Ken Kelly, known for being one of the most recognized and revered fantasy artists who was the creator of numerous rock band album covers, has died at the age of 76.
Kelly’s passing was announced yesterday by his friend Danny Stanton, president and founder of Coallier Entertainment. Stanton wrote: “RIP KEN KELLY. You will always be a legend in the KISS world. Such a great guy, artist, friend.”
Kelly is known for creating the artwork for KISS‘s “Destroyer” and “Love Gun” albums, RAINBOW‘s “Rising“, several albums from MANOWAR, and Ace Frehley‘s “Space Invader“, just to name a few.
Known predominantly for his fantasy-era creations, Kelly developed the artwork for COHEED AND CAMBRIA‘s album “Good Apollo, I’m Burning Star IV, Volume Two: No World for Tomorrow“, as well as the album sleeve art for ALABAMA THUNDERPUSSY‘s 2007 release “Open Fire“.
Most recently, Kelly had made an appearance at the Kiss By Monster Mini Golf experience in Las Vegas, Nevada, offering autographs for fans of his work on the classic KISS album sleeves he designed.
So sad to report the passing of our long time friend of Chiller, and just friend, Ken Kelly. Your amazing art will live on forever sir, as will my memories of our many good times, and laughs, together. pic.twitter.com/OSvbvniij4
— Chiller Theatre (@ChillerTheatre) June 3, 2022
Deeply saddened by the passing of the great Ken Kelly. He was a giant and will live forever through his art and the memories he left with those who got to know him. I will never forget our years together. Condolences to his family.
RIP, Ken. Valhalla awaits you.
— Joey DeMaio (@realJoeyDeMaio) June 4, 2022
RIP Ken Kelly, artist for No World for Tomorrow. 💔 pic.twitter.com/LqNHmNgMCl
— Coheed and Cambria (@Coheed) June 4, 2022
R.I.P. #kenkelly one of the all time greats. The art he created was my guide to drawing #destroyer #lovegun #rainbowrising @kiss https://t.co/T11QTLPoSZ
— Charlie Benante (@skisum) June 4, 2022
He was a very nice man. Very easy to work with. I gave him a simple idea, which he turned into a magical picture. He shall be greatly missed. RIP Ken Kelly https://t.co/RTnjG8PavZ
— Official Ritchie Blackmore (@TheRealRitchieB) June 4, 2022