SCORPIONS - Lovedrive Banned Cover UK Release 12" Vinyl LP

  The album cover of "Lovedrive" has often featured in 'worst album covers ever' lists, this bizarre sleeve was replaced in some countries with a more sensible black sleeve featuring a blue scorpion. The album's artwork was named "Best album sleeve of 1979″ by Playboy magazine.

 

High Resolution Photos of scorpions lovedrive banned cover uk

Album description:

"Lovedrive" is the sixth studio album by the German rock band Scorpions, released in 1979. It is considered by many critics and fans to be one of the band's best albums, and it is considered a classic of the hard rock genre. The album features the hit single "Loving You Sunday Morning", which reached the top 10 in several countries, and the song "Another Piece of Meat" was also a hit.

  "Lovedrive" was produced by Dieter Dierks and the band and was recorded in 1978 in the studio in Germany. The album features a more polished sound than the band's previous albums, with a greater emphasis on melody and songwriting. It also features a more complex and sophisticated approach to music, with a fusion of different styles and influences. Overall, "Lovedrive" is considered a milestone in the band's career and a classic of hard rock music.

  Some debate and confusion over the years about the identity of the model on the front cover of the "Lovedrive" LP by The Scorpions. Some sources have identified the model as Caroline Munro, while others have identified her as Lenka or Lena Nitro.

Music Genre:

  German Hard Rock/Heavy Metal 

Album& Production information:

Produced by Dieter Dierks, Recorded at Dierks Studios, Cologne, Germany. September-December 1978.
Album Cover design: Hipgnosis  

Hipgnosis was an English art group founded in 1968 by Storm Thorgerson, Aubrey Powell, and Peter Christopherson. The group was known for their innovative and creative album covers, which became iconic in the music industry. Hipgnosis worked with some of the most influential musicians of their time, including Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, and Yes.

more...

The group's name, "Hipgnosis," was a play on the words "hypnosis" and "hip." They believed that their art had the power to hypnotize people and transport them to another world, which was reflected in their album covers. The group's style was surreal and often incorporated elements of fantasy, science fiction, and the occult. Their designs were highly detailed and often required extensive planning and preparation.

One of the group's most famous album covers was for Pink Floyd's "The Dark Side of the Moon." The cover featured a prism refracting light into a rainbow, which became one of the most recognizable images in rock history. The design was so successful that it became synonymous with the band and their music. Another iconic design was for Led Zeppelin's "Houses of the Holy," which featured a group of naked children climbing on a rock formation. The image was highly controversial but helped to solidify the band's rebellious image.

Hipgnosis also worked with a number of other influential musicians, including Peter Gabriel, Black Sabbath, and Genesis. They designed the cover for Peter Gabriel's first solo album, which featured a photograph of Gabriel wearing a mask with only his eyes visible. The image became another iconic design and was later referenced in Gabriel's music video for "Sledgehammer."

The group's success continued into the 1980s, with designs for bands such as Scorpions and Styx. However, the rise of digital technology and the decline of album sales led to the group's decline. Hipgnosis disbanded in 1983, but their legacy lives on in the countless album covers they created.

Hipgnosis was not just an art group, but a collective of artists who had a significant impact on the music industry. Their innovative designs helped to define the visual style of rock music in the 1970s and 1980s. Their work was not just a complement to the music, but an essential part of the overall experience. They created a world that fans could enter into and lose themselves in, just like the music they were listening to.

Here is a web-page with a gallery of album covers created by Hipgnosis

Dieter Dierks is a German record producer and sound engineer, best known for his work in the music industry. He was born on 19 June 1944, in Stollberg, Germany.

Dierks is a highly regarded figure in the German music scene, and has been involved in the production and engineering of many successful albums and songs. He has worked with a wide range of artists and genres, including rock, pop, folk, and electronic music.

One of his most famous collaborations was with the hard rock band Scorpions, for whom he produced and engineered several albums in the 1970s and 1980s, including "Taken by Force," "Lovedrive," and "Animal Magnetism." These albums helped establish Scorpions as one of the leading hard rock bands of the era, and are widely regarded as classic examples of the genre.

more...

