“I attended a Rush show and met this thing called merchandising! My work was everywhere – on jackets, T-shirts, tattoos, Neil’s drum heads…” Hugh Syme was shocked when his 2112 art exploded. But it’s not the piece that most resonates with him

Hugh Syme’s Starman logo for Rush’s 2112.

Hugh Syme created the artwork for Rush’s third album, Caress Of Steel, in 1975. He’s continued working with his fellow Canadians ever since, also producing covers for late drummer Neil Peart’s books, and his other credits include Dream Theater, Iron Maiden, Supertramp and Uriah Heep. In 2012 the Juno award winner told Prog about his approach to work, and his surprise over the success of his 2112 illustrations for Rush.

How important is your connection with the band for whom you’re producing artwork?