Frank Kozik, the prolific artist who designed posters and album covers for bands including Queens of the Stone Age, Nirvana, the White Stripes, and Melvins, has died. According to a statement posted on his social media pages, Kozik passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, May 6. He was 61.
“Frank was a man larger than himself, an icon in each genre he worked in,” the statement reads. “He dramatically changed the industry he was a part of. He was a creative force of nature. We are so beyond lucky and honored to have been part of his journey, and he will be missed beyond what words could ever express. He loved his wife, his cats, classic muscle cars, mentoring others, and Disneyland. His forceful presence will be missed by all who knew him. His legacy, like all great masters, will live on through his art and our memories of him.”
Born in Spain and raised in Sacramento, Kozik was a self-trained artist who started designing flyters and posters for punk bands while living in Austin, Texas in the ’80s. After moving to San Francisco in 1993, he launched his label Man’s Ruin Records, which would release more than 200 records by bands such as Melvins, Kyuss, Nebula, and High on Fire.
Kozik designed many album covers, including Queens of the Stone Age’s self-titled album, Melvins’ Houdini, and the Offspring’s Americana. He also directed the music video for Soundgarden’s ‘Pretty Noose’ and worked with Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Stone Temple Pilots, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Butthole Surfers, and Helmet. Kozik folded his label in 2001 to focus on fine art and the designer toy movement, collaborating with Kidrobot, where he served as the chief creative officer, and other boutique toy companies.
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