Bob Dylan at 80

Tomorrow, Monday 24th May 2021 is the god-like genius, Bob Dylan’s 80th birthday.

Where have the years gone? In 1978 I became Bob’s official photographer. It’s a very long story, but, suffice to say. I boarded a Pan Am flight on my first ever trip to the US in September. Keith Moon and his driver Big Dick took me to Victoria Station where my journey began. I arrived in LA and about two weeks later I was told to be at a private part of Los Angeles airport at 8am on a Wednesday. We all gathered in a very small private terminal and waited until Bob arrived. Once he did, we all boarded what I refer to as ‘Bobforce One’. It was a big Boeing Jet with beds, armchairs and bars. It was quite luxurious. This first flight was quite something! We flew from LA to Augusta, Maine on the East Coast. I remember clearly sitting on my own at the back of the plane whilst other band members were sitting opposite me playing backgammon. Those two people were Jerry Sheff & Steve Douglas. Both of these guys had recently joined Bob after a long time with Elvis Presley. Anyway, I sat there just thinking, how did I get here on this tour with Bob Dylan. I don’t know why I was asking myself, because I knew all too well how I had done it, but, I was still a little shocked and thrilled to be sitting on Bob’s Rock n Roll jet at the start of the US tour. So, here are a few photos of Bob and happy 80th to the man voted by Rolling Stone Magazine as the greatest Singer / Songwriter of all time. Well, for me he is right up there alongside Paul McCartney.

Oh, tomorrow morning at 9:30, I will be on Sky News in the UK & Europe. It will be on Zoom, from home, so no need for me to go to Sky Studios. Tune in if you want to hear me talking pants. However, it’s not compulsory viewing!

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Alternatively, you could go for a walk, go to work, stay in bed, watch another channel, read a book, listen to the radio or completely ignore this and do whatever want. After all, who am I to tell you what to do. Okay everyone, Stay safe and be kind.

Happy Bob.. took this during the Street Legal tour in the US, 1978

I took this during the Street Legal tour in the US, 1978

I took this during the Street Legal tour in the US, 1978

The man behind the man. This is the amazing Billy Cross performing woth Bob who is playing harmonca behind Billy I was standiing at the back of the stage next to the late great, Iain Wallace. Who was the drummer on that tour.

I took this during the Street Legal tour in the US, 1978

London 2019

This was my photo that Bob and his mamagement used to promote his US tour in 1978

I took this in Paris, France in the summer of 1978

This was an article in Mojo Magazine about me on tour with Bob

Squeeze and a private performance, just for me!

I have just seen a lovely post on the Squeeze Official site that says it was 9 years ago that they did a shoot with me for their impending tour. On this particular day, I met the band in a small town on the South coast of England. We did some shots in a retail shop that was borrowed for the shoot. We then decided to head high up onto the Beacons, in the middle of nowhere to set up a shoot with some props. It wasn't long before I asked them if they could actually play something whilst we did the shoot. So, there I was with one of my all-time favorite bands, high on a hill late in March 2012 in the cold and they were performing just for me! 'Take me I'm Yours' and a few others. I am just thrilled that it was being filmed and there is a record of this for me. There I was a little while ago at home (obviously as we are in Covid) and an Official message from Squeeze popped up with this memory "( years ago on the South Coast with Danny Clifford. By the way, Glenn had grown an incredible beard and it was the first time Chris had seen it. Glenn loved it and Chriss appeared to hate it. I thought Glenn looked rather refined and smart. I know that Chris wanted to cut it off. Here are a few photos from that day. I have also added the video link below so you can see the band performing for me on the top of the hills on the coast. It was cold and windy, but, weirdly, sunny. The photos are the vibe that Glenn, Chris and the band wanted for the photos for their impending tour. It was a very long day, but, as always with Squeeze, an absolute pleasure. I am thrilled to say that I have worked with Squeeze since around 1978. They are without doubt one of the greatest bands in the world. The songwriting of Chris Difford & Glenn Tilbrook is utterly amazing, combined with their musicianship with their incredible band they are true 'Rock n Roll Royalty. I don't know why I am telling you this, because, I am sure you all know this. However, just in case you have missed them for some silly reason, check them out. They are truly unique and quite phenomenal!

Here is a link to that video

https://youtu.be/HHHA-Wbkb6U

#Squeeze #chrisdifford #glenntilbrook #joolsholland #squeezogram Squeeze Official Chris Difford Glenn Tilbrook

Peter Doherty, Babyshambles & Silver Paper!

