He and his work will be sorely missed.