Storm Thorgerson, the artist behind many classic album covers, has died at the age of 69.

According to an Associated Press report, Thorgerson died “surrounded by family and friends” and his death was peaceful. He had reportedly been suffering from an unnamed illness for “some time.” The artist had suffered a stroke in 2003.

Thorgerson grew up in Cambridge, England, where he attended the same high school as Pink Floyd members Syd Barret and Roger Waters. He was also a friend of Pink Floyd guitarist David Gilmour.

After attending college, Thorgerson joined the art group Hipgnosis. There he designed many famous album covers, starting with Pink Floyd albums such as A Saucerful of Secrets, Ummagumma, The Dark Side of the Moon, and Wish You Were Here. Throughout the 70s, 80s, 90s, and 00s Thorgerson designed album covers for bands such as Black Sabbath, Genesis, Led Zeppelin, The Offspring, Phish, Ween, The Mars Volta, The Cranberries, and Muse.

Gilmour this week released a statement on behalf of Pink Floyd:

“We first met in our early teens. We would gather at Sheep’s Green, a spot by the river in Cambridge and Storm would always be there holding forth, making the most noise, bursting with ideas and enthusiasm. Nothing has ever really changed.

“He has been a constant force in my life, both at work and in private, a shoulder to cry on and a great friend.

“The artworks that he created for Pink Floyd from 1968 to the present day have been an inseparable part of our work.

“I will miss him.”

– David Gilmour