BLACK SABBATH MOB RULES LP COVER REMARQUED BY GREG HILDEBRANDT

Released in 1981, this album has transcended to legendary status in the decades that have since passed. Not only the music, but the cover art as well. This was the band’s tenth studio album and the second to feature Ronnie James Dio who replaced Ozzy Osbourne in 1979 as the band’s vocalist. The front cover has been signed by the band: Ronnie, founding members Tony Iommi and Geezer Butler and new to the band drummer Vinny Appice. The cover art is by Greg Hildebrandt. It was done in 1974 and titled “Dream 1: Crucifers.” It is from a series of dream paintings that Greg did. It was originally published in 1978 in the book, “The Art of the Brothers Hildebrandt”, published by Ballantine Books. Greg licensed the rights to Black Sabbath for use of this image exclusively for the album cover and advertising of the album after a request from their manager in 1980. Upon my purchasing the signed album I sent it to Greg to work his magic. He signed the front of the cover at the bottom right. As for the back cover, see for yourself. He did an amazing all-over Remarque adding two of the ominous hooded figures that are seen on the front cover, as well as a devil’s head and lots of dripping blood! He then signed this art as well. I had a vision in my head of what I hoped he would do but I was left speechless upon seeing the final product. As a music and art collector, this is one of my most cherished treasures from any of my various collections. I can’t thank Greg and Jean Scrocco enough for making my “Dream” come true!