Here's a question?

What have the following artists got in common?

Steve Winwood, Jack Bruce, Paul Carrack, Madeline Bell, Beverly Knight, Mica Paris, Imelda May, Roachie, Steve Overland, Vanessa Haynes, Joss Stone, Kiki Dee, Lulu, PP Arnold, Sam Brown, Louise Marshall & Gerry Beckley..  

Well, the answer is that they have all performed with the incredible STAKS BAND.  

STAKS are fast becoming a little bit legendary as everyone wants to play with them. I hasten to add that people are referred to as Legend's or Legendary all too often these days. Yes, it's is over used and doesn't have the gravitas that it once had. But, this band, who I am sure most of you out there have not seen or ever heard of, are very special indeed. Bob Dylan had a time when he had 'The Band' behind him. Yes, Rick Dank, Levon Helms, Robbie Robertson etc. The band were quite unique back in the day! So fast forwarding a decade or two and here we are with STAKS.  They are without doubt, world class! I have worked with so many bands and artists over the years and this band are about as good as it gets.  It's also refreshing to hear some of their influences coming through; one of which is the amazing Joe Cocker's 'Mad Dogs and Englishmen' era. They are the band that everyone seems to want to perform with and if you see them, I think you will understand why!

Here are some shots of STAKS over the past couple of days rehearsing and some live shots as well. The actual gig was a rather superb private party. Lead vocals by the incredible Steve Overland and sensational Vanessa Haynes.     

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John Altman presents - an evening with Bradley Walsh

Another amazing evening last night at the Pizza Express in Holborn, London. My friend John Altman had another fabulous 'Sold Out' evening with the hilarious and unbelievably interesting, funny and witty, Bradley Walsh. Bradley had only hours before stepped of a plane fromNew Orleans to London and jumped on the underground and turned up.. What a superb evening.. Here are a few shots of Bradley Walsh with John and a couple with one of the worlds greatest jazz guitarist's, yes, it's Mitch Dalton!

 

Bradley Walsh

Bradley Walsh

l-r Mitch Dalton, Bradley Walsh, John Altman

l-r Mitch Dalton, Bradley Walsh, John Altman

l-r Mitch Dalton, John Altman & Bradley Walsh

l-r Mitch Dalton, John Altman & Bradley Walsh

Bradley Walsh

Bradley Walsh

John Altman

John Altman

It's exhibition time! 'Up Close & Personal' Who wants to come along?

In all my years as a photographer, I haven't actually exhibited my work. Saying that, I did have one exhibition at the amazing Proud Gallery in London in 2006. It was a pretty crazy event and there was lots of publicity surrounding it. I did quite a few TV & radio interviews and on the opening night, which was guest list only. it was rather rammed to say the least. I had calls from celeb friends of mine saying that can't get on the guest list. It was a complete sell out so to speak. We had many celebrities show up there, including some Sex Pistols, Suga Babes, Pogues, Libertines, TV presenters and many more. The exhibition was exclusively my photos of my previous few years on the road with Babyshambles. That is, Peter Doherty, Kate Moss et al. So, this in itself caused quite a stir. 

Now, this evening event, on September 19th & 20th, is the first time ever that I have exhibited a broad selection of my photos. They will include, Bob Dylan, The Rolling Stones, Amy Winehouse, The Who, Queen, Pink Floyd. Rory Gallagher,  Eric Clapton, Dire Straits, Chuck Berry, Squeeze, Tom Petty, Status Quo, Van Morrison, Shane MacGowan, Leonard Cohen, Johnny Cash, George Michael, Ian Brown, Oasis and quite a few more. 

Many of the photos will have the back story of how and where the particular image was taken. I must say, some of the information is rather interesting. Incidentally, all of the photos are limited edition prints and will be available to purchase for which we will be taking orders on the night. Whilst there is absolutely no obligation to buy anything, it may be worth me pointing out that it will only be about 13 or so weeks until the holiday season, yes Xmas etc. They might make a lovely gift for someone.. In any event, if you are do get to be on my guest list on the night, you can just enjoy the Champagne and other refreshments and have a look at the photos and have chat. I am planning on being there with the family on both evenings. 

The event is actually a private event in Central London, as mentioned above, on the evening of both, September 19th & 20th. It is being hosted by our wonderful lawyers, Keystone Law. They invited me to hold my first exhibition at their International Head Quarters in Chancery Lane, London. I am told it should be quite an event. They are inviting all of their lawyers and their clients as well. But, I have room for approximately people 50 on my personal guest list. So, if you fancy coming along and seeing these photos 'Up Close & Personal' for the first time, please go ASAP to the contact page on my website  ( www.dannyclifford.com ) and fill in your details and a message saying that you would like to come along and how many there would be of you. It is first come first served.. So, please do it now! Those of you that are successful in getting on the list will be emailed with the invite and full details in due course.

Oh and whist you are on the website, please join our mailing list..

