Foster The People's Supermodel mural to be removed

Foster The People frontman Mark Foster has expressed his "surprise and disappointment" after Los Angeles city officials ruled a huge street mural painted to promote their Supermodel album must be removed.

The Pumped Up Kicks hitmakers promoted the March (14) release of the project by commissioning a massive version of their album artwork, designed by local music and art group Young & Sick, to be painted over the facade of a building at 539 S Los Angeles Street in December (13).

The image, officially measuring 148 by 126 feet (45.1 by 38.4 meters), was declared the largest mural ever constructed on the West Coast, but now Foster reveals it is set to be painted over.

In a heartwarming message to fans on the band's website, he claims local authorities decided to revoke their permits for the piece, meaning they will now have to take it down by Monday (14Jul14).

He writes, "This news has come as a surprise and disappointment to me and everyone else that collaborated on making this project happen. This mural was our contribution to the city of Los Angeles - our kiss of color to the city we love.

"The permits that we were told were approved, have retroactively been denied due to a number of issues involving the building and the city. Therefore, we wanted to let you know that it will be there for the next few days in case you haven't seen it and want a chance to visit before it comes down."

He continued, "Thank you for all your support... Never did I think I would be involved in creating an art piece of this scale and magnitude. We feel truly honored to have been able to share it with you over the last year. Art brings to life things that can seemingly be dead, and can put a fresh perspective on things that are living. It's so important we keep creating."