Who's coming to this gig? The STAKS Band - Steve Overland & Beverley Knight.

There is so much doom and gloom at the moment in this big wide world and that’s without mentioning Brexit. So, this night out may well be just what the doctor ordered! At the end of this month on January 31st in West London there will be THE event of 2019. I know you must be thinking, well, we are only just into 2019, which is true. But, this is going to be one hell of a night. The incredible STAKS Band are performing at Subterania in West London, along with some very special guests. I mean REALLY special. STAKS have also finished recording their first Album, which I must say sounds sublime. This will no doubt be released in due course. I will update you all when I know a release date. I also understand it may well be released as a vinyl as well.

So, the 31st of January is going to be a BIG night.. The STAKS Band with Steve Overland & Beverly Knight at Subterania in West London. All proceeds are going to Nordoff Robbins. Get your tickets right now from www.subterania.net. It will no doubt sell out very fast, so, don’t hang about. It’s going to be amazing!

Miel's EP Launch Party with WWF

Last night was the much anticipated launch of Miel’s EP. I must say I have heard snippets of her new music at the odd rehearsal and also in the recording studio. But, to hear it live with such an enthusiastic audience was something rather special. In line with everything Miel does, it was a superb evening in West London. The amazing restaurant called ‘Ours’ on Brompton Road, London was completely taken over for this event.

WWF International Director General, Marco Lambertini speaking about WWF & our planet.

The most senior people from the WWF came over from Geneva, Switzerland to hear the new music. Marco Lambertini The Director general of the WWF International was there with Will Skinner. This charity has been one of Miel’s passions since she was a child and to be honest, the WWF’s cause is MUCH more than saving Pandas. It’s really ALL about our planet. So, take a look at their website and donate and get involved..

The room was called a ‘Living Room’ and how appropriate as it was. Miel’s EP has three tracks, 1, I Was Given Nature. 2, Unique Flower. 3 How Are You So Grounded. So, with the link to the WWF and her songs, the living Room with tree’s and plants growing everywhere was rather spectacular.

The WWF have chosen Miel’s single I Was Given Nature to represent a new campaign by the WWF called Connect2earth. Which in itself is quite something!

So, hearing Miel and her phenomenal band play her new songs in this setting was breath taking!

The audience loved it..

I had to shoot through the tree to get a photo at this point. Now this was not a usual stage setting and it was beautiful.

Miel here jumping back on stage as the crowd were demanding an Encore.

Brother & Sister! Miel with her brother, Alain de Botton after the show.

I have been working with Miel for about 5 years now and I have watched her go from strength to strength with her music career guided by the incredibly talented Andy Wright, which is now gathering pace beautifully. Miel is not only one of the nicest, kindest, thoughtful people I know, but, very, very talented. Not to mention determined. So, please go and check out her new music and also, if you can check out the WWF and maybe make a donation.

#Miel #MielMusic #IWasGivenNature #Ours #WWF #Music #AndyWright #SamSwallow

Keystone Roses - What a fun gig at The 100 Club - London

Some of you may know that I held my first exhibition in London at the HQ of my wonderful Lawyers, Keystone Law a month or so ago. Well, some of the very talented lawyers are also incredibly brilliant musicians and singers.. Yes, it’s true.. They are brilliant.. There is a charity called #LawRocks and it’s rather Global. So, the British heats were held last night at the legendary 100 Club in Oxford St, London. There were quite a few different UK law firms competing to go through to the next international round. Anyway, I raced down from Leicestershire late afternoon and obviously hit all of the rush hour traffic. I finally skidded into a parking spot just off Oxford St and ran to the 100 Club with cameras at the ready. As I flew down the stairs probably for my 100th time at least as I have been going there since the mid early 1970’s.. Anyway, as I ran into the main area there they were, on stage and in full flight.. The Keystone Roses as they are known. I knew it was them immediately as there were so many people screaming and singing along all wearing pre printed ‘Keystone Roses’ Tee shirts. It was obviously well organised. I wouldn’t have expected anything less from Keystone Law.. I photographed what was left of their set. They really were sooo good.. I was very pleasantly surprised.. Then on came the other bands from other Law Firms around the UK. I decided to wait and watch them all as I heard that the judges would be deciding there and then who the winning band was to be.. So, moving on to the end of the evening and as far as I was concerned, The Keystone Roses were by far the best band by a country mile…”They was robbed Guv”. I cant remember the name of the band who won, but, its for charity, so, well done to them.. As far as The Keystone Roses go, well onwards and upwards for them. Maybe Eurovision? They were a lot of fun and they looked like they really enjoyed it. I guess it was quite a contrast from their normal life as top drawer, high flying lawyers as well as all of them being absolutely lovely people.. Here are some photos of the Keystone Roses in action. #KeystoneLaw #Lawyers #LawRocks #Music #100Club #OxfordSt #Charity #Solicitors