I arrived at a bland office building in Leonard Street, near Old Street, London at around 4pm. It was a nice and sunny afternoon on 11th of May 2005. I parked my car and waited for a few mins. I then called Peter Doherty and said I am here, outside. He mumbled and said something that I couldn’t quite understand. Then he carried on speaking, this time not into the phone. He was chatting to someone else who was with him. I still couldn’t understand what was being said. I know that he was supposed to be meeting with their current manager, James Mullord. I just thought, well, he knows I am here and I am not about to go wandering around the office block attempting to find him. Whilst I was with Babyshambles a lot at this time, I found it easiest to just chill out and hang out in the background. Sitting in my car outside, was just that! Hanging out in the background. I had also discovered that it can often go the wrong way for me. There was no guarantee that Peter was in fact inside the building in question or even coming out the front door if he was. So, I found that patience was a virtue! After about an hour of this now early summers evening, Alan Wass, Peters right hand man or should I say, left hand, which as the name of their side project, came out, saw me and jumped straight in the front seat next to me. Alan was a nice guy and we got on very well. He was quite often in the same state of disrepair as Peter. They were always using the same medicinal cocktails together. Both of them had a serous drug habit. I say a serous habit, it was actually more than one habit, but that is another story. Alan was immediatley telling me about some new songs that he had just written with Peter. Alan was a good musician and Peter liked collaborating with him outside of Babyshambles. I asked him if Pete was coming out soon and he said yeah, sure he is. I had no idea what Peter could be doing on their other than copious amounts of class A narcotics. About an hour later Alan I had discussed pretty much all we could and I was becoming to sound a bit like a Saturday night talk show host, with the next question allowing him to go on a long explaination in answer to my questions, when Peter came running out of the building. He looked around and then saw us. He ran over and jumped in the back of the car. I said okay, shall we go? Yeah he said. I started up and started to make my way out of London in the rush hour, to Henley on Thames. About half an hour later we just got onto the elevated section of the M4 when I smelt this horrific plasticky nasty smell. I said “what the fuck is that?” I did actually know immediately what it was. I turned around to see Peter lighting some silver paper and breathing in through a small tube. It was Crack and it stunk. I immediately opened all of the windows in the car. It sucked all of the smell and crack fumes straight out of the windows. Pete shouted “Oy, do the windows up” I said no way, stop doing that shit in my car. In fact, it wasn’t my car, this was my wife’s Land Rover Discovery and the next morning, she would be driving my kids to school in it. I was not impressed! Funnily enough, both Peter and Alan had consumed such a big blast from the Crack that they couldn’t now care less if the windows were open or closed. For a short period of time, they didn’t know or care where we were. We eventually arrived at the recording studio in Henley on Thames, owned ran by the wonderful Barry Barlow. He is the ex drummer of 1970’s band Jethro Tull. We pulled up there and jumped out and went into the recording studio. There was Mick Jones formerly of The Clash chatting to Adam Ficek, Drew McConnell & Patrick Walden, who along with Peter, make up the brilliant band, Babyshambles. Mick Jones was producing this album, 'Down in Albion'. This happens to be one of my faviourite albums, not just of Babyshambles, but, of any artists. It's quite brilliant! We spent the next hour or two in the studio where I was taking some fly in the wall type of shots. I asked Peter if we should do a band shot quickly. I knew that Peter’s current girlfriend, supermodel, Kate Moss was on her way down to us. I also knew that as soon as Kate arrived, it would be more complicated getting shots of the band. There was an unwritten rule that I didn’t take photos of Peter and Kate. So, I just thought, let’s get it done now, as soon as possible. Working with Peter was a bit like herding sheep. It was rarely easy. After a bit of manoeuvring, I managed to get the band into one of the bedrooms. This Studio is what we call a residential studio. Bands and artists tend to live on site whilst recording. Once we were in the bedroom I knew I only had a minute or two at most. Peter has a very short attention span with things like this. A shoot can end within seconds and if your not careful it could be over before it starts. I quickly guided gently everyone into a place on the bed. I had my gear all ready to go as that is essential. These situations never allow for a photographer to be fiddling with cameras or anything else. It has to be a get them ready, without them actually realising what you do, then start shooting. I managed to get some shots quickly. As soon as I had a few shots I was very happy as I knew, I now had what I wanted. Which was, a great Babyshambles band shot. I also knew that this was, for me, one of the best Babyshambles images and vibes so far. Within a min or two of me starting the shoot, in ran Kate Moss, closely followed by her fellow traveller & band manager, James Mullord. I was then proved right, the shoot was now over and cameras were expected to be firmly placed back in my bags. I knew that they were all staying at the Studio and the plan was to continue recording this evening. Suddenly, Peter, Kate & James Mullord rushed outside and said we are off to meet up with The Towers of London. They were either recoding or playing nearby. I couldn’t figure out what they were saying. James Mullord, Alan Wass & Pete has been on the silver paper again. So, they all and Kate jumped in a small car outside and said follow us. Off they went. This is one occasion when I thought, actually, no, I am going home. I had some great shots and by now, I had enough. As it happened, Peter & Kate didn’t go back to the studio later. They headed back to St John’s Wood in London to Kate’s house. The next day, I met up with Peter in Hackney and the roller coaster started again.. I will write more about this in my book which I am currently writing. I might even write a Babyshambles book as well. We will see! Here is a shot from The Doghouse recording studio. #Babyshambles #PeterDoherty #Libertines #Music #TheClash #JethroTull

