The album artwork from Weezer's Blue Album might appear simple, but it's one of the most memed covers around, so clearly it's doing something right. As that 1994 album turns 30, the band members have discussed how they arrived upon the iconic artwork, revealing just how much thought went into making it.
In an oral history of the Blue Album published in the Los Angeles Times, the band members reflected on the photo shoot with famed glamour photographer Peter Gowland, who was known for his shots from the '50s and '60s.
"The original conception for the cover was that we'd be in these matching striped shirts like the Beach Boys," singer Rivers Cuomo said. "I don't know who suggested we do some shots in our regular clothes, but when we looked back at them, we all liked those the best."
Drummer Patrick Wilson noted that the band had once played a show in the striped shirts, which "bummed all the hipster bands out so hard." Cuomo added that he had gotten a haircut at a random salon the night before, which "totally sucks," while Wilson showed up to the shoot with his hair buzzed.
Perhaps the most important element, however, is the blue background. "We spent maybe two days searching for the right shade of blue," recalled guitarist Brian Bell.
Interestingly, no one in the interview mentioned the Beach Boys' compilation Do It Again! — although that image appears to be what the Blue Album cover was based on, right down to the striped shirts and blue background.
Weezer will tour in support of the Blue Album's 30th anniversary this summer.