This Sgt. Pepper-style cover is a moving tribute to 2019’s departed stars
For the past three years, artist Chris Barker has been producing a distinctive display of the year’s dearly departed celebrities in the style of the Beatles’ Sgt. Pepper album cover, with the help of retoucher Carl Price.
This fourth version highlights the climate crisis with the inclusion of the Sumatran rhino, of which fewer than 80 survive in the wild.
Chris deliberately channelled the divisions of society by placing the rockers and rebels on the left, with the more conventionally wholesome performers to the right.
If there are any you haven’t identified yet, this key details every sad loss.
It’s hard to believe they’ve all gone in one year. As Chris told Billboard,
“Attack ships on fire. Tears in the rain. Popstars will pass, buildings will burn. It’s the people you love and who make a difference that count.”
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In case you wanted to put yourself through even more heartache, here are Chris’s previous creations.
Chris has linked 2019’s in memoriam cover to a crowdfunder for late Twitter favourite, Spencer Gandley (@spencerpeegee), whose story is told on this page, where people can donate to Barnsley Youth Choir and Andy’s Man Club to honour his memory.
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This reimagined Sgt. Pepper album cover is both brilliant and heartbreaking
Source Chris Barker Image Chris Barker