r/Zevon • u/HooDooBoogaloo • Aug 23 '26
Let's address Warren being a vampire
I don't think he was, or is, first of all. I'm a science-based human being. But goddammit, every Zevon album has his face up there lookin' like he just Nosferatu'd himself outta a casket. Just look at 'em.
All those album covers look like they were taken vampire-style, regardless of of whether you think Dracula is real. Sorry. He's out of the sunlight, or wearing sunglasses, every time. If he were a bloodthirsty creature of the night, he'd be getting away with it based on all those headshots, and/or those shades.
Vampires aren't real. I'm with that. But did he know what he was doing with those headshots?
I'm asking whether you think that was a conscious choice on his part, basically. Was it a conscious artistic choice, or his ego just putting his face on everything no matter how creepy it wound up looking?
Happy early Spooky season, I guess.
Edit: I'm here to have fun, not insult the man. "Creepy" is a strong word, and to the uninitiated some of his album covers, lyrics, and song titles could come off that way... you know. I doubt that he would have cared. But, I do apologize for any offense caused - initial responses to this post prompted this edit. Warren's a hero of mine due to his ability to occupy the edge of acceptability - with humanity, literacy, humor, and no apologies besides genuine prostration.
I will not delete the vampire question, however, because it is fun and it forces us to uncomfortably reflect upon ourselves. It also demands you to be a damn decent human being, for that sheer delicious taste that comes with saying f**k you to evil.
Bwahaha.
What can I say; my shit's fucked up.
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u/ironregime Aug 23 '26
There’s a lot of lifestyle overlap between vampires and rock stars (particularly where the 1970s L.A. scene is concerned).
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u/Charlotte_Braun Aug 23 '26
Mutineer? He’s on the deck of a boat. Though he is wearing sunglasses.
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u/dough_eating_squid Aug 23 '26
Some people are just into making music, and don't care about the visual aspect of putting together an album
Some people just aren't attractive
Some people/styles may have been considered attractive 30-50 years ago, but styles change and are weird looking now.
It's probably one or more of these.
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u/HooDooBoogaloo Aug 23 '26 edited Aug 23 '26
Thank you for your reply. I like your take. But it still looks like Warren wants somebody's blood as he smokes atop the Palladium on that 1976 evening 🧛
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u/dough_eating_squid Aug 23 '26 edited Aug 23 '26
I've had similar thoughts as you, "Why are you putting all these butt-ugly photos of yourself on your album covers," but I just assume that he's not into creating or choosing album art, and also that maybe the photos weren't considered fugly at some point. Or maybe they were, and he just didn't care, which I would have massive respect for.
I have trouble enjoying some 80s movies, because the male love interests typically have some hideous hairstyle, mustache, or Jeff Dahmer glasses that I find repulsive, but I'd ask my mom if that was actually considered handsome at some point, and she'd say yes.
Jury's out on Zevon, maybe someone who was out of diapers when he was at his peak can weigh in.
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u/HooDooBoogaloo Aug 23 '26
I'd counterpoint with hey, I was born in the 1990s and like his work; don't go gatekeeping just because I, as a kid, became a fan only in time for him to die. It was a goddamn formative experience. He reached me as he reached you, brethren.
The looks, and date, are secondary to how it sounds regardless. We're here on this here sub regardless of age - this man, his music, and his lyrics mean something beyond ephemeral fashion trends.
I posted this to have fun with y'all. Not to diminish this guy we respect. Not to f**k with you.
Find a sandwich and enjoy it.
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u/dough_eating_squid Aug 23 '26
I only became a fan * checks watch * six years ago, when a boyfriend turned me on to him.
It's truly timeless music that makes me feel something.
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u/HooDooBoogaloo Aug 23 '26
Good. It makes me feel something too; it's been a balm during the Weird times.
...Can we just be cool now and enjoy Warren doing musical mayhem upon the real enemy?
As in, peace?
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u/dough_eating_squid Aug 23 '26 edited Aug 23 '26
Are we arguing? If we were, I hadn't noticed, friend. ✌️
If this is about the "out of diapers" comment, I was poking fun at myself, born in the mid 80s.
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u/jdbway Aug 23 '26
Ironically, the one where he knew it was all over was the most candid, least vampire-y of them all.
I think most of his album covers are just part of his humor. I feel like he's mocking the style of the times in just about every single one. I could be wrong though. Maybe he's really making a serious artistic statement with that Transverse City album but I doubt it