A unique fundraiser is gaining traction in both music and animal welfare circles, as the model behind Black Sabbath’s iconic Paranoid album cover has teamed up with a cat rescue organization to auction signed memorabilia. Geezer Butler, the band’s bassist, recently revealed that the mysterious figure on the 1970 album art—often mistaken for a satanic figure—is actually model Geraldine “Geri” Laing, who has now lent her celebrity to help homeless felines.
Iconic Image Meets Feline Aid
Laing, whose shadowy silhouette became synonymous with the heavy metal genre, has signed limited-edition prints of the Paranoid cover and rare vinyl records for a raffle hosted by London-based rescue group Paws & Claws. The organization, which cares for over 200 stray cats annually, aims to raise £15,000 for veterinary care and adoption programs.
“Geri’s involvement is a dream come true,” said rescue founder Miranda Hill. “The Paranoid cover is an emblem of rock history, and her willingness to support our cause shows how music and animal love can intersect.” Laing, now a retired artist, expressed enthusiasm for the project: “Cats have always been a passion of mine. If my small part in rock history can help save lives, it’s incredibly rewarding.”
Raffle Highlights and Fan Frenzy
The star prize is a framed, autographed Paranoid cover print personally inscribed by Laing, alongside a vinyl copy of the album signed by Butler. Additional items include a limited-edition Black Sabbath poster and cat-themed merchandise featuring the album’s iconic imagery. Tickets, priced at £5 each, are available online and have sold out in three waves since the campaign launched last week.
Fans have flocked to support the cause, with one commenter on social media writing: “Finally, a chance to own a piece of metal history while helping cats—what’s not to love?” The rescue has also received donations from other rock figures, including a signed guitar pick from Ozzy Osbourne, which will be added to the raffle pool.
From Metal Icon to Feline Advocate
Laing’s role in the Paranoid cover remains a piece of music trivia: she posed for the image as a student model in 1969, unaware the photo would become legendary. Decades later, her connection to the album has made her a cult figure among fans, and her newfound role as an animal advocate has drawn praise from both the music and rescue communities.
“Geri’s story shows that even iconic figures from the past can make a real difference today,” Hill noted. “We hope this fundraiser not only raises funds but also inspires others to link their passions with charity work.” Proceeds will specifically fund a “Senior Cat Sanctuary” at the rescue, providing lifelong care for elderly felines.
As the raffle deadline approaches, Paws & Claws has already exceeded half its fundraising goal, with organizers crediting Laing’s unique blend of rock nostalgia and animal advocacy. For metalheads and cat lovers alike, the campaign proves that sometimes, the most unexpected partnerships can create the loudest impact—all for a purr-fect cause.
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