Sounds Magazine, Writz & Nick Battle

In July 1979 I was briefly back in London. I had been spending a lot of time in Los Angeles. I wandered into the office of Sounds Magazine in Covent Garden London. Whilst in there I was asked to shoot a few bands. One of them was a feature that was to be written about an up and coming band called WRITZ. I knew nothing about them at that time. I headed off and met up with the band. We didn’t have long to do the shoot and I suggested we did a few shots near my office in Wardour Street, Soho. In fact, we used an alley way at the end of Berwick Street, surrounded by sex shops and dark doorways with bells & buzzers saying things like, ‘Cherry, Model, 1st Floor’. it was and still is, a lively area. We did some quick shots in the street. Nothing too imaginative or artistic, But now, when I look at these photos, they are real 1979 looking photos! They captured that moment for me. I did go on and shoot WRITZ live at the Music Machine (now KOKO in Camden Town, London.) Overall, I didn’t have too much to do with them before then or since. However, years and a lifetime later, I had settled in the UK, I am married with 3 kids and living in Chorleywood, Hertfordshire. Little did I know that my youngest child, Sam, had a very close friend called Jodie. I soon found out that her dad is also in the music biz. Well, those of us in that biz, know that it’s quite a small industry in many ways. So, I wondered if I knew her dad, Nick Battle. Well, his name was familiar to me, but I have been in this business for a very long time now. I slowly got to know Nick through the kids. Then about a year or so ago I did a photo shoot with Nick to help promote his new Album. Whist we were doing the shoot at my house we were chatting about his past. Now, I know that Nick is a prolific songwriter and has written songs for Sir Cliff Richard, Englbert Humperdink and worked with Gary Barlow & Spice Girls, among others as well as being an absolutely lovely guy. But I didn’t know that he was in WRITZ. Then the penny dropped! Of course! It’s amazing how many bands and artists I have photographed over the years and kind of forgotten it or placed them in my distant memory and pop in the back of my mind. During lockdown & Covid I have been spending some time scanning old negatives. I have about 5 million images already digitally on my server. But I still have a bout 1.5 million to scan. So, I was pleasantly surprised to stumble across these photos of that day in Soho on in the summer (July) 1979. I have also included a couple of shots of Nick taken recently in my back garden. His new album is called ‘Love is Long Road’ and its brilliant. Go and buy it now! it would make a wonderful Xmas present for someone or just treat yourself.

Bravo Bob Dylan. His new album hits number 1

I am so pleased for my old boss, Bob Dylan. His new album Rough and Rowdy Ways seems to be doing exceptionally well. Number 1 here in the UK and his first ever number 1 on a US Billboard chart. Not bad for someone who is not too far away from 80!

In 1978 on the Street Legal tour, I would shoot the show in the evening and then after the gig, Bob, the band and I would all be taken back to our hotel. I then would leave my cameras in my room and get a taxi to the nearest 24-hour photo lab. It wasn’t easy in some of the smaller towns, but, more often than not I would find one. Obviously, back then we all only shot on film. So, there were quite a lot of labs around, unlike today. I was shooting transparencies (slides) and the process for the film was called E6 and it took about 2 hours. So, I would find the lab, then hand them the films and just sit in a chair either in their reception or wander up and down the street. That in itself was interesting to say the least, especially in Newhaven Connecticut. It’s a long story, but, very quickly, two things happened there. One was that as I wandered around the University area at about midnight, two guys jumped of the dark out and pulled knife and demanded my money. I had my money my sock (Sox for my American friends) and the spilt second I saw the knife I, punched the bigger guy as hard as I could on his nose. He flew into some railings as his friend ran as fast as he could. I moved away speedily and headed back to the Lab as quickly as I could. As I was walking at speed along a long road a guy pulled up in a car and asked me if I was a sailor. I thought, nice one mate! I had a bloody afro and didn’t look anything like a bloody sailor. Anyway, he drove next to me all the way to the Lab chatting through his window pleading with me to get in his car. I went into the lab and I guess he went off in search of a lonely sailor or in truth anyone who said ‘yes, I am a bloody sailor’. So, I got the films and got a taxi back to the hotel and then met up with Bob in his room. It was now about 2:30am. Normally I would meet Bob for a late breakfast and we would go through the photos from the night before. He would select the shots he liked and I had to get duplicated made and send them to various newspapers that were in cities ahead of us this tour.  But this night was different. I had to go with a few selected photos to New York. These days, we would just email a shot straight to a picture desk. But then, it was a lot more work. Processing, selecting images every morning with Bob was the norm. I used to love meeting up with him in the mornings.  He was always quite pleased to see the photos. We also used to chat about the show the night before. He was also very funny (most days) as he has a dry sense of humour and it in fact, quite a good one. So, once he had chosen the shots he wanted to go out to the press, I had to quickly get them duplicated and post the copy transparencies securely to magazines and newspapers everywhere. Then shoot everything that day and the show that night and start again. I never seemed to need sleep, like everyone, when you are young, you are bullet proof and seem to keep rolling 24 hours a day without a problem. I guess the adrenalin kept me going. This night was slightly different, as I said, I was going to New York and leaving Newhaven on a flight around 5 am. I had to take some of my photos to NYC to go straight to a publication who needed some urgently.  I had never been to New York, so, I was quite excited. I remember flying into JFK in the dark and seeing Manhattan and its lights and buildings from the air and I was thinking ‘WOW’, I had dreamt of going to NYC since I was a child and here I am. I didn’t see much of it this time though. I dropped the photos at the magazine in the City and raced back to JFK and flew straight back to Newhaven to meet up with everyone.

