Red Hot Chili Peppers Reveal LP Cover by Damien Hirst

Red Hot Chili Peppers have unveiled the cover for their next album -- and it has been designed by the bad boy of Britart, Damien Hirst.

Hirst has made millions by pickling animals, sticking diamonds to a skull and getting staff to paint spots for him. He has also maintained a long relationship with the music world, having directed the 'Country House' video for Blur and recently creating visuals for U2's Glastonbury performance.

Now he has created an exclusive design for the Californian group's 10th album, 'I'm With You,' which brings together two Hirst motifs -- a fly resting on a medicinal capsule. The band posted the shot on their Web site, writing, "Check out our new album cover -- officially revealed! Damien Hirst did it for us and we're happy to get this out to ya!"

But does it mean? Don't ask the band's vocalist for any insight. Anthony Kiedis told Classic Rock magazine, "It's an image. It's art. Iconic. We didn't give it its meaning but it's clearly open to interpretation."

As previously reported in Spinner, the Peppers make their long-awaited return with their first album in five years having navigated a rocky patch that involved the departure of guitarist John Frusciante. 'I'm With You' is out at the end of August and preceded on July 18 by a single, 'The Adventures of Raindance Maggie.'

Watch the Hirst-Directed Video for Blur's 'Country House'
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