I have known Barry since his time with The Michael Schenker Group - they were recording one of my favourite MSG albums, the excellent ‘Written In The Sand’ (1996). The following year, I was asked to design the MSG 20th Anniversary album cover and all associated packaging. This album 'The Michael Schenker Story Live', turned out to be a double-live CD with bio and fold-out poster. One side of the poster was a MS discography which I developed called 'FreTime'.
A decade later, Barry stepped into Pete Way’s shoes for touring duties with UFO. Again, I hooked up with Barry for the creation of a promo poster for Barry's Amp, 'TecAmp' - photo’s taken by myself at Southampton’s, 'The Brook’ during the UK tour - further photo’s taken in London and with a lot of photo-retouching was used to creat his bass amp backdrop.
Moving forward to 2015, Barry Sparks and Michael Vescera hook up - having worked together with Yngwie Malmsteen, the duo team up to form a new band. Barry approached me with a brief of creating the bands branding. We started with various ideas and album names but very quickly Barry and Mike decided on ‘Riot On Mars’ as a band name. Barry secured a Japanese record label deal and a band logo was designed.
Next up was the album packaging and initially, two different designs were created. After some deliberation, the cover was chosen. Format was CD-Jewel case and the packaging consisted of a 16-page booklet with photo’s and lyrics. The album has been promoted heavily in Japan, and promoted during Barry's tour with Japanese band BZ. Hopes are of a follow-up album in the future.
Thank you for all your design - You are the best.
Kayo Yoshida, from Tokyo - Riot On Mars