The cover of Alice in Chains' Greatest Hits features one of two distinct images, depending on the release: either a historic photograph of boxers Gene Fullmer and Neal Rivers, or an image of the band members' heads from their Facelift photoshoot.
Understanding the Covers of Alice in Chains' Greatest Hits
Alice in Chains, known for their influential sound in the grunge and alternative metal scene, released their Greatest Hits compilation in 2001. This album consolidated many of their most popular tracks, and it is recognized by two different cover artworks that have circulated, each with its own visual narrative.
The Official Release Cover
The primary and most widely recognized cover for Alice in Chains' Greatest Hits album features a powerful black-and-white photograph from the world of boxing. This iconic image captures boxer Gene Fullmer in a crucial moment, receiving a forceful right hook from fellow boxer Neal Rivers. The intense bout, a 10-round fight, took place on November 15, 1957, at the legendary Madison Square Garden. This striking photograph evokes themes of struggle, impact, and raw energy, which resonate with the band's often heavy and emotionally charged music.
The Unofficial/Alternative Cover
An unofficial, or sometimes considered an alternative, cover for the Greatest Hits compilation also exists. This version features a distinct image showing the heads of the members of Alice in Chains. This particular artwork is derived directly from the photoshoot for their debut studio album, Facelift, which was released in 1990. On this alternative cover, the image of the band members' heads appears without the typical text overlay often found on album art, presenting a raw and direct visual of the musicians themselves.
Summary of Alice in Chains Greatest Hits Covers
To clarify the distinct visual identities, here is a breakdown of the two known covers:
| Cover Type | Featured Imagery | Context / Source |
|---|---|---|
| Official | Boxers Gene Fullmer and Neal Rivers in a 1957 boxing match | Photograph from a fight at Madison Square Garden |
| Unofficial | Heads of the members of Alice in Chains (Jerry Cantrell, Layne Staley, Mike Starr, Sean Kinney) | From the Facelift album photoshoot, without text |
These diverse cover choices reflect different facets of the band's artistry and legacy, with one highlighting external, impactful imagery and the other offering a direct representation of the band members from their early career.
