NME News

Legendary album artwork up for sale

Sonic Youth painting is expected to make millions

The painting used for the cover of Sonic Youth’s acclaimed 1988 album ‘Daydream Nation’ is to be auctioned in London next week (February 27).

The 1983 photo-painting, ‘Kerze’ by Gerhard Richter, is being sold by Sotheby’s, with the price tag expected to reach upwards of £2.5million.

Sotheby’s Francis Outred told The Independent: “This is a unique collaboration of a painter that people want with an album cover by one of the greatest American bands of all time.

“The fact this is the very picture that was used – taken from a series of 20 paintings – makes it even more special.”

Richter’s artwork has previously sold for as much £6.5million in the US.

‘Daydream Nation’ is generally seen as a seminal album by the New York band. ‘Kerze’ translates as ‘Candle’, which is also a song on the double album.


The Shockwaves NME Awards 2008 are coming soon – and it’s time to have your say. Vote now by heading to NME.COM/awardsvote and you could win VIP tickets to the ceremony, which takes place in London on February 28.

Comments (3)

Add a comment

**blood-shot-diamond** 

Feb 18, 2008

the albums a masterpiece, a hypnotic passage of furious noise that explodes in shifting dynamics....if you dont own it, go buy it immediately!!!!!!!! if you have no idea who sonic youth are, then what planet are you from???????

regular John. 

Feb 19, 2008

Thuston Moore Kissed my Dad............

monkeyhands 

Feb 24, 2008

wow thats one heck of an acheivement! i wish i had that much money so i could get it!

Add your comment

NME Alerts

Get NME news delivered direct to your desktop. Find out more

Please sign in

Forgot your password?

Register with MyNME

Every Tuesday

  • Breaking News stories
  • All you need to know about the week's NME magazine
  • Live, Album and Track reviews
  • Tip offs about the most important Gigs
  • All the latest NME.COM video exclusives

Every Friday

  • NME.COM's free mini-magazine
  • Gig listings for the weekend
  • All the most important Album and Track reviews
  • The week's biggest News stories
  • Competitions - with exclusive music prizes
  • plus loads more!

In The Magazine

This Week's Issue
  • The ultimate guide to the week in music
  • Agenda-setting news and fiery comment
  • Must-read interviews with the planet's hottest bands
  • Hundreds of UK gigs listed every week
  • Unrivalled access to the artists that matter
  • Subscribe today and get 1/3rd off NME