summer has STARTED so I’ve been relearning how to draw! Happy Pride to all the queer rockstars that I haven’t seen make somebody’s Instagram post.

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Eric Emerson (June 23, 1945 – May 28, 1975)

Warhol Superstar Eric Emerson was an American musician, dancer, and actor, born on June 23, 1945. Emerson was well known for his roles in Andy Warhol ‘s films and as a member of the punk band The Magic Tramps, which played gigs at CBGB and Max’s Kansas City.

Emerson was an actor and musician. He appeared in Andy Warhol films 'Chelsea Girls' and 'Lonesome Cowboys', amongst others. He eventually formed a band the Magic Tramps.

His face appeared, upside-down, on the back cover of The Velvet Underground & Nico as part of the light show behind the live band. Emerson threatened to sue and the album was recalled until it could be airbrushed out.

There are three versions of the back cover of the original American release

1st - Has an image of actor Eric Emerson projected upside-down on the wall behind the band. Commonly known as the "Torso" cover (despite showing only Emerson's head and arms), this variant is also referred to as “first state” or the “Emerson Cover.”

2nd - The actor's image is covered by a large black sticker.

3rd - The actor's image is airbrushed out.

The actor Eric Emerson, protagonist of some multimedia films projected behind the group during Andy Warhol's Exploding Plastic Inevitable, filed a lawsuit against the record label for the non-payment of the rights regarding his image that can be seen upside down on the back cover of the first version.

This led to the album bring temoprarily withdrawn from sale, likely in late 1967, while a large black lawsuit sticker was applied to the rear sleeve of remaining stock. On the rear sleeve of all subsequent pressings, the image is airbrushed to obscure Emerson

He died in 1975, apparently the victim of a hit-and-run accident.

Growing up in New Jersey, Emerson trained as a classic ballet dancer. It was this talent that caught the eye of artist and filmmaker Andy Warhol.

After seeing Emerson dancing at The Dom in April 1966, Warhol asked Emerson to be in one of his underground films.

Emerson made his film debut in 1967's Chelsea Girls, and soon became a Factory regular. Emerson starred in other Warhol films, most notably Lonesome Cowboys, San Diego Surf, and Heat. Heat would be Emerson's last film.

Emerson began his musical career with The Magic Tramps. The band, which began in Hollywood in 1969, relocated to New York City in 1971 after Emerson joined as lead vocalist.

The Magic Tramps played under various names, including Messiah and Star Theater, and played gigs at Max's Kansas City, a favorite hangout among Factory regulars. They were one of the early bands to play at CBGB.