Search

Hugh Syme

Hugh Syme is a Canadian Juno Award-winning graphic artist and member of the Premier Artists Collection (PAC) who is best known for his artwork and cover concepts for rock and metal bands. He is also a musician and has appeared on some Rush albums as a keyboard player. Syme is notably responsible for all of Rush's album cover art since 1975's Caress of Steel as well as creating Rush's famous Starman logo. In 1983 he told Jeffrey Morgan that he never imagined the band would use it as their main logo.[1] Syme also plays piano on the album Thrilling Women, which Morgan recorded with Dean Motter.[2]

Hugh Syme
Born
Hugh Syme

1953 (age 70–71)
Canada
NationalityCanadian
Known forGraphic artist, keyboardist
Notable work
Websitewww.hughsyme.com

His client base includes major record companies like Geffen Records, EMI Records, Mercury Records, RCA Records, Capitol Records, Sony Music, Atlantic Records, Warner Bros. Records and A&M Records.[3]

Iron Maiden fans remember him best as the designer of The X Factor cover, which shows the band's mascot Eddie dissected. It is remembered for its gritty realism. Whereas all previous Maiden albums were oil paintings, the X Factor Eddie was a puppet with some digital touch-ups to enhance its look. In some countries the cover was considered so gruesome that a less gory alternative was offered (the alternative cover is actually the back of the original CD booklet).[citation needed]

Def Leppard's Retro Active album cover, which he co-designed with Nels Israelson, shows a lady sitting at a dressing table, looking in a mirror. From another perspective, it takes the form of a skull (a type of vanitas art), the woman's head forming the left eye socket, and her reflected head in the mirror forming the right eye socket. The mirror itself forms the shape of the skull and the accessories on the dressing table form the nose, nostrils and teeth. It was inspired by Charles Allan Gilbert's most famous work, All Is Vanity (1892).

Other bands Syme has done artwork for include: Megadeth, Saga, Styx, Altered State, Fates Warning, Whitesnake, Queensrÿche, Aerosmith, and Dream Theater.

Personal

Hugh Syme has studios in Toronto, Ontario, Canada and in Indiana, USA. Syme is co-host of the Music Buzzz Podcast along with Dane Clark and Andy Wilson.

Album cover art

Chronological list of Hugh Syme's album cover art (including studio, live, compilation and extended play LPs).

