On the 2nd September 2025, Blur announced a 30th anniversary vinyl reissue of their fourth album ‘The Great Escape’. With a second disc including b-sides (some of which have not been issued on vinyl before), the excitement of the release was ruined by the reveal of the new artwork by Tony Hung which makes clear use of generative AI elements. 

Many Blur fans are upset and insulted by the use of generative AI. Whether they are artists themselves or simply fans of art with morals, the use of generative AI is felt as disrespecting the music and band we love so much. Especially with Damon Albarn’s involvement in the ‘1000 Artists’ silent AI protest album, and public comments from Albarn and Gorillaz collaborator Jamie Hewlett about AI.

Some have argued that the use of generative AI is satirical, but at the end of the day it’s still using generative AI… and the sleeve is revoltingly ugly. We do not want to have music we love packaged in awful artwork.

As said earlier, this has the potential to be an exciting release for fans after The Great Escape-era b-sides on vinyl. Some fan favourites such as ‘St. Louis’ and ‘Tame’ appearing would make this vinyl reissue an instant purchase. But not with the AI slop artwork.

Please change the artwork before Blur’s legacy is truly tainted by the release of this hideous artwork.