The cover of Pink Floyd's album “Wish You Were Here” (1975) is one of the most iconic in rock history, and it carries deep symbolism related to the album's themes of absence, alienation, and the music industry.
The image, designed by the British art design group Hipgnosis, features two businessmen shaking hands in a deserted film studio lot, with one of them on fire. The concept reflects the idea of "being burned" in the music industry—both literally and metaphorically. It was a direct commentary on how artists often felt exploited or "burned" by the industry.
To capture the image, a stuntman named Ronnie Rondell was actually set on fire while shaking hands with another man. They took precautions with protective gear, but during the shoot, the wind changed direction, causing Rondell's mustache to catch fire. Despite this, they successfully captured the now-famous image.
The album’s inner sleeve and additional artwork also contribute to the album's theme of absence. The inner sleeve featured a photograph of a veil floating in the wind in front of a lake, symbolizing the absence of Syd Barrett, the band's former frontman and a driving force behind their early work, whose mental decline and departure had a profound impact on the band.
Overall, the “Wish You Were Here” album cover, with its surreal and striking imagery, perfectly encapsulates the feelings of disconnection and loss that permeate the music.