YearArtistAlbumRole
1975RushCaress of Steel[4]Graphics
1975Ian Thomas BandDelights [5]Graphics with John Fraser
1976Ian Thomas BandCalabash [5]Graphics
1976Rush2112[6]Graphics and Starman Logo
1976RushAll the World's a Stage[7]Graphics
1977RushA Farewell to Kings[8]Art direction and graphics
1977Max WebsterHigh Class in Borrowed ShoesArt direction and graphics
1978RushHemispheres[9]Art direction with Bob King and graphics
1978RushArchives[10]Design with Bob King and graphics
1978KlaatuSir Army SuitCover art
1978Max WebsterMutiny Up My SleeveArt direction and design
1979Ian Thomas BandGlider [5]Graphics and design with Bob King
1979Max WebsterLive Magnetic AirArt direction and graphics
1980RushPermanent Waves[3]Art direction and graphics. Cover concept created with Neil Peart.
1980TorontoLookin' for TroubleGraphics and design with Michael Gray.
1981RushMoving Pictures[11]Art direction and graphics. Cover concept created with Deborah Samuel.
1981RushExit...Stage Left[12]Art direction, graphics and cover concept
1982RushSignals[13]Art direction, graphics and cover concept
1982SagaIn Transit[14]Art direction and design
1982GowanGowanArt direction, graphics and cover concept
1982HarlequinOne False MoveCover design
1983Red RiderNerudaArt direction and cover design
1984RushGrace Under Pressure[3]Art direction and cover painting
1984Ian Thomas BandRiders on Dark Horses [5]Art direction and design
1984The Parachute ClubAt the Feet of the MoonArt direction and graphics with Deborah Samuel
1985RushPower Windows[3]Art direction, graphics and cover painting
1985Virgin SteeleNoble SavageArt direction and design
1985Kick AxeWelcome to the ClubArt direction and cover art
1985Robotman and FriendsStraight from the HeartCover painting
1986EyesEyesArt direction and design
1986Lee AaronCall of the WildCover design
1986Quiet RiotQR IIIArt direction, design, cover art
1986Kim MitchellShakin' Like a Human BeingArt direction and design
1986OutlawsSoldiers of FortuneArt direction, design, cover painting
1987WhitesnakeWhitesnakeCover art and Whitesnake emblem
1987Billy ThorpeChildren of the Sun... RevisitedArt direction and design
1987Y & TContagiousArt direction
1987McAuley Schenker GroupPerfect TimingArt direction and design
1987RushHold Your Fire[3]Art direction
1988ColortoneColortoneArt direction and design
1988Rhythm CorpsCommon GroundArt direction and design
1988Kingdom ComeKingdom ComeArt direction and design
1988Lillian AxeLillian AxeArt direction and design
1988Night RangerMan in MotionArt direction
1988Brighton RockTake a Deep BreathArt direction and design
1988Dream PatrolPhoning the CzarArt direction and design
1988Quiet RiotQRArt direction and design
1988SurvivorToo Hot to SleepArt direction and design
1988Black 'n BlueIn HeatArt direction and design
1988Bon JoviNew JerseyArt direction with Jon Bon Jovi and design
1988Ian Thomas BandLevity [5]Art direction and design
1988ProphetCycle of the MoonArt direction and design
1989RushPresto[15]Art direction
1989RushA Show of Hands[16]Art direction and design
1989Kingdom ComeIn Your FaceDesign
1989Bad EnglishBad EnglishArt direction and design
1989Fates WarningPerfect Symmetry[3]Cover concept, art direction and design
1989WhitesnakeSlip of the TongueCover art
1989Kim MitchellRocklandArt direction and design
1989World TradeWorld Trade[3]Cover art and design
1989BonfirePoint BlankArt direction and design
1989Babylon A.D.Babylon A.D.Art direction and design
1990MagnumGoodnight L.A.[3]Cover art
1990RushChronicles[17]Art direction
1990SlaughterStick It to YaCover design with Glen Wexler
1990StyxEdge of the CenturyArt direction and design
1990WarrantCherry Pie[3]Art direction and design
1990HurricaneSlave to the ThrillArt direction and design
1990Celine DionUnisonArt direction and design
1990The Northern PikesSnow in JuneArt direction and design
1990Mae MooreOceanview MotelArt direction and design
1991Dan HillDance of LoveArt direction and design
1991Steve PlunkettMy AttitudeArt direction and design
1991RushRoll the Bones[3]Art direction and design
1991Great WhiteHookedArt direction and design
1991The Boomers YYZWhat We DoArt direction and design
1991Kik TraceeNo RulesArt direction and design
1991Fates WarningParallelsArt direction and design
1991KixHot WireArt direction and design
1991Bad EnglishBacklashArt direction and design
1991ContrabandContrabandArt direction with Frenchy Gauthier and design
1991The StormThe Storm[3]Art direction and design
1992McAuley Schenker GroupM.S.G.Art direction and design
1992House of LordsDemons DownDesign with Glen Wexler
199254•40Dear Dear[3]Art direction and design
1992KissRevengeArt direction
1992Skew SiskinSkew SiskinArt direction and design
1992The Jeff Healey BandFeel ThisArt direction and design with Tom Stephen
1992Me Phi MeOneArt direction
1992SteelheartTangled in ReinsArt direction and design
199221 GunsSaluteArt direction and design
1992MegadethCountdown to Extinction[3]Art direction and design
1992Unruly ChildUnruly Child[3]Art direction and design
1992Sister WhiskeySister Whiskey (Liquor & Poker)Cover art
1992ImpellitteriGrin and Bear ItProp design
1993AerosmithGet a Grip[3]Cover design
1993Altered StateDosArt direction, design
1993Def LeppardRetro Active[3]Art direction, design and digital illustration with Nels Israelson
1993Coverdale/PageCoverdale/PageArt direction and design
1993HelixIt's a Business Doing PleasureCover art and design
1993Damn the MachineDamn the MachineArt direction and design
1993Every Mother's NightmareWake Up ScreamingArt direction and design
1993RushCounterparts[18]Art direction, illustrations and design
1993BulletBoysZa-ZaLettering, letter design
1993The BoomersThe Art of LivingArt direction, illustrations and design
1993The BandJerichoCover art, art direction and design
1994Stray CatsChoo Choo Hot FishArt direction and design
1994Roger ClintonNothing Good Comes EasyArtwork and design
1994Dave EdmundsPlugged InArt direction and design
1994WhitesnakeGreatest HitsArt direction and design
1994MegadethYouthanasia[3]Design and digital illustration. Art direction with Tommy Steele.
1994QueensrÿchePromised LandArt direction, design and digital illustration
1994TeslaBust a Nut[3]Artwork, art direction, design
1994Fates WarningInside OutArtwork and design
1994Various artistsBurning for Buddy: A Tribute to the Music of Buddy RichArt direction and design
1995Iron MaidenThe X Factor[3]Art direction, design, illustrations, digital illustrations
1996Celine DionLive à Paris[3]Art direction, graphic concept
1996RushTest for Echo[3]Art direction, design and digital illustration
1996The BandHigh on the HogArt direction and design
1996The Boomers25 Thousand DaysArt direction, illustrations and design
