Kaiser Chiefs: We didn't mean to upset Sturmey Archer

Kaiser Chiefs and Sturmey Archer artwork

published 20 February 2014

Leeds Indie rock band Kaiser Chiefs have responded to the accusation that they 'blatantly copied' their new album cover artwork from packaging made by bicycle component manufacturer Sturmey Archer.

"The lyrics of our new album Education, Education, Education & War look into Britain's past and our designer has deliberately created artwork that references Britain's Heritage," they told music magazine NME via a statement.

Sturmey Archer general manager Alan Clark said on Wednesday: “I have worked for the company for more than 40 years and I have never known anything quite as blatant as this. We are used to this sort of thing from backstreet suppliers but did not expect it from such a big band. They did not even contact us up front and they have not responded to questions posed since we were alerted by customers.”

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Nigel Wynn worked as associate editor on CyclingWeekly.com, he worked almost single-handedly on the Cycling Weekly website in its early days. His passion for cycling, his writing and his creativity, as well as his hard work and dedication, were the original driving force behind the website’s success. Without him, CyclingWeekly.com would certainly not exist on the size and scale that it enjoys today. Nigel sadly passed away, following a brave battle with a cancer-related illness, in 2018. He was a highly valued colleague, and more importantly, an exceptional person to work with - his presence is sorely missed.

Sturmey Archer S3X