A new exhibition of iconic Rockarchive.com photography opens at the Royal Albert Hall this week, featuring previously unseen shots of music legends Kate Bush, Björk and the late Mark E. Smith.
Other never-before-exhibited images in the collection, titled ‘The Main Stage’, show the likes of David Bowie, Jeff Beck and Joan Baez in action, alongside classic shots of Led Zeppelin, Bob Dylan, Oasis, Blondie and The Rolling Stones.
Mehdi Aoustin-Sellami, Head of Programming at the Royal Albert Hall, said: “We’re very proud to welcome Rockarchive.com back to the Hall for another exquisite exhibition of remarkable rock photography, showcasing some of the world’s finest performers and photographers.
“The exhibition features indelible images caught both on and off stage. Whether seizing the spirit of a live show, capturing candid, personal moments, or shooting in the recording studio, Rockarchive’s distinguished contributors have thrillingly preserved some of the greatest moments in music history.”
“Our rock heritage goes back to the birth of the genre, and since then we’ve welcomed every iconic act you can think of to play the world’s most famous stage, from The Beatles, Jimi Hendrix and Janis Joplin to Iggy Pop, Björk and Nine Inch Nails. Where better, then, to celebrate rock music’s greatest icons and influencers?”
Discussing his previously unseen shot of Kate Bush, showcased in the exhibition, photographer Max Browne recalled: “Kate played, sang and danced her way through almost her entire repertoire for over two hours each night in her unique Tour of Life shows at Hammersmith in 1979. The musicality, dramatic light and shade and associated costume changing were stunning.
“This depicts one of the most delicate moments from her ethereal ballad 'The Man with the Child in his Eyes'. The lighting was dramatic but low and so hand held shots were tricky but I believe there is just enough density and substance in this image to justify it as an accurate portrayal of its exquisite subject."
Hung around the venue’s famous stalls corridor, the free exhibition is open to ticketholders, or to the public on the following open days: Saturday 5 May, Sunday 13 May and Saturday 2 June (all 10am-noon). For more information, go to www.royalalberthall.com
Limited edition prints are available to order from the Hall box office or online at www.rockarchive.com