- 🔙 Back to Misc
- « The Heavy Metal Store | DAW Books »
- ⚠️ Add, Edit or Remove your item
- 🔍 Controversy of Michael Moorcock (DuckDuckGo search or Google search or WP search or FB)
The controversy revolves around author Michael Moorcock, born on Monday, December 18, 1939, who created the fantasy figure Elric of Melniboné. The character first appeared in Science Fantasy No. 47 (Jun 1961), with the cover art by Brian Lewis—not Michael Whelan. Additionally, there were numerous magazines, comics, and books featuring Elric before the involvement of DAW Books and Whelan’s iconic artwork.
Artist Michael Whelan later collaborated with DAW Books on the Elric Saga books 1-7 from 1976 to 1985. Following this, Cirith Ungol began using Whelan’s artwork for their albums starting in 1981. While Moorcock has authored many other books and Whelan has created numerous artworks, not all of them are tied to Cirith Ungol’s themes, making some uses feel out of context.
Pros:
- Cirith Ungol reached out to DAW Books, who connected them with artist Michael Whelan, known for his iconic Elric book covers from 1976 to 1985, with author Michael Moorcock. Cirith Ungol remains friends with Michael Whelan to this day.
- In 1981, Cirith Ungol made an agreement with Michael Whelan and paid him for the use of his artwork.
- The band thanked Michael Moorcock in the credits of their first three albums. See the cons discussed later.
- Cirith Ungol’s music has sometimes contributed to increased sales of Elric books, as fans discovered Moorcock’s works through the band.
- Some listeners, drawn by Whelan’s stunning cover art, initially purchased Cirith Ungol records without prior knowledge of the band. This exposure later led them to explore Moorcock’s writings and purchase Elric books, driven by their interest sparked by Cirith Ungol.
- from various interviews:
We read all about Conan, Bran Mak Morn, etc. but the books that stood out in my mind the most are the Michael Moorcock’s masterpieces: Elric, Hawkmoon, Corum, etc.
I think they hit a chord with us at the time. The whole thing about good and evil, chaos vs. law is a never-ending struggle and we felt our music had the same duality about it.
No, [Michael Moorcock] hasn’t, but we have followed his career from the beginning and I think his works are mostly masterpieces, especially the Elric and Corum books!
I was reading the book Stormbringer by Michael Moorcock at the time and I remember looking at the cover of the book and thinking this would be the best album cover of all time. … The painting “Stormbringer”, was there and I was mesmerized by its imagery! We got to talk with him, and he is interested in possibly doing another Elric cover for the band! Unfortunately we never got to meet with Michael Moorcock, but needless to say his work influenced our music greatly!
Michael Whelan who painted the covers, which grace our albums, took the original painting for the book “Sailors on a Sea of Fate” which appeared on our CD “Paradise Lost”. His intention was to have Moorcock sign the painting near the bottom as his imagination created the figure portrayed. They had never met and Michael Whelan introduced himself and explained that he had painted the covers for his US editions of his books and was very polite. Michael Moorcock took the painting and with a giant marking pen signed his name very large all over the painting. Of course Michael Whelan said he was in shock and grabbed the painting rushing home to try to repair the irreplaceable masterpiece. I think he fixed it but the story is very disturbing. I believe this account as Michael Whelan is a very honest and straight up guy.
Cons:
It appears that Cirith Ungol’s use of Elric of Melniboné on their album art is unauthorized, making it legally questionable. According to Linda Moorcock, who collaborates with Michael Moorcock (the creator of Elric), the band does not have a license to use Elric’s image in their commercial work. Her comments suggest frustration that the band is profiting from Elric’s image without permission and without compensating Michael Moorcock.
This statement implies that Michael Whelan, the artist who created the Elric artwork used by the band, has also not acknowledged or compensated Moorcock, according to Linda’s remarks. Legally, using a copyrighted character like Elric for commercial purposes without permission could constitute copyright infringement, as any licensed use would typically require approval from the copyright holders.
- Elric of Melnibone (FB private group), 02 Nov 2024
- The Many Worlds of Michael Moorcock: a fan page (FB private group), 18 Jan 2025
Linda Moorcock
More THIEVES! They have no license to sell ANYTHING WITH ELRIC IMAGES. As with most, they just don’t SAY it’s Elric.
Cirith Ungol Fan
Tim Baker (Cirith Ungol), Michael Whelan (artist on Elric) and Robert Garven (Cirith Ungol). And they have thanked both Whelan and Moorcock on their credits.
Credits on their three albums
Linda Moorcock
Thanks yous, homages, tributes, etc…all make $$$ for THEM while skirting the legality of what they are doing. That’s supposed to make it all OK. Well, it doesn’t…unless they are giving it all away, which I doubt! [And Whelan has never said ONE WORD of thanks to Michael OR offered a print, a card…NOTHING!
Cirith Ungol Fan
I am sorry for that. But you can contact Cirith Ungol directly on email …
…
Michael Whelan …
…
Linda Moorcock
Cirith Ungol Fan …a little too late for that, doncha think! If you’re their fan, why don’t YOU tell them. Why people don’t just ASK is what I don’t understand. We’re not here to rip anybody off and NEVER ask a fortune, if anything at all…so why don’t they ask?
Cirith Ungol also avoided Moorcock/Cawthorn who created the Chaos Star symbol.
The Many Worlds of Michael Moorcock: a fan page, (FB private group), 24 Jan 2025
Possible solution for Moorcock problems
- Credit Moorcock on Future Releases:
- Explicitly credit Michael Moorcock for his Elric series and related works in any future records, reissues, merchandise (T-shirts, posters, ads), and promotional material.
- Use phrases like “Featuring characters and stories by Michael Moorcock” or “Thanks to Michael Moorcock for the Elric and related characters” where applicable.
- Mention other characters like Corum, Hawkmoon, etc., if used, as part of the credit.
- Personal Thanks:
- Include a personalized thank you to Michael and Linda Moorcock in future liner notes or promotional material, acknowledging their contribution and influence.
- Revenue Sharing:
- If Moorcock is willing, offer a share of any proceeds (like from T-shirt sales, posters, etc.) where his intellectual property is used. You could even consider reaching out to offer a percentage if this aligns with his preferences or free concert, free albums or other merchandise if Moorcock wanted it.
- Similarly, apply this practice to third-party sellers who use Elric-related material, ensuring they also give proper credit and possibly contribute a portion of profits to Moorcock.
- Keep a Positive Tone:
- Make sure any mentions of Moorcock are framed positively. If his involvement or the use of his characters is brought up, emphasize respect and appreciation for his work rather than focusing on past complications.
- Addressing Third-Party Business:
- Coordinate with third-party vendors (e.g., Keep it True’s Dimitar Nikolov, Brian Cräbaugh, Tim Shagrat, Maegan LeMay, Michal Oracz, etc.) to ensure they also follow the same practices regarding crediting and compensation for the use of Elric-related imagery.
- Credit Moorcock on Future Releases:
By fostering an open and transparent approach, this might help avoid further tension and create a more positive, cooperative relationship going forward. If you’re still unsure whether this will fully resolve the issue, consider consulting with an intellectual property lawyer to ensure you’re in the clear.
Linda Moorcock:
If anyone would like to send a card or gift, the address is:
Michael Moorcock
PO Box 1230
Bastrop TX 78602
Is there more mentioned or thanks on Moorcock outside of the first three records? And have you more comments outside of this? Tell us.