The Shocking & Censored Covers

Scorpions: Lovedrive (1979) Ah, Scorpions -- the band the censors love to hate. They first got in trouble with their absolutely tasteless cover for the German release of Virgin Killer, featuring a nude young girl, which was quickly replaced (we'll steer clear of that one). They also caught heck for 1980's Animal Magnetism. The Lovedrive cover, by famed design firm Hipgnosis, got the paper-wrap treatment on release and was also replaced, following complaints. "We weren't in any way being demeaning to women," insisted designer Aubrey Powell. "It's just a weird picture," he added of this bubblegum shot. "I don't think it would have looked the same if it had been coming off an ear." -- JC