10 Things You Didn't Know About Famous Music Album Covers
9. Diamond Dogs - David Bowie (1974)
David Bowie was known for his provocative imagery and subverting the ideas of gender. But, even for a guy who presented himself as an androgynous sex-crazed alien, this was a weird cover.
The artwork for his eighth studio album was created by Guy Peellaert. Bowie struck a number of poses mimicking cats and dogs at a photoshoot and told Peellaert to use the images as inspiration. The finished result depicted Bowie, complete with his Ziggy mullet, suggestively lounging around with the back legs of a dog. In the original image, the half-dog/half-human hybrid had its doggy genitals proudly on display. Needless to say, the record company wasn't all that pleased about dedicating centre stage to a dog wang, and airbrushed Bowie's unmentionables out.
Some original prints did make it to market, however, and have become one of the most desirable records for collectors. In 2018 one such copy sold for £6,500 at auction. So, the next time you're rifling through your vinyl collection, keep your eyes pealed for a pair of hairy dog b**locks, as they might be the most valuable pair you ever see.