When Avalon drifted into the world on May 28, 1982, it shimmered like a dream across FM dials and midnight dance floors. Roxy Music had already defined glam, reshaped art rock, and wooed the world with sophistication. But Avalon stood apart. It radiated elegance, sensuality, and emotion like a fog rolling in from an enchanted isle. From spontaneous vocals to lakeside muses, here are five little-known facts that add even more sparkle to this masterpiece.
1. The Album Cover Came Straight From Ferry’s Irish Retreat
Bryan Ferry started writing Avalon at Crumlin Lodge, a romantic hideaway in Connemara, Ireland. The cover photo—captured at dawn over Lough Ugga Beag—features his then-girlfriend Lucy Helmore dressed in medieval garb, holding a falcon. The scene evokes the Arthurian legend of Avalon, a mystical place of healing and serenity. The symbolism wasn’t chosen at random; it reflected the deeply romantic, mythical quality Ferry envisioned for the entire record.
2. Yanick Étienne’s Vocals Transformed “Avalon” Instantly
While recording at the Power Station, Ferry and producer Rhett Davies heard a Haitian singer rehearsing next door. That voice belonged to Yanick Étienne. Invited into the studio, she recorded the word “Avalon” and improvised her now-iconic outro on the spot. Her haunting vocal lit up the track like moonlight on water. The energy shifted, and Ferry immediately re-recorded his part, inspired by what he had just witnessed.
3. Most of the Songs Were Born Inside the Studio
Guitarist Phil Manzanera revealed that 90% of the album was written during studio sessions. There was no script. Roxy Music created textures, grooves, and moods as they went, layering synths and rhythms with an intuitive hand. That in-the-moment method allowed the band to chase atmosphere over form, creating a record that breathes and flows like a single continuous pulse.
4. Compass Point’s Tropical Energy Lingered in Every Track
The Bahamas-based Compass Point Studios infused the entire recording process. The same studio where Bob Marley recorded now hosted Roxy Music’s quiet revolution into sonic sensuality. The laid-back setting encouraged space and stillness, which found its way into the lush arrangements and velvet-thick production of Avalon.
5. “More Than This” Ended With a Message Beyond Words
Ferry’s vocal finishes around the 2:45 mark, but the next 90 seconds speak volumes. The dreamy synth outro of “More Than This” floats along with quiet emotion, giving the listener room to reflect. That long, lyric-free stretch became one of the most beloved parts of the track—a moment to bask in the beauty without anything more needing to be said.
Avalon wasn’t really thought of as a final album, a few members thought the band would carry on longer, but it opened a door to something eternal. It offered a sound that felt both distant and deeply intimate, polished and personal. Every song glows like candlelight. Every moment invites you in. Roxy Music set sail with this album and left behind something timeless. Put it on, close your eyes, and return to the island.