When I got back, they had decided that Jim Callaghan & I were not flying on Bob’s Jet to the next gig which was in Canada. Basically, neither Jim or I had the correct paperwork and it was decided that we shouldn’t cross and international border on Bob’s jet. There were only three of us English people on that tour, Jim Callaghan, Ian Wallace (Bobs drummer) and me. Ian Wallace had all of the correct paperwork so, it was just Jim & I that had to go on a commercial flight. It would be too risky for all of us as US & Canadian immigration officers would be climbing on board and checking visas & paperwork etc. So, we flew as tourists on a commercial flight. Bob’s personal security man Jim was with The Who before Bob. I had been working with The Who quite a lot, so, I knew him and his brother Paddy ‘The Plank’ Callaghan. In London, they had a well known security firm called ‘Call a Hand’. NOBODY messed with them. Bob, the band and crew left and headed off to Montreal on what I called BobForce1.  So, Jim and I got to the airport at New Haven and checked in. Then we were told to go to the gate. We saw all of the jets out there and walked down the stairs and out onto the tarmac, only to be guided to our aircraft and what I. guessed was Allegheny Airlines smallest plane. I looked at it and said to Jim, this is going to be fun. It had about 10 seats and it was an old propeller driven thing. We got in buckled up and the pilot turned around and said welcome aboard and said the weather is a bit rocky, but, we should be fine.  Which was very comforting! It’s always nice to have your pilot say “we should be fine”.  He then pulled a curtain across between us and him and his co-pilot and off we went. It was a really turbulent flight and quite interesting in that little plane. We flew up the St Lawrence seaway to Montreal. I was quite excited as we had studied that area in my geography class back at school in North West, London only a few years before this. Anyway, that’s enough rambling from me. As I mentioned above, I am really thrilled for Bob and I guess I should now get my finger out and buy a copy of this album. I had rather hoped he would have sent me an advanced copy. I guess it got lost along with my birthday and Christmas card that didn’t arrive either. Here are few photos of Bob from that tour in 1978. I don’t think these have been seen before anywhere. I hope you like them. Please do not copy or steal them. However, by all means you can share this story as a whole if you want to.  #BobDylan #Dylan #StreetLegal #NewYork #musicphotographer #Music #Nikon #Epson #US #Photographer #Fineart #LimtedEditionPhotos #legend

It's another birthday today! This time, Brian Wilson and he is 78.

We recently had Bob Dylan & Sir Paul McCartney’s birthdays. Today is the genius, Brian Wilson. The man most responsible for the big hits of The Beach Boys from as far back as 1962. He has written some stunning songs. I spent my youth listening to the Beach Boys and I was dreaming of going to America and especially, Los Angeles. When I finally got there in 1978, I couldn’t wait to drive along the beach on Pacific Coast Highway listening to the Beach Boys. When I did, it was a big thrill for me. I still, to this day, love listening to them when I am in LA. In fact, last summer, Bruce Johnston of The Beach Boys invited me to go surfing with him the next time I am in Santa Barbara. He said he goes every day when he isn’t on the road. I will take him up on that when I am next there. However, I didn’t get the same surfing offer from Brian though. I don’t think he does that anymore. I have been fortunate to have worked with Brian a few times over the years, which was both great fun and very interesting. I know I have friends who may read this who can correct me if I am wrong (which I often am). The Beatles released Rubber Soul which inspired Brain Wilson and then the Beach Boys released their album ‘Pet Sounds. The Beatles then were so impressed with that that they then went back and recorded Sgt Pepper. Thankfully they were all very competitive. That must have driven them all on to write such amazing songs. Hopefully it’s not just me that think that all of these people, Bob Dylan, all of The Beatles, Brian Wilson and quite few others of that time are so important to us music lovers. I am very lucky to have worked with many of them. On that basis, I might go into the garden and lay on a garden chair and see if anyone in the family can come out into the garden and feed me grapes by hand (like the Romans did) whilst I wallow in my own self-importance!

Actually, in reality I will just sit in my office continue scanning some of my old negatives of some of these superstars and find more of my photos that I have not seen since the day I took them.

So, happy 78th birthday Brian, you absolute legend.

Here are few photos of Brian that I took 15 years ago.

Happy 78th Birthday Sir Paul

Happy 78th birthday to the living legend, Sir Paul McCartney. I have had the absolute pleasure of knowing him since the 1970's when I, along with my mate, the late, Matthew Taylor used to regularly go to his & Linda's house in St Johns Wood London and socialise. Matthew's brother, Barney Taylor was going out with Linda's oldest child, Heather. At that time, I also worked with them and their amazing band Wings. I have attached one of my photos of Sir Paul during the Wings era! I understand that we will be adding this photograph to our Limited Edition section for people to buy on our website (www.dannyclifford.com)

I am happy to say that on occasions I still see him. When I do, I always laugh (to myself) as he is the only celebrity that makes me want to stand up and salute! In my opinion he is probably the greatest songwriter ever. Saying that John Lennon, & George Harrison were pretty amazing too. Not to forget Ringo who I also think was and is fantastic. I know that this is subjective, but, for me, he and his band mates changed the world. So, happy 78th birthday to James Paul McCartney #PaulMcCartney #Beatles #LennonandMcCartney #Photographer #Nikon Nikon Epson #Wings #Musicphotographer #FineArt #Gallery #ArtGallery

Happy Birthday Bob!

Yes, he is 79 today! So, it's happy birthday to my old boss. Yes, someone who really is considered a legend in the truest sense. He has influenced so many people, musicians & fans and widely considered to be a music genius. I have to agree with those that think this. When I first toured with him in 1978 I really didn't know much about him or his music. So, going on tour with him was an insight to say the least. I pretty much only knew the music on this tour, primarily because I heard it every night on the tour. Only after that tour did I really start to listen to more of his music and then became a fan myself. For those young whipper snappers amongst us, please remember, there was no internet, therefore no twitter, Facebook, Instagram etc or mobile telephones. So, any information about music for me came via friends or reading music magazines. Yes, a very different world. Even now as I write this, I am aware that my words could travel (albeit un-read) around the world in the blink of an eye. I wonder what those people who lived through that would think of today's world. Hold on, I am one of those people! Well, it was tremendous fun being a detective to find out who was playing here and there and what tours were up and coming. I was speaking recently to a friend of mine and great music photographer, Denis O’Reagan and we spoke about that. The fact that we had to really do our homework to find out what was coming up and then somehow get ourselves involved in that tour. It wasn't an easy task. But, we did it. Today, it's somewhat easier, you just hit google. I suppose because it's easier now, there are more people doing it. Enough of my rambling about that. I hear that he has also just released his first album of original music in 8 years. So, a big happy birthday to the one and only, Bob Dylan. Here are a couple of rather rare pictures of Bob, as he is smiling in one of them. The other shows Bob with his brilliant guitarist Billy Cross who now lives in Denmark. Both of these photos I took on the Street Legal tour in North America in 1978. I am very happy should any of you want to share this post as a whole. The photos are copyright 1978-2020 Danny Clifford. #BobDylan #Poet #Musician #Legen #Songwriter #TourPhotographer #Dylan #MusicPhotographer #Photographer #Music #Nikon @Epson #Epson #Birthday #StreetLegal

