Released in 1967, The Velvet Underground & Nico is now regarded as one of the most influential albums in the history of popular music. Its combination of experimental rock, avant-garde ideas and provocative subject matter had a profound impact on generations of musicians, despite the album's disappointing commercial performance at the time of its release.

Andy Warhol served as the band's manager and public champion during this period and designed the album's famous banana cover. Early pressings featured a peelable sticker accompanied by the instruction “Peel slowly and see,” revealing a flesh-coloured banana underneath. The concept transformed the album sleeve into an interactive object and remains one of the most innovative record cover designs ever produced.

Warhol's influence extends beyond the front cover. The gatefold includes photographs of the band, Andy Warhol himself and scenes from The Factory, the legendary New York studio that became a meeting place for artists, musicians and filmmakers. Today, the album is widely recognized as a landmark of both music and visual culture.