 

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Big Happy Birthday to my mate, Glen Matlock

Happy birthday Glen. What a top bloke, proper geezer and of course, original member of The Sex PistoIs. Yes, he is the superb songwriter who wrote most of their songs. 

Here are a couple of shots I just found from one of our escapades. Both of these were taken in Istanbul, Turkey in 2004. He looks super cool don't you think? The first shot we took late at night down by the fish market. The second shot was taken in the covered, Grand Bazaar. By the way, one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world. It has 61 streets and 4000 shops.. No wonder Glen, the band, (The Philistines) and I decided to have a rest in a coffee shop.. #GlenMatlock #SexPistols #ThePhilistines #Turkey #Istanbul #Tourphotographer #NikonPro #BritishAirways #Tourism #RichKids #MusicPhotographer #Coffee #Howaboutwegoagain

Oh and Glen has a new album out about now. I cant wait to hear it.. Go and buy it, as I am sure it will be fantastic.. 

Istanbul, Turkey 2004

Istanbul, Turkey 2004

Istanbul, Turkey 2004

Istanbul, Turkey 2004

Country life!

During the morning I was sitting at my desk and working on a few things when I realised that there was a kind of dust cloud out the back. I look up and realised that there was something going on behind what appeared to be dust.  I decided to grab my camera snd head outside. I immediately heard the growling of vehicles & machinery. The farmers behind our house had decided to do some work in the field. It was quite amazing to me. Only because I am a city boy really. Born in the East End of London and lived in cities most of my life. Anyway, the dust that was coming off the field was immense and once it filters into our house, it will cause a big problem with all printers, cameras etc. So, doors and windows shut.. Here are a few shots of the scene before I saw the combined harvester and some of the Red Kites flying through the orange dust cloud along with one with blue sky after the dust subsided.. The joys of country life..  #Countrylife #Harvesting #Farmers #RedKite #Nikon @UKNikon #Countryside #Farm

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Staks & Squeeze @ Cornbury Music Festival

On Sunday (15th of July), I was back at Cornbury Music Festival. The last time I was there was quite some time ago and I was with Amy Winehouse, Elvis Costello etc.. I am guessing that was around 2004. This time I was there with The formidable Staks Band. It was a boiling hot day, which to be honest, I love.. I am not one who complains when it's too hot. I am only unhappy when it's too cold. Anyway, Staks were hot! They are such a brilliant band with stunning musicians & singers.. Quite a rarity these days! Staks performed late afternoon as it was cooling off a little. Special guest with them was the brilliant Eli 'Paperboy' Reed. Along with amazing vocalist's Shean Williams & Roachie. They were superb! It was lovely to see fellow music photographer Harry Herd today as well. He is such a nice chap..

The headline act on Sunday were old friends of mine.. The incredible SQUEEZE.. Quintessentially British and without doubt, one of the worlds greatest bands, real Rock n Roll Royalty. I photographed their superb show and after that we returned to the backstage / dressing room area where we grabbed all of our belongings and headed home.. 

Here are a few shots from the day of The mighty Staks & the legends that are, Squeeze..

#Staks #Squeeze #Livemusic #ChrisDifford #GlennTilbrook #NikonPro #Music #Musicphotographer #EliPaperBoyReed #Roachie, @Squeezofficial

L-R Tony Remy, Eli 'PaperBoy' Reed, Malcolm Fitzsimons & Roachie

L-R Tony Remy, Eli 'PaperBoy' Reed, Malcolm Fitzsimons & Roachie

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Eli 'Paper Boy' Reed.

Eli 'Paper Boy' Reed.

Roachie

Roachie

Shean Williams..

Shean Williams..

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Staks Band

Staks Band

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The Multi talented genius's & God's of songwriting,, Glenn Tilbrook & Chis Difford.

The Multi talented genius's & God's of songwriting,, Glenn Tilbrook & Chis Difford.

Glenn Tilbrook

Glenn Tilbrook

Chris Difford

Chris Difford

Simon Hanson

Simon Hanson

Yolanda Charles

Yolanda Charles

Stephen Large

Stephen Large

Yolanda Charles

Yolanda Charles

A Little Radio Interview

I did a little radio interview last week with Victoria Pearson. We had a brief chat about a few of my photos & a little bit about my life taking pics.. If you fancy a listen, its here :-https://www.mixcloud.com/KyleRickards/victoria-meets-03/

#PinkFloyd #AmyWinehouse #Photography #RollingStones #LiamGallagher #Oasis #BobDylan #Queen #MusicPhotography #Music #TheWho 
 
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Happy Birthday - Billy Cross

I first met the brilliant Billy Cross when I joined the Bob Dylan tour in September 1978. He was one of the members of Bob's band. Billy is an incredible guitarist / musician. I have got some lovely shots of him on that tour back in 1978. But, here is a shot that shows his love for flowers and his spontaneity when it comes to entertaining back stage. I also love the 'Photo Bombing' by the tea drinking, catering lady at that venue..  Big happy birthday Billy.