Street Legal Tour - North Amerca 1978

Street Legal Tour - North Amerca 1978

The Guild of Photographers - PhotoHubs Event, Coventry

I had a wonderful day yesterday in Coventry at The Guild of Photographers, PhotoHub event. I ran a workshop there in the morning and I was also one of the guest speakers later in the day on the main stage. I met a lot of lovely people and I was also really impressed with how professional and really good the Guild of Photographers are. They really care about their members and do absolutely everything they can to help photographers of all abilities and levels. I would thoroughly recommend them to any professional or amateur photographers. I was very impressed with them and all of the great staff at the Guild. I was also grateful to Epson who arranged for me to attend this fabulous event and who took care of me so well. #TheGuildofPhotographers @Theguildofphotographers #Photographer #Music #Epson #Nikon #GuestSpeaker #Mylife #Photography

It's a 1st for Miel & Aberdeen!

Scotland has a new venue and it’s in Aberdeen It’s the P&J Live Arena and Wet Wet Wet performed there last night and were going to be the first band to perform in this lovely venue. However, the wonderful & talented Miel opened the whole event making a little bit of history by being the first performer to play. I am pretty sure that this is the first time Miel has played in Aberdeen. The hall was packed and the crowd were seeing, probably for the first time, a singer/songwriter who wears her heart on her sleeve. She writes songs that resonate with everyday life and really do have deep and meaningful lyrics. Miel’s songs are about positivity and in her words, ‘joy’. She has also written a wonderful song about ‘Addiction’ which really is quite touching. The audience really got into her & her music. In fact, as Miel’s short, but, packed performance was coming to a close, she had, by then got the audience, I think all of them, clapping with their hands high above their heads and loving it. Miel’s band are about as good as it gets, really, they are utterly amazing, every one of them! I photographed her show and also watched the lovely audience in this brilliant city of Aberdeen who gave Miel such a wonderful, kind and amazing send off with rapturous applause when her set came to the end. To see this audience show Miel so much love and who probably had no idea who she was when she walked on the stage was wonderful. I have to say, I was thrilled for her and the band who also felt the love from the crowd. I could see band members smiling back at the crowd throughout the show. I have been with Miel from her earliest gigs in tiny little clubs to some very big and prestigious venues. Miel’s next gig in Scotland is again with Wet Wet Wet next Saturday 9th of November at the Usher Hall in Edinburgh.

Here are a couple of photos of Miel from last night and that brand-new venue. #Miel #Aberdeen #Edinburgh #Scotland #Music #Livemusic #Miel_music #Singer #Songwriter #Liveperformance #Musicphotographer #Photography #Musicphotography #Switzerland #Paris #France #Band #WetWetWet #yes #newmusic

Miel performing last night at the new P& J Live Arena in Aberdeen, Scotland

Miel performing last night at the new P& J Live Arena in Aberdeen, Scotland

The new P&J Live Arena, Aberdeen.

Yet another road trip to Sweden!

It was inly about 4 weeks ago that Lyn and I drove from London to Malmo. This time we had a longer drive. It was London to Stockholm. Then over to the other Swedish West coast to Gothenburg. The reason for this trip was that we have a rather big photo exhibition in Stockholm in November. So, the remaining framed photographs had to get to Stockholm. We worked out that the most sensible way without breakling them in transit by airfrieght or truck, would be for us to drive them there. I also was speaking at an event in Gothenburg. So it was ideal for us to drive them up to Stockholm and then drive to Gothenburg for my guest appearance. We left home and aimed at Dover where we cauaght a ferry to Calais. We then drove through France, Belgium to Germany where we stayed on first night, we made it all the way through Denmark to Sweden and got about an hour south of Stockholm. The next day we got to Stockholm and unloaded all of the photos. We then went out to the countryside and met up with my mate Tony Edser and his lovely partner Christine. We stayed the night with them in their beautiful home on a lake. The next day, Lyn and I drove down to the west coast of Sweden to Gothenburg. That was about a 6 hour drive. We got settled into the hotel and then the next day we met up with the wonderful people putting on the event where I was speaking. There was also a small exhibition of some of my photos there. After this event. Lyn and stayed there that night and the next day off we went and aiming in the direction of Amsterdam. This took us again, through Denmark, Germany and into Holland. We had a stay in Amsterdam and the next morning we were off towards Calais, but stopped for a quick bite to eat in Bruges, Belgium. Then after buying some of our favourite Belgian chocolate, we went straight to Calais and jumped on a P&O Ferry to Dover. Annoyingly, the worst part of our whole trip was once we were back in the UK. We should have been home by 11:30pm. But due to roadworks and diversions we ended up getting home at 2:30 am. Anway, overall our week away was lovely and we did about 3000 miles in total. We are back to Sweden next month, but, we can fly on that trip as we have delivered all of the prints now.

Fun on the streets of Amsterdam…

This was one of the bridges in Denmark approaching Copenhagen on our way to Sweden.

