The world's worst album covers have found a home. An exhibition showcasing hundreds of hilariously bad record sleeves is touring the UK, and it is a must-see for music lovers and comedy fans alike. The collection, curated by Steve Goldman, features everything from bizarre rabbit transformations to truly baffling artistic choices.
The Origin Story of the Worst Album Covers
It all started with a single, unforgettable cover. Goldman purchased the 1979 album Roadstar by Peter Rabbitt for just 10p, purely because its cover was so absurd. The sleeve shows the band members with their faces morphed onto rabbit bodies, a sight that sent Goldman into hysterics.
Decades later, he tracked down another copy and his mission began. “That evening I said to my family, ‘do you know what, I think I’ll start collecting crap LP covers’,” Goldman recalled. His simple rule is that if a cover makes him laugh, he adds it to his growing archive of musical oddities.
What Makes a Cover Truly Terrible?
The exhibition features a wide range of cringe-worthy and unintentionally hilarious designs. From creepy nudity to bizarre themes, these covers often defy logic. Some of the most talked-about albums on display include:
- Oil and Vinegar by Dave McKenna/The Wilbur Little Quarter – featuring a naked couple with a questionable use of chard.
- Songs for Gay Dogs by Paddy Roberts – a title that raises more questions than it answers.
- All My Friends Are Dead by Freddie Gage – showing a Southern Baptist evangelist kneeling at a grave, which cost Goldman £110.
Goldman’s favorites change weekly, but he notes that Satanic Panic Attack from Norway, with its cover of naked band members cuddling on a rug, is a current highlight. “They just look comical,” he said, laughing.
The Cult Following and Exhibition Tour
What began as a small show in Huddersfield has grown into a phenomenon. The exhibition has been featured at galleries and festivals across the UK, and it is now set to appear at the Edinburgh Fringe later this year. The Mansfield Museum in Nottinghamshire hosted the latest edition, with former Peter Rabbitt lead singer JT Thompson as guest of honour.
Thompson, now 74, was surprised to see the album again. “We had no idea they were going to do it,” he said of the Roadstar cover. “This actually came out after we had split up.” Despite the embarrassment, he embraced his role at the opening, meeting fans and old colleagues.
A Family-Friendly Selection
Because the Mansfield Museum expects many child visitors, some of the more risqué covers were left out. Notably absent were Letzte Naach by Kingsize Dick and Let Me Touch Him by the Minister’s Quartet. The curators ensured the display remains appropriate for all ages while still delivering plenty of laughs.
Why This Exhibition Matters
Beyond the humour, the exhibition offers a unique look at music history. These covers represent a time when album art was often an afterthought or a product of limited budgets. They remind us that not every artistic risk pays off, and that sometimes the worst ideas become the most memorable.
For collectors and casual fans alike, the show is a celebration of the weird and wonderful. As Goldman puts it, “If it makes me laugh, I collect it.” His passion has turned a 10p joke into a beloved cultural tour.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I see the worst album covers exhibition?
The exhibition is currently touring the UK. It was recently at the Mansfield Museum in Nottinghamshire and will appear at the Edinburgh Fringe at the Assembly Rooms Studios Bar later this year. Check local listings for upcoming dates.
How did Steve Goldman start collecting bad album covers?
Goldman bought the 1979 album Roadstar by Peter Rabbitt for 10p because its cover made him laugh. After losing it, he tracked down another copy decades later and decided to start collecting other terrible LP covers full-time.
What is the most expensive cover in the collection?
The most expensive album in Goldman’s collection is All My Friends Are Dead by Freddie Gage, which cost him £110. The cover shows the singer kneeling at a grave, and Goldman says it is “worth every penny.”
