Ioannis, famed for having designed album covers for the likes of Bon Jovi and Deep Purple, passed away on April 7.

Iconic rock album cover designer Ioannis Vasilopoulos has died at the age of 66.

His family announced the sad news of his death in an emotional obituary shared to an online tributes page.

The statement read: ‘We announce with heavy hearts the passing of Ioannis, our beloved artist, husband, father, brother, grandfather, uncle and friend, who has left us for the great beyond.

‘We find comfort knowing that Ioannis is reunited with his father, mother and other beloved family and friends. The outpouring of love for Ioannis and his work is also a great comfort.

‘There were so many things Ioannis wanted to do and so many new projects he could not wait to share,’ it went on.

Iconic rock album cover designer Ioannis Vasilopoulos (pictured) has died at the age of 66

His family announced the sad news of his death in an emotional obituary shared to an online tributes page

‘As a family we have been tasked to continue this work and that is what we are going to do. His energy will live on through his incredible art.

‘His bright smile and child-like excitement lives on in his works. Ioannis will undoubtedly be remembered as one of rock’s all-time great artists.’

Ioannis has been survived by his wife Lisa, daughter Maria and son-in-law Conor, grandchildren Henry and Jack, brother George and other close family members.

His family and friends are gathering for an intimate funeral at a Greek Orthodox Church on Friday April 11 to pay their respects to the beloved music figure.

Ioannis was born in Athens, Greece, and emigrated to the United States as a child in 1967, where he first found his love of animation and music.

He found his passion for designing album covers and designed his first record while he was still in college, before directing his first MTV music video for Art In America.

He designed more than 350 record covers for major bands including Bon Jovi, Deep Purple, Skid Row, Blue Oyster Cul and Starship, among many others.

Ioannis has also worked with Sony Music, Universal Music, Starz, Virgin Records and many classic rock radio stations on other big projects.

He designed more than 350 record covers for major bands including Bon Jovi, Deep Purple, Skid Row and Starship, among many others. Pictured with Voivod’s Michel Langevin

He his artwork also featured in a book about Led Zeppelin, titled Get the Led Out, alongside Martin Popoff, which was written by Denny Somach.

The designer showcased his work at many shows around the US and continued to sell his artwork globally until his death.

Tributes rolled in for the artist from his famous friends and fans as people took to social media to share their support with his family.

Patrick Prince, editor of Goldmine Magazine, shared: ‘Ioannis was a wonderfully generous person and a dear friend.

‘His talent as an artist was limitless. He had more passion than any artist I’ve met and significantly cherished his work with rock and roll bands.

‘It didn’t matter if his artwork was commissioned for The Allman Brothers Band or a local band down the street, he gave 100 per cent dedication to the project representing that specific artist.’