Lovely roads through Sweden & Denmark

This is the evening view from our friend’s Tony & Christine’s lounge and garden. Its quite stunning..

Talk of the devil.. Here he is, the one and only Tony Edser.

Sundown and almost dark as we look across the lake behind Tony & Christine’s house in Stockholm.

The entrance to my exhibition in Gothenburg

People veiwing some my photos in the small exhibition of my photos.

Lyn actually took a photo of me in the exhibition area at Gothenburg.

Passing ships in the night. This was us racing past some big old ships in Hamburg as we passed through Germany towards Holland..

Amsterdam

Amsterdam

Amsterdam

Amsterdam

Bruges, Belgium

Lyn giving that knowing look and I have no idea what that means. Anyway, we had a quick bit to eat here and zoomed off to France and caught a ferry back to the UK.

Goodbye Ginger!

I have just heard that we have lost one of our great drummers & all round wild man, Peter ‘Ginger’ Baker. The last time I photographed him was on the final night of the last ever gig at the Royal Albert Hall for the supergroup, Cream! I was too young to see Cream the first time around. I was in my junior school when they broke up. However, I did get to shoot their final gig on the 6th of May 2005 in London.

Cream performing at Royal Albert Hall, London

So, RIP Ginger and my condolences to his daughter Nettie and the rest of his family & friends.

Jack Bruce, Ginger Baker & Eric Clapton at the end of the last ever gig for Cream in London 2005

It's that band again, STAKS

Last week I went to Paris to document the STAKS band rehearsing and routining some new songs. The band arrived a few hours before me. I had an event that I needed to attend early in the morning in central London. I then raced over to St Pancras International Station and caught a train to Paris, Gare du Nord. Then straight to Studio Bleu. It’s a quite well known rehearsal complex for bands & artists. When I arrived, I got straight on it, as they say, and started to shoot the band who were working on some new material. Firstly, it wasn’t the full band, but, about 9 or 10 members. Bearing in mind STAKS are normally about 16 ish strong. This was the first time I had heard some of their new songs. Well, I have to say, they are truly AMAZING. I have been working with Staks for about 2 years now and this, for me, was a real watershed. Hearing the new material was incredible. This band are not only amongst the best musicians in the world, but with these new original songs, they are as a band, ‘WORLD CLASS’. No wonder so many serious artists want to play with them. I know I may have said this before, but, Steve Winwood, Sam Moore, Paul Carrack, Beverley Knight, Jack Bruce and others have performed with STAKS. Steve Overland is now a permamant fixture and lead singer with STAKS, which has lifted the band to a new level. The rehearsals were basically to work through the new songs over 3 days. STAKS have a big gig coming up in West London on December 3rd. It will be at Under The Bridge, Chelsea FC. It’s a double headline - STAKS & IZZY BIZU. If you havent yet seen this band, get yourself to this gig. If you have already seen them, then no doubt, you will be there & back for more of this amazing music.

Here are a few photos from our few days of music and a llittle R&R. I hope you like them.

Andy Ross & Kevin Robinson chilling out in between songs.

Sonia Jones, Steve Overland & Andy Wright ready for vocals.

Ourt for dinner on night one.

Steve Overland, Sonia Jones and yours truly! Photo credit, David Fitzsimons.

Another ‘out for dinner shot’

Back at the hotel. Andy found a shop around th ecorner where he bought some cigars.

A very serious shot of Stefan having a chat and Malcolm giving me some’Rock n Roll’ advice.

I know Kevin was tired in the middle here as he had a 6am flight the following morning to Hamburg for Simly Red gig. It looks like Karl Vanden Bossche, Sonia Jones & Steve Overland though it was funny that we could all have a lay in until about 9am.

Breakfast with Steve. This is when Steve said to me after trying to open the tea pot lid and failing; “I can’t work a tea pot” I thought it was so funny that he said that. I thought it should be an album name or at least a song title.

Andyy Wright running the show and getting the band running through one of the songs.

Always happy, the great Stefan Redtenbacher with that lovely Hofner Bass.

Tony Remy trying to rest. Not easy with Stefan standing at your feet and waking you up!

Steve Overland outside New Morning Club, Paris. Two mins before we raced off to the Metro and aimed for a Eurostar tran back to London.

Going Underground. Or Going Metro really!

In the basement at the wonderful Chez Marcel Restaurant having drinks before we climbed back up through the trap door for our meal upstairs on ground floor.

Lewis Chapman who is a sound, Sound man!

A very happy band gathering at Chez Marcel.

The incredible percussionist Karl Venden Bossche.

Great drummer Mike Sturgis and all round lovely guy.

Cheers at Chez Marcel

Here is the sublime guitarist, Tony Remy

Drinking and chatting into the night on the streets of Paris.

Stefan Redtenbacher obviously being serious for a moment.

Andy Wright, the incredible record producer, songwriter and friend.

Stefan taking a picture of me? No. it was a selfie.

The entrance to Studio Bleu, Paris

Studio Bleu

Malcolm Fitzsimons, relaxing inbetween songs.

Andy Ross during a break.

Kevin Robinson adding his trumpet and general multi talent to the songs.

David Fitzsimons the master of ceremonies and leader of the pack,

Music and arrangmenet of one of the great news songs.