In addition to his work as a producer and engineer, Dierks is also known for his contributions to the field of recording technology. He has been involved in the development of several new recording techniques and technologies, and has been recognized for his contributions to the industry.

Overall, Dieter Dierks is a talented and influential figure in the world of music production and engineering, who has made a significant impact on the German and international music scenes.

Record Label & Catalognr:

EMI Harvest SHSP 4097 / Breeze Music  

Media Format:

  12" Vinyl LP  

Year & Country:

  1979 Made in Gt Britain
Band Members and Musicians on: Scorpions - Lovedrive
    Scorpions Band:
  • Klaus Meine - Vocals

    Klaus Meine is a renowned German vocalist and songwriter, best known as the lead singer of the legendary rock band, Scorpions. Born on 25 May 1948, in Hannover, Germany, Meine's powerful and distinctive voice has become synonymous with the band's iconic sound.

    Meine's love for music blossomed at a young age. Inspired by his father's love for jazz and swing, he started singing and playing the guitar during his teenage years. His early influences included vocalists like Frank Sinatra and Elvis Presley, who played a significant role in shaping his vocal style.

    In 1965, Klaus Meine joined a local band called Copernicus, where he honed his singing skills and gained valuable experience as a performer. However, his breakthrough came in 1969 when he received an invitation to audition for a band called Scorpions. At that time, Scorpions were a relatively unknown band, but Meine's remarkable vocal range and stage presence impressed the other members, and he became the lead vocalist of the band.

    Read more...

    Under Meine's leadership, Scorpions went on to achieve international success. Their hard rock sound, infused with melodic ballads and powerful anthems, captivated audiences worldwide. Meine's dynamic voice, with its soaring highs and emotional depth, became a trademark of the band's music.

    Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Scorpions released a series of critically acclaimed albums, including "Lovedrive" (1979), "Blackout" (1982), and "Love at First Sting" (1984). These albums featured hit songs such as "Rock You Like a Hurricane", "No One Like You", and "Still Loving You", which solidified the band's reputation as one of the most influential rock acts of the era.

    Meine's songwriting contributions played a significant role in Scorpions' success. He penned lyrics that resonated with listeners, tackling themes of love, relationships, and societal issues. His heartfelt ballads, such as "Wind of Change" and "Send Me an Angel", became anthems of hope and unity, reaching the top of charts worldwide.

    Despite numerous lineup changes and shifts in the music industry, Meine remained the driving force behind Scorpions. The band continued to release albums and tour extensively, showcasing Meine's remarkable vocal prowess and enduring passion for music.

    In addition to his work with Scorpions, Klaus Meine has also collaborated with other artists. He provided guest vocals for various songs and appeared on projects such as the Michael Schenker Group's album "Written in the Sand" (1996) and the Avantasia rock opera albums.

    Klaus Meine's contributions to music have been widely recognized. He has received numerous awards and accolades throughout his career, including the World Music Award for "Legend of Live Music" in 2010. His influence as a vocalist and songwriter extends far beyond Scorpions' dedicated fanbase, and his voice continues to resonate with rock enthusiasts around the world.

    Today, Klaus Meine remains an iconic figure in the rock music scene. His distinctive voice, charismatic stage presence, and enduring talent have cemented his legacy as one of the greatest rock vocalists of all time. As Scorpions continue to captivate audiences and perform live, Meine's contributions to the band and the world of music will always be cherished and remembered.

  • Rudolf Schenker - Guitars

    Rudolf Schenker is a legendary figure in the world of hard rock and heavy metal. Born on 31 August 1948, in Hildesheim, Germany, he would go on to become the founder, guitarist, and driving force behind the internationally acclaimed band Scorpions. With his distinctive guitar style, songwriting prowess, and occasional vocal contributions, Schenker has left an indelible mark on the music industry.

    Rudolf Schenker's musical journey began in the mid-1960s when he formed Scorpions. As the band's founder, he assembled a group of talented musicians who shared his vision for creating powerful and memorable rock music. Initially drawing influences from bands like The Beatles and The Rolling Stones, Schenker and his bandmates embarked on a journey to carve out their unique sound.