1996Earth, Wind & FireGreatest Hits LiveArt direction and design
1996PodHeaded for the ZerosArt direction, illustrations and design
1997Alice CooperA Fistful of Alice[3]Cover design
1997QueensrÿcheHear in the Now Frontier[3]Art direction, artwork and design with Dimo Safari
1997SupertrampSome Things Never Change[3]Art direction and design
1997MegadethCryptic WritingsArt Direction, design and illustrations
1997RushRetrospective I[19]Art direction and design
1997RushRetrospective II[19]Art direction, design and cover painting
1997WhitesnakeRestless Heart[3]Art direction, emblem design and cover concept with Dimo Safari and David Coverdale
1997Earth, Wind and FireIn the Name of LoveArt direction, design and digital illustration
1997Various artistsBurning for Buddy: A Tribute to the Music of Buddy Rich, Vol. 2Art direction and design
1998ArenaThe Visitor[3]Art direction and design
1998RushDifferent Stages[20]Art direction, illustration and design
1998Uriah HeepClassic Heep: An AnthologyArt direction and design
1999The KingsThe Kings Are Here..and MoreDesign
1999TilesPresents of MindCover concept, artwork and design
1999Henry Lee SummerSmoke and MirrorsArt direction and design
1999Charlotte ChurchCharlotte ChurchArt direction, design and photography
2000ArenaImmortal?[3]Art direction and design
2000QueensrÿcheGreatest HitsArt direction and design
2000Carrie NewcomerAge of PossibilityArt direction and design
2001Jennie DevoeDoes She Walk on WaterArt direction and design
2001MegadethThe World Needs a HeroArt direction, design and illustrations
2001Deep Blue SomethingDeep Blue SomethingArt direction and design
2001The Bacon BrothersCan't ComplainArt direction, design and illustrations
2001Deana CarterFather ChristmasDesign
2002RushVapor Trails[21]Art direction, paintings and portraits
2002Heather MylesSweet Talk and Good LiesArt direction and design
2002StyxAt the River's Edge: Live in St. LouisLogo design
2002Carrie NewcomerThe Gathering of SpiritsArt direction and design
2002The BoomersMidwayArt direction, illustrations and design
2003The Allman Brothers BandHittin' the NoteArt direction, illustrations
2003ExtolSynergy[22]Cover art
2003RushRush in Rio[23]Art direction, illustrations and design
2003RushThe Spirit of Radio: Greatest Hits 1974–1987[24]Art direction and design
2003The Wayfaring StrangersThis TrainArt direction
2003Quill•TolhurstSo Rudely InterruptedCover art and graphics
2004Travis LarsonBurn SeasonArt direction
2004Billy JonasGet RealArt direction, illustrations and design
2004Carrie NewcomerBetty's Diner: The Best of Carrie NewcomerArt direction and design
2004TilesWindow DressingArtwork, photography and design
2004RushFeedback (EP)[25]Art direction, illustrations and design
2005Various artistsSubdivisions: A Tribute to RushArt direction and design
2005Dream TheaterOctavariumArt direction, illustrations and design
2005NevermoreThis Godless EndeavorCover art
2005Bad Moon RisingFull Moon CollectionDesign
2005Carrie NewcomerRegulars and RefugeesArt direction and design
2005RushR30: 30th Anniversary World TourArt direction, illustrations and design
2006OnesideOnesideArt direction, illustrations and design
2006RushGold[26]Art direction and design
2006RushRush Replay X 3Art direction and design
2006Stone SourCome What(ever) MayArt direction, illustrations and design
2007Dream TheaterSystematic ChaosArt direction, illustrations and design
2007RushSnakes & Arrows[27]Art direction, illustrations and design
2007QueensrÿcheSign of the Times: The Best of QueensrÿcheArt direction, illustrations and design
2007Byron Nemeth GroupThe Force WithinArt direction, illustrations and design
2007Krista DetorCover Their Eyes Art direction and design
2007Charlotte ChurchThe Charlotte Church ShowArt direction, photography and design
2008OnesideFirst, to LastArt direction and design
2008TilesFly PaperArtwork, design, photography, and illustrations
2008Dream TheaterGreatest Hit (...And 21 Other Pretty Cool Songs)Art direction, design, photography, and illustrations
2008Dream TheaterChaos in Motion 2007–2008Artwork and design
2008Cynic (UK)Suburban CrisisArt Direction, Photography, and Design
2008RushSnakes & Arrows Live[28]Art direction, illustrations and design
2008Bob MoverIt Amazes MeArt direction, photography and design
2009QueensrÿcheAmerican SoldierArt direction, illustrations and design
2009RushRetrospective 3[29]Art direction and design
2009RushGrace Under Pressure TourArt direction and design
2009Dream TheaterBlack Clouds & Silver Linings[30]Art direction, illustrations and design
2009Flying MachinesFlying MachinesArt direction, illustrations and design
2010Carrie NewcomerBefore & AfterArt direction and design
2010Krista DetorChocolate Paper SuitesArt direction, illustrations and design
2010RushIconCover art
2011RushIcon 2Cover art
20113 Doors DownTime of My LifeCover concept, art direction, illustrations and design
2011Dream TheaterA Dramatic Turn of EventsArt direction and design
2011RushTime Machine 2011: Live in ClevelandArt direction and design
2012BetrayerBetrayerArt direction, artwork and design
2012RushClockwork AngelsCover art
2012Rush2112 5.1Art direction and design
2012TilesOff the Floor 01Cover art
2013Dream TheaterDream TheaterCover and album design
2014Carrie NewcomerA Permeable Life
2014TilesOff the Floor 02Cover art
2014Flying ColorsSecond Nature[31]art direction, design, illustrations
2014Dream TheaterBreaking the Fourth WallCover art
2017RushA Farewell To Kings-40th Anniversary Deluxe EditionArt Direction and design
2018RushHemispheres-40th Anniversary Deluxe EditionArt Direction and design
2018Alien CountryLike My Life Depends On It Archived 2018-12-05 at the Wayback MachineArt Director, artwork and design
2019Dream TheaterDistance Over TimeCover art
2020RushPermanent Waves-40th Anniversary Deluxe EditionArt Direction and design
2020Gustavo Carmo (feat. Brian Tichy, Rudy Sarzo & Derek Sherinian)On and OffCover art
2020Wandering XCarved in StoneCover art
2020Dream TheaterDistant Memories - Live in LondonCover art
2021Rivers & Rust"What a Waste"Cover art
2021Wandering XLife ExpectancyCover art
2021Joe BonamassaTime ClocksCover art
2021Carrie NewcomerUntil NowCover art
2021Fairy TaleThat Is The QuestionCover art
2021Dream TheaterA View from the Top of the WorldCover art
2021Benjamin CroftFar & Distant ThingsCover art
2022Talas1985Cover art
2022RushMoving Pictures (40th Anniversary)Art Direction and design
2022TRIBUTESSongs for Neil Vol. 3Cover art
2022Brother DynamiteIf We DareCover art
2022Dane ClarkMemory MileCover art
2022A-ZA-ZCover art
2022SOMAHeaded for the ZerosCover art
2022Hilario Durán and David VirellesFront Street DuetsCover art
2023Arch EchoFinal PitchArtwork, Illustration, Design

