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August 17, 2025 1:56 pm  #1


Stuntman On Cover Of One Of Rock's Most Famous LPs Has Died

This isn't about radio or TV, per se, although the music has definitely been played on air many times. But I just thought it was interesting you know about the passing of Ronnie Rondell Jr. 

Who? 

His name isn't well known but you've definitely seen his image. He's the guy on fire shaking hands on the Pink Floyd LP "Wish You Were Here." And yes, he really was in flames for that iconic shot. 

He passed away this week after a long career as stuntman. But nothing ever made him as famous as that album cover. Not that it was easy to get. 

"To capture the photo, conceived by Hipgnosis’ Storm Thorgesen and Audrey Powell, Rondell Jr. was reportedly lit on fire 15 times, as wind and other factors — “There’s a funny thing about fire. When it gets in your face, you’re going to move,” Rondell Jr. added — forced the many attempts.

He lost an eyebrow and part of his moustache during the shoot, but he felt it was worth it. Given the nature of his work, it's amazing he made it to 88. 

Fiery Stuntman on Pink Floyd's "Wish You Were Here" LP Dead at 88

 

August 17, 2025 3:07 pm  #2


Re: Stuntman On Cover Of One Of Rock's Most Famous LPs Has Died

*Aubrey Powell, not Audrey. What a miss, Rolling Stone.

 

August 17, 2025 3:29 pm  #3


Re: Stuntman On Cover Of One Of Rock's Most Famous LPs Has Died

R.I.P., flamey man.

P.S. Had to watch this. Probably not him but same vibe.

Last edited by Chrisphen (August 17, 2025 3:35 pm)

 

August 17, 2025 3:54 pm  #4


Re: Stuntman On Cover Of One Of Rock's Most Famous LPs Has Died

Binson Echorec wrote:

*Aubrey Powell, not Audrey. What a miss, Rolling Stone.

Should'a gone to Spec Savers

D.D.
 

 

August 17, 2025 4:26 pm  #5


Re: Stuntman On Cover Of One Of Rock's Most Famous LPs Has Died

I recall an interview where Phil Collins complained about the Hipgnosis boys following Genesis around and pestering them with a big book of photos and drawings for album art approval.

 

August 17, 2025 4:48 pm  #6


Re: Stuntman On Cover Of One Of Rock's Most Famous LPs Has Died

Binson Echorec wrote:

*Aubrey Powell, not Audrey. What a miss, Rolling Stone.

And Aubrey was his name?...🤔

 

August 18, 2025 10:36 am  #7


Re: Stuntman On Cover Of One Of Rock's Most Famous LPs Has Died

Easily Amused wrote:

Binson Echorec wrote:

*Aubrey Powell, not Audrey. What a miss, Rolling Stone.

And Aubrey was his name?...🤔

Yes, he and Storm Thorgerson founded Hipgnosis.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aubrey_Powell_(designer)

 

Last edited by Binson Echorec (August 18, 2025 10:40 am)

 

August 18, 2025 10:40 am  #8


Re: Stuntman On Cover Of One Of Rock's Most Famous LPs Has Died

Binson Echorec wrote:

Easily Amused wrote:

Binson Echorec wrote:

*Aubrey Powell, not Audrey. What a miss, Rolling Stone.

And Aubrey was his name?...🤔

Yes, he and Storm Thorgerson founded Hipgnosis.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aubrey_Powell_(designer)

Merely a play on words from a song by the group 'Bread'.

 

August 18, 2025 10:41 am  #9


Re: Stuntman On Cover Of One Of Rock's Most Famous LPs Has Died

Easily Amused wrote:

Binson Echorec wrote:

Easily Amused wrote:

And Aubrey was his name?...🤔

Yes, he and Storm Thorgerson founded Hipgnosis.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aubrey_Powell_(designer)

Merely a play on words from a song by the group 'Bread'.

Oh, got it. Never gave that act any attention so any reference whooshes right by me.

Last edited by Binson Echorec (August 18, 2025 10:41 am)

 

August 18, 2025 11:21 am  #10


Re: Stuntman On Cover Of One Of Rock's Most Famous LPs Has Died

I have that album. excellent followup to Dark Side of the Moon. Amazing with headphones.