 

#BillyCross #BobDylan #StreetLegal #Guitar #Tourphotographer #UStour #Dylan #recordingartist #Recordproducer #Songwriter #JackScardinoandAssociates

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The STAKS Band

The STAKS Band anyone? Well, there is a very good chance that they are the best band that you have never heard of..  Back around 1970 Joe Cocker pulled an incredible band together and went on to record one of my all time favourite albums, Mad Dogs & Englishmen. if you haven't heard that album, treat yourself and go and buy it.. I was warned about this prior to working with The STAKS band, that they are fast becoming the incarnation of Joe Cocker's band. Every single musician involved is absolutely 'Top Draw'. Admittedly, they are pretty much all stars in their own right and extremely well accomplished, brilliant musicians and singers. Almost all of them have contributed their outstanding musicianship to so many songs that we all know and love. There are quite a few people in The STAKS Band.  I was working with then this week, I counted about 18 people. This seems to change each time we meet due to various commitments and the band's requirements. They have had some incredible people who have joined them for live shows and recordings. Amongst them are, Steve Winwood, Jack Bruce, Beverly Knight, Madeline Bell, Paul Carrack, Steve Overland, Roachie, Sonja Jones and others. We have been in a recording studio for a few days whilst they are putting a few finishing touches to their first album. I am also off with them this weekend as they are performing at one of Britains most wonderful events, The Cornbury Music Festival. I have photographed them live a few times now and they are incredible.. if you get the chance to see them anywhere they are playing, do yourself a favour and make the effort. If you enjoy live music and real music, it doesn't get better than STAKS.... 

#Staks #StaksBand

Here are just a few photos of the band during recording sessions..

The incredible Madeline Bell. She has sung on so many big hits and has an incredible voice. In fact she sung backing vocals on the best Beatles cover song. Joe Cockers, 'With A Little Help From My Friends' She is an absolute legend.. #MadelineBell

The incredible Madeline Bell. She has sung on so many big hits and has an incredible voice. In fact she sung backing vocals on the best Beatles cover song. Joe Cockers, 'With A Little Help From My Friends' She is an absolute legend.. #MadelineBell

Astounding genius record producer and good friend (L) Andy Wright. To the right the brilliant vocalist Steve Overland of FM.. #Andywright #SteveOverland #FM

Astounding genius record producer and good friend (L) Andy Wright. To the right the brilliant vocalist Steve Overland of FM.. #Andywright #SteveOverland #FM

#AndyWright (L) #KevinRobinson (R) #SimplyRed

#AndyWright (L) #KevinRobinson (R) #SimplyRed

The one and only #Roachie

The one and only #Roachie

Bassist, Stefan Redtenbacher. #StefanRedtenbacher #Staks

Bassist, Stefan Redtenbacher. #StefanRedtenbacher #Staks

Mike Sturgis #MikeSturgis #Staks

Mike Sturgis #MikeSturgis #Staks

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The control room.. 

The control room.. 

Malcolm Fitzsimons #MalcolmFitzsimons

Malcolm Fitzsimons #MalcolmFitzsimons

The amazing Sonja Jones #SonjaJones #LifeofBrian

The amazing Sonja Jones #SonjaJones #LifeofBrian

Recording engineer, Gavin Goldberg (L) Andy Right Standing (middle) Kevin Robison, Standing centre the amazing guitarist, Tony Remy #Staks

Recording engineer, Gavin Goldberg (L) Andy Right Standing (middle) Kevin Robison, Standing centre the amazing guitarist, Tony Remy #Staks

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The amazing Tony Remy #TonyRemy

The amazing Tony Remy #TonyRemy

RIP George Bodnar

I cant actually believe it. Today I went to the funeral of my old friend and fellow photographer, George Bodnar. By all accounts he had fought a hard old battle against Cancer and very sadly lost. When I arrived at Ealing Abbey there were quite a few familiar faces there. Plenty of music photographers along with music industry managers etc. Simon Porter Status Quo amongst them. We all left Ealing and trundled over to Hendon, where George and his family live and is now laid to rest.

I first met George with his then sidekick, Denis O'Regan in the late 70's. From what I remember George and Denis were ushers at either Wembley or Hammersmith Odeon, I cant remember. Anyway, I was taking photos at the front as we do, along with my then sidekick and good friend, Matthew Taylor (who died tooo young), when George and Denis were asking us both how we do what we do etc etc. We told them how we blagged our passes and before we knew much more they had both promoted themselves from ushers to Music photographers and I must say, GREAT photographers they both became as well as wonderful top draw geezers. George spent a lot of his later life working with Prince Charles as I believe he was Official Photographer for The Princes Trust. Quite an achievement! I have some wonderful memories of George and he will be sadly missed by a lot of people.