Discography

Syme has contributed as a musician with Ian Thomas Band,[32] Rush and Tiles.

with Ian Thomas Band

  • Delights - piano, Fender Rhodes, Mellotron and background vocals
  • Calabash - keyboards, background vocals and creative companionship and album cover artwork
  • Still Here - keyboards and background vocals (co-arrangement on "I Really Love You" and "Tinkerbell")
  • Glider - keyboards and all songs arranged with Ian Thomas
  • The Runner - keyboards and background vocals

with Rush

with Tiles

  • Window Dressing - keyboards on "Slippers in the Snow"
  • Fly Paper - keyboards on "Crowded Emptiness" and solo piano on "Passing Notes"

with Alice in Chains

  • 2112 - 40th Anniversary Deluxe Reissue - Mellotron, string arrangement, woodwinds, and boy's choir on Geddy Lee's re-released song "Tears"

with Jim McCarty

  • Walking in the Wild Land - Piano, nylon and steel string acoustic guitar, synths, string arrangements, boy's choir, Mellotron on "Changing Times", "Dancing Leaves" and "So Many Questions". James Stanley McCarty (born 25 July 1943) is an English musician, best known as the drummer for the Yardbirds and Renaissance.

Awards

Juno Awards: 5 wins and 18 nominations.[34]

References

Retrieved from "https:https://www.search.com.vn/wiki/index.php?lang=en&q=Hugh_Syme&oldid=1222534439"
🔥 Top keywords: Main PageSpecial:SearchPage 3Wikipedia:Featured picturesHouse of the DragonUEFA Euro 2024Bryson DeChambeauJuneteenthInside Out 2Eid al-AdhaCleopatraDeaths in 2024Merrily We Roll Along (musical)Jonathan GroffJude Bellingham.xxx77th Tony AwardsBridgertonGary PlauchéKylian MbappéDaniel RadcliffeUEFA European Championship2024 ICC Men's T20 World CupUnit 731The Boys (TV series)Rory McIlroyN'Golo KantéUEFA Euro 2020YouTubeRomelu LukakuOpinion polling for the 2024 United Kingdom general electionThe Boys season 4Romania national football teamNicola CoughlanStereophonic (play)Gene WilderErin DarkeAntoine GriezmannProject 2025