In Memoriam: Artist Ray Lowry (1944-2008)

English artist, illustrator, and satirist Ray Lowry has died at the age of 64.

In 1979 Ray was invited to accompany the Clash on their debut US tour, illustrating the band's progress along the way and sending reports and artwork back to NME in the UK. At the end of the trip he was responsible for the design of the band's iconic Elvis-spoofing London Calling album cover. Joe Strummer dubbed him the "War Artist" on the tour.

Lowry worked as a cartoonist and illustrator since the late 60s, contributing to such publications as The Guardian, Private Eye, Punch, NME, Melody Maker, The Observer and Mojo among many others. An exhibition of his work is currently running at the See Gallery in Rawenstall, Lancashire until November 7th. Our deepest condolences go out to Ray's family and friends.