Legendary Fantasy, Rock, and Metal Artist Ken Kelly, Famous for KISS and Rainbow Album Covers, Has Died

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Artist Ken Kelly, creator of iconic album covers for Kiss’ Destroyer and Love Gun, has died at the age of 76. No cause of death was announced. Kelly, the nephew of legendary fantasy artist Frank Frazetta, learned under his uncle at Frazetta’s studio. While working as a cover artist for horror comics like Eerie and Creepy, Kelly’s art caught Kiss’ attention; as Kelly told Print in 2018, they originally sought Frazetta to make the Destroyer cover, but when he was unavailable, Kelly got the job, in spite of being unfamiliar with the bands’ music at that point. Kelly later made other iconic covers for Rainbow (1976’s Rising), Ace Frehley, Coheed & Cambria, and many covers for Manowar. Members of Kiss and others shared their tributes to Ken on social media. You can learn about Ken’s life’s work and buy art at his website here:

 

https://www.kenkellyfantasyart.com/page/page/6626981.htm

 

Gene Simmons wrote “Sad to find out Ken Kelly, who painted our Destroyer album cover passed away. A kind and beloved gentleman. Rest In Peace.”

Peter Criss s added “I am heartbroken to hear of the passing of my dear friend Ken Kelly. He was an amazing man and talent. A gentle, kind, funny honorable man. A man of integrity and grace. I loved him so much. His art work graced the cover of two of our iconic albums. He brought out the super heros in us. He will live on through his incredible work.”

Paul Stanley tweeted Saturday, “A moment to remember the great Ken Kelly. His fantasy art captured the larger than life image of KISS perfectly. Rest In Peace.”

Manowar commented:

“Deeply saddened by the passing of the great Ken Kelly,” Manowar bassist Joey DeMaio said in a statement. “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.”