Happy birthday to these two lovely chaps! John Coghlan and Nile Rodgers

Lets start with the lovely John Coghlan. I have know known John for a bloody long time. In fact, it was at Status Quo’s recording ofo Rocking All Over The World where I first met him. Like the rest of Quo, they have played a big part in my life. From thiose early tours through to the ‘Frantic Four’ reunion tour which I was also on. So, Johnny boy, a big happy birthday and hopefully see you soon. #JohnCoghlan #StatusQuo #NileRodgers #Chic #AbbeyRoadStudios #Birthday #Musicmakers #Music #Musicphotograher #tourphotographer

John & the wonderful Rick Parfitt backstage at Lewisham Odeon at the end of a big tour!

This was taken on the Frantic Four tour a few years ago!

Again on the Frantic Four tour. This looks to ne like it was Hammersmith Odeon as we used to call it, in London.

More Frantic Four tour. Ths ne was probaly Glasgow. Saying that, it could have been Wolverhampton!

Somewhere on the Frantic Four tour in the UK or maybe even Ireland.

Now, I know where this was taken. It was the Albany Hotel, Glasgow, Scotland and I am in it, with hair. Yes, lenty of hair! L-R Bob Young, Andy Bown, John, me, Rick Parfitt holding my leg and one our drivers. Blimey, I cant remeber his name. I would imagine Bob Young or John will tell me his name when I speak to them next.

Something tells me this was Birmingham, UK. Around 1977.

Another Frantic Four re-union shot.

This was taken in Henley on Thames at my first ever public exhibition. Thats me onth eleft, with the birthday boy, John. Standing on the right is Colin Brooks-Johnson. Colin was Quo’s manager when I first started working with them back inthe 70’s. We are standing n front of one of my Quo shots from back in the day.

The other birthday boy is Nile Rodgers. I was working a little bit with Nile a few months back. But, although we didnt know each other at the time, we were both at Studio 54 back in Feb 1980 when there was a big party for the owners Steve Rubell. That was a great night with Diana Ross, Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons, Keith Richards and the man who entertained us all was the one and only, Chuck Berry! What a night that was. Anyway enough of that. Happy birthday Nile..

Nile obviously pleased to see me with a camera.

Nile conducting an orchestra at Abbey Road Studios.

Nile performing with his band Chic.

Another shot Nile conducting an orchestra at Abbey Road Studios. This shot is hanging on th ewalls in th ecoridor at Abbey Road.

Obvioulsy another one of Nile conducting at Abbey Road.

Here is Nile and his team in the control room at Studio 1 at Abbey Road.

A Little road Trip, UK to Sweden

A week or so ago we drove from the UK to Sweden. The reason we drove, was because I had a small photographic exhibition in Malmo, Sweden. I was also one of the guest speakers at Malmos Fotodag, which was rather nice. The organisers were wonderful and the audience were also lovely. We didn’t have time to ship the photos there. Mind you, they are all in rather nice delicate glass frames and if they had been shipped they would most likly have been broken. We left the UK and drove through France, Belgium, Holland, Germany, Denmark and into Sweden. As we were in a bit of a hurry we didn’t take any photos on the way there. However, on the way back we did have a bit more time. So, here are a few photos from the return trip. I hope you like them.

After I spoke at Malmos Fotodag, my wife, Lyn and I drove down to one of the most southerly points of Sweden. The sun was going down and I managed to get down to the beach just in time to get this sunset shot. It was very pretty. We then went for a quiet dinner and after we sat down we realised it was Kareoke bar. Nice food, noisy singers. I say singers, mostly very nice drunk Swedish people who couldnt really sing. It was a lot of fun and they were all lovely.

A typical Swedish coast at dusk.

Malmo centre Anyone who knows Malmo will know that this is where there are loads of places to eat. You are spoilt for choice as there are some great places to eat here.

This is entering the bridge from Sweden to Denmark. It was very cloudy on the Swedish side.

When you are almost over the bridge and heading into Denmark the bridge and the road go down into the water. Yes, look carefully, it does dissapear. You actually go across the wide water expanse on the bridge and then the road goes straight down under the sea and into a tunnel that comes out in Denmark. Well Copenhagen to be precise.

We were heading west into the sun and we were heading for the west coast of Denmark. Then we were going to head South towards Germany. The Sky was so cloudy and unusual. Then the sun came streamig through. I just had to grab my camera and get a shot.

When we got over to the West coast of Denmark, Lyn and I stopped for min so i could photograph this. Another quite spectacular sky and image. So, here is the quiet and beautiful West coast of Denmark early evening.

We stayed in Bremen last night on our way South. We decided to take a right turn and head into Holland and we aimed for the amazing city of Groningen. This is on the North coast of Holland. So, we had a quick lunch and then we aimed for Edam & Volendam. They are both next to each other and just north of Amsterdam.

Here is a pretty canal in Edam. Yet another amazing town in Holland. I have to say, I have been coming to Holland since I was a school boy and I love it here.

More Edam..

More of the beautiful Edam…

Well, You cant drive through Holland with out taking a photo of a windmill.. So, here is a windmill..

Oh, one more shot of a windmill.. I just had to take this as it was so pretty and soooo Dutch…

Back into Dover. Well, to be honest, this was a photo I took on the way out of the UK. We were about to leave and this big old ferry was coming in. I always find big ships quite amazing. We were still sitting in the harbour and hadn’t moved yet. Look in the distance to the right of that other ferry, there is the coast of France. We are so close to the continent. Its quite amazing.

Now this is a rather british Icon. The White Cliffs of Dover with the Dover Castle on the top. This was also taken on the way out as we were leaving Dover Harbour on our way to France.