    Schenker's guitar playing became the centerpiece of Scorpions' music. His style blended elements of hard rock, heavy metal, and classical music, resulting in a distinct and captivating sound. His powerful riffs, melodic solos, and energetic stage presence helped define the band's identity and captivate audiences around the world.

    Read more...

    As a songwriter, Rudolf Schenker played a crucial role in shaping Scorpions' sound. His contributions to the band's catalog include some of their most iconic hits, such as "Rock You Like a Hurricane," "Wind of Change," and "Still Loving You." These songs, among many others, have become timeless classics and continue to resonate with fans across generations.

    While primarily known as a guitarist, Schenker also showcased his vocal abilities on various occasions. His raw and passionate voice added an extra layer of intensity to the band's performances. His vocals can be heard on songs like "Catch Your Train" and "As Soon as the Good Times Roll," where he delivered memorable performances.

    Throughout his career, Rudolf Schenker has been an influential figure in the German hard rock and heavy metal scene. His contributions to the genre have helped shape its evolution and inspired countless musicians. In recognition of his exceptional talent and influence, Schenker was inducted into the Guitar World Hall of Fame in 2014, a testament to his enduring legacy.

    Beyond his musical endeavors, Schenker shares a familial bond with his brother, Michael Schenker, who is also a renowned guitarist, and his sister, Barbara Schenker. The Schenker siblings have all made significant contributions to the world of rock music, leaving an indelible mark on the industry.

    Notably, Rudolf Schenker has developed a close association with the German guitar maker Dommenget. He uses guitars crafted by the renowned manufacturer, which have become synonymous with his distinctive sound and playing style.

    With a career spanning several decades, Rudolf Schenker's impact on rock music cannot be overstated. As a founding member of Scorpions, he has played an instrumental role in the band's success and enduring popularity. His virtuosic guitar playing, songwriting abilities, and charismatic stage presence have cemented his status as one of the most important figures in the history of German hard rock and heavy metal.

  • Matthias Jabs - Guitars

      Matthias Jabs guitarist, and a member of the hard rock band Scorpions. He was born on 25 October 1955, in Hannover, Germany.

     Jabs joined Scorpions in 1978, and quickly established himself as one of the band's signature guitarists. Over the years, he has contributed to many of Scorpions' most famous songs, including "Rock You Like a Hurricane," "Still Loving You," and "Wind of Change." With his distinctive playing style, Jabs has helped Scorpions become one of the biggest and most influential hard rock bands of all time.

     In addition to his work with Scorpions, Jabs has also collaborated with other musicians and released several solo albums. He has been recognized for his musical skills with several awards and honors, including being ranked among the top 100 greatest guitarists of all time by various music magazines and websites.

     Outside of music, Jabs is known for his passion for aviation, and he holds a private pilot's license. He is also a trained helicopter pilot, and has used his skills to support various charitable causes.

     Overall, Matthias Jabs is a highly regarded musician and guitarist, who has left a lasting impact on the world of hard rock and heavy metal.

  • Francis Buchholz - Bass

    Francis Buchholz - Bass guitar player from Hannover, Germany and was born in 1954. Buchholz started his musical career , together with Ulrich Roth and Hans-Jurgen Rosenthal, during 1972 in a band called "Dawn Road". "Dawn Road" dismantled around 1974 and members joined "Scorpions". Buchholz performed with the Scorpions from 1973 until 1992. Playing on many of their most popular albums, including "Lovedrive" (1979), "Blackout" (1982), and "Love at First Sting" (1984). Buchholz is regarded as one of the best bass guitarists in heavy metal and his playing style, characterized by its melodic phrasing and rhythmic drive, has been a major influence on many other musicians in the genre.

  • Herman Rarebell - Drums

      Herman Rarebell (Real-name: Hermann Josef Erbel) a German drummer, ands a member of the hard rock band Scorpions. He was born on November 11, 1949, in Frankfurt, Germany.

