244. Stephen Averill: The Art Behind U2 & Ireland’s Iconic Album Covers
28 September 2026
About This Episode
Stephen Averill has spent decades shaping how Irish music looks. From his early work with The Radiators From Space to a remarkable creative relationship with U2, his designs have become inseparable from some of Ireland’s best-known records. In this episode, Stephen joins Fender Jackson to explore the art of the album cover: the sleeves that first inspired him, how a designer translates music into an image, working with bands, photographers, managers and record companies, and the compromises that can happen between art and commerce. Stephen also reflects on his work with U2, including how four very different opinions within the band could ultimately arrive at one cover, the creative possibilities created by limitations, and Paul McGuinness’s memorable answer to the question: what makes an iconic album cover? The conversation also traces Stephen’s journey from advertising into music design, his work across the Irish music scene, and the vast archive of artwork he is now assembling in Wicklow. Pasted text
Stephen Averill
Stephen Averill is an Irish graphic designer, art director and musician whose career has been closely connected with Irish music for decades. His work ranges from The Radiators From Space and numerous Irish artists to his long-running creative relationship with U2. He began his professional career in advertising before establishing a design company focused heavily on music and entertainment graphics.