Jerry Lee Lewis - The Killer

I think it was 2006 that I was doing a little bit of work with the legend, Jerry Lee Lewis. We arrived in London and I think the show was Shepherds Bush Empire. I had arranged with Jerry & his daughter Phoebe, that in London, we would do a photo shoot in his dressing room. So we arrived at the venue around 2:30pm. I was told we would do if after the sound check. So, I casually waited around within range of his dressing room. Just in case it happened earlier. The soundcheck was supposed to be at about 4pm. I sat there, I then got up and paced up and down the corridor. I was rather hoping to get the nod from Pheobe, for me to come into his dressing room. Anyway, the time for soundcheck came and went. Jerry didn’t leave his dressing room. The hours passed and there was no sign of me doing the ‘promised’ photo shoot. I was still loitering around near his dressing room and it was now nearly show time at 8:30. I had not moved from my position outside his dressing room. Then suddenly, the door opened and out came Jerry. He looked at me and calmly said “Lets get this done, shoot” So, I did. I had been waiting for 6 hours and had 5 seconds to get that shot. Jerry then stumbled past me and headed for the elevator to take him down to the level with the stage on it. I then went down in the elevator with him and Pheobe. When we arrived at the back of the stage, Chas Hodges of Chas n Dave fame, whispered in my ear “Did you get the shot then”. Chas n Dave were supporting Jerry on this tour. Chas & Dave had been rather amused by my loitering and patience all day.

Jerry Lee Lewis is without doubt, one of the legends of that ‘Rock n Roll’ era. He is also known as ‘The Killer’, I never really knew why. One thing I do know is that about 8 months before Elvis died, Jerry Lee turned up drunk in his car at Graceland. He crashed into the main gates then whilst trying to throw a bottle of Champagne out of the window of his car, it smashed the window of the car as he forgot to wind it down. The security called the police and they found one very drunk Jerry Lee Lewis with is car embedded in the gates at Graceland, a smashed window and a loaded gun on him. So, was he going to shoot Elvis or just drunk and happened to have a gun? Who knows. So, back to London and there was I bravely facing this dangerous man in the corridor and I shot him (well with a Nikon). All in a days work eh!

Amy Winehouse RIP

Everyone who knew Amy, or loved Amy, seems to have posted a little bit about her on social media. She left us 8 years ago. There is so much I could say about my time with her, but won’t right now. I am sure I have written lots about her in the past. So, instead, here are a few photos that I took of her. She was a lovely talented girl and its very, very sad that she is not with us.

Bob Dylan & Neil Young London

It’s not too often that you get the chance to shoot these to Legends, on one night, in the same place. However, last night in London it happened. It was in the wonderful Hyde Park. It was billed as a co-headline, but Neil went on first and he allowed us to shoot two songs from the pit, which was nice of hm. As usual, he was quite phenomenal. He also had an amazing band with him including Willie Nelson’s son, Lukas Nelson. I didn’t manage to get shots if Lukas.We were allowed in the pit, but only on one side, so, he was not visible to me.

Big Bob, big bad Bob… They look like they should all have revolvers on and just about to rush into a saloon, somwhere in New Mexico or Dodge City in the 1860’s for a shoot out…

After Neil’s storming set, on came Bob. This was a different feel to Neil’s energetic set. Bob allowed our photographers to shoot not from the pit, but he kindly allowed us two songs from the mixing desk about 3 miles north of the stage. He was also playing hide and seek from me, by hiding for most of the two songs behind his piano and a lovely microphone and stand. It was challenge to say the least. When all of the photographers including me were being led out from behind the stage in the media tent, we were split into two groups. When we got out to the mixing desk, one group were taken left and the other right. All of my photographer colleagues who were taken left seemed to have clear shot of Bob straight down the piano. However, us on the right had a side on view and he was mostly hidden. So, it’s a bit of the luck of the draw. I tried shouting ‘Bob. It’s me! Danny! over here’ I don’t think he could hear me though the crowd. It’s times like this that I realise how lucky I have been in the past with access. I sometimes have to stop and think, was that really me at 20 years old and being on tour with him as his official photographer and having such an amazing time and great access. Still, here we are, and we have all moved on a bit since then, I suppose. I at least have great memories and of course, lots of photos! Also, a highlight for me was to see my lovely friend a fellow phoographe, and a brilliant one by the way, Dave Hogan. It’s always so nice to catch up and spend time with him.

Smiling Bob!. I do have some lovley happy shots of him from back in the day and must dig them out.

It really is quite a nice experience for me to photograph Bob at any point in his career (even if he is hiding), oh and Neil of course, as the really are both. living legends. #BobDylan #NeilYoung #Legends #HydePark

One of My Favourite Celebrity Families 'The McCartney's

Sir Paul McCartney has played an important part in my life. I am guessing I am not alone there! Being one of The Beatles was quite a big deal. Saying that, it might be hard or even impossible for some younger people today to realise how big the Beatles actually were. There music is played on most radio stations around the world every day and that started more than 55 years ago, which is truly astonishing. When I was younger one of my friends became rather close with Linda McCartney’s oldest daughter. We therefore spent a lot of time with the McCartney’s in their St Johns Wood, North London, home. That was quite a long time ago. Anyway, I love seeing them and was thrilled to take this picture of them about 8 years ago. What a lovely, warm & talented family they are. Left to right, Mary, James, Sir Paul & Stella McCartney

Here is a blast from the past - Iron Maiden

Here is a lovely old shot from 2005 with my pals backstage after an amazing gig in the UK at the Reading Festival with Iron Maiden band, friends and family. When I get some time I will dig out some more Iron Maiden shots from the US tour as well. #HappyDays #Goodtimesroll #IronMaiden #DanceofDeath I think!