      Rarebell joined Scorpions in 1977, and played with the band until 1995. During his time with Scorpions, he contributed to several of the band's most famous albums, including "Taken by Force," "Lovedrive," and "Animal Magnetism." With his powerful drumming style, Rarebell helped define Scorpions' sound and establish them as one of the leading hard rock bands of the 1970s and 1980s.

      In addition to his work with Scorpions, Rarebell has also collaborated with other musicians and released several solo albums. He is also known for his contributions to the world of drumming, and has been recognized for his musical skills with several awards and honors.

      After leaving Scorpions, Rarebell continued to perform and record music, and remains active in the music industry to this day. He is widely regarded as one of the best drummers in the history of hard rock and heavy metal, and is admired by fans and fellow musicians alike.

      Overall, Herman Rarebell is a talented musician and drummer, who has left a lasting impact on the world of hard rock and heavy metal.

  • Guest performer: Michael Schenker

    Michael Schenker, a renowned guitarist from Germany, is widely recognized for his exceptional skills and contributions to the world of rock and metal music. Born on January 10, 1955, in Sarstedt, Germany, Michael grew up in a family of musicians, with his father playing the violin and his mother singing opera. This musical environment had a profound influence on Michael's development as a musician.

      Read more...

    At the age of 15, Michael Schenker gained prominence when he joined the Scorpions, a popular German rock band, in 1970. His exceptional guitar skills and unique style quickly made him stand out. Michael's time with the Scorpions led to the release of their debut album, "Lonesome Crow", in 1972, showcasing his incredible talent at a young age.

    However, it was with the British rock band UFO that Michael Schenker truly made his mark on the international music scene. He joined UFO in 1973 and became a key member of the band. His guitar work on albums like "Phenomenon" (1974), "Force It" (1975), and "No Heavy Petting" (1976) showcased his versatility and melodic sensibilities, earning him recognition as one of the most influential guitarists of the era.

    In 1978, Michael Schenker left UFO to form his own band, the Michael Schenker Group (MSG) . The band's self-titled debut album, released in 1980, received critical acclaim and further established Michael as a virtuoso guitarist. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, MSG released a series of successful albums, including "Assault Attack" (1982) and "Perfect Timing" (1987), solidifying Michael's reputation as a leading figure in the world of rock and metal.

    While pursuing his solo career with MSG, Michael Schenker maintained a connection with his former bands. He rejoined the Scorpions briefly in the early 1990s, contributing to their albums "Crazy World" (1990) and "Face the Heat" (1993). However, due to creative differences and personal reasons, he departed from the Scorpions once again.

    Michael's guitar playing style is characterized by his impressive technical ability and his incorporation of neoclassical elements, blending melodic hooks with intricate solos. He has been a significant influence on subsequent generations of guitarists and played a pivotal role in the development of the neoclassical metal genre.

    Over the years, Michael Schenker has continued to release albums and tour extensively, captivating audiences worldwide with his electrifying performances. His discography includes notable releases such as "Bridge the Gap" (2013) and "Resurrection" (2018), featuring collaborations with prominent musicians and showcasing his evolution as an artist.

Track Listing of: Scorpions - Lovedrive
    Side One:
  1. Loving You Sunday morning
  2. Another Piece of Meat
  3. Always Somewhere
  4. Coast to Coast
    Side Two: w
  1. Can't get enough
  2. Is There another There?
  3. Lovedrive
  4. Holiday
Album cover photos of : Scorpions - Lovedrive
High Resolution Photos of scorpions lovedrive banned cover uk
This is the original UK album cover and depicts a well dressed man and woman seated in the back of a car, with the woman's right breast exposed and connected to the man's hand by stretched bubblegum.
Photo of Album's Back Cover  

High Resolution Photos of scorpions lovedrive banned cover uk  

 

High Resolution Photos of scorpions lovedrive banned cover uk  

Note: the above pictures are actual photos of the album and allow you to judge the quality of cover. Slight differences in color may exist due to the use of the camera's flash.

Index of SCORPIONS - Vinyl Discography & Album Cover Gallery


Email Us | Copyright ©1993-2024 Vinyl Records and Album Cover Gallery
Disclaimer all photos are from my personal collection of pre-owned vinyl records