The wonderful Rick Parfitt OBE

Whilst I was at school in the early to mid 1970’s, I remember writing the names of my favourite bands all over the cover of one of my books. I still have that book somewhere. I had Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple, Pink Floyd, Yes, ELP and of course, Status Quo. They were, like the other bands i just mentioned, enormous and brilliant… Quo had massive hits in the UK and around the world, saying that, not so much in the USA, but big hits almost everywhere else. In the late 1970’s Status Quo had another whopping great big hit with a Creedence Clearwater Revival (John Foggerty hit), ‘Rocking All Over The World’. Now, the good looking, blonde geezer in Quo, Rick Parfitt, heard the John Foggerty version of that song on the radio in his car. According to Rick, he told me that it was a bit of a light bulb moment when he heard it. The original song was slow and melodic. Rick thought, “hold on, we could do this and it could be really rocky”. The next thing Quo had it on their new album, which incidentally was produced by the genius and lovely guy, Pip Williams. They had to quickly do a music video for the British TV show ‘Top of the Pops’. Then all of a sudden, entering stage left, was the quite young and eager me! I was asked by Ivor Arbiter, the boss of Soho Sound House, and Fender importer, to go and photograph Status Quo. They were using products that Ivor Arbiter was importing and distributing throughout the UK & Europe. I arrived, as instructed, at a studio called Ewarts in Wandsworth, South London, around lunchtime. As I arrived, I walked straight into the band, or at least 3 out of 4 of them. There were so many people there. It was very busy. They hadn’t started filming yet. They were standing and chatting whilst two people were standing on a short ladder to the right hand side of the stage. Those two people who I didn’t know were, (Tour manager) Bob Young & their manager, Colin Johnson. They were hanging up a puppet. This was supposed to look like Alan Lancaster, Quo’s Bass guitarist, who was still in Australia and was going to miss this video recording. Everyone thought it was very funny having a puppet hanging there. Anyway, the band took their places, the music started and they did their first take of the Quo version of ‘Rocking All Over The World.’ I have to be honest here, I was absolutely stunned. I had never heard it before and I LOVED it. I was excited and was a little overwhelmed being there with one of my favourite bands. This wasn’t the first of my favourite bands that I had worked with, but, nonetheless, I was very excited. The director of this video was Mike Mansfield. He had produced and directed many music videos and TV shows. He took a shine to me, but that’s another story and one that will go in my book..

This was taken during the filming of ‘Rocking All Over The World’. You can see the hanging puppet on the right replacing the absent Alan Lancaster. Also, the reason i was there in the first place, the Vox AC30 amplifiers behind the band..

Anyway, I photographed the making of this video and loved every second of it. Towards the end of the filming, Colin Johnson, the bands manager, said to me that he had a bit of work for me. He told me to be at a film studio next week and bring my overnight bag, as well. So, next week I arrived at, I think, Bray Film Studios, near Windsor in the UK. I found the hangar where Status Quo were rehearsing. I told security that I was with the band. There was nobody there when I got there at about 9am. However, the place was full of Status Quo equipment, amps, guitars, drums etc.. So, I sat there like an obedient puppy for about 6-7 hours, just wondering if this was a wind up and they had been and gone, leaving some equipment behind that would soon be collected and stored away. Then suddenly I heard the giant shutter doors opening at the end of the hangar. I thought, here we go, who is this then? In drove a metallic green Porsche 911. It parked in the corner and out jumped Rick Parfitt. The road crew had also arrived and walked in. Then suddenly another Porsche 911 arrived and it was metallic light blue, out jumped Francis Rossi. Then a white Range Rover and this time, the fabulous drummer, John Coghlan. Alan Lancaster arrived by limo as he had come straight from Australia. Then another Porsche arrived, I thought who is this then? Out jumped their tour manager, Bob Young. I thought to myself, blimey, Quo look after their tour manager! I subsequently, found out that Bob was co-writer of many of Quo’s big hits.. So, that might explain the Porsche. The band then immediately started rehearsing. They were loud, tight and it was bloody exciting for me.

A quick rehearsal before we all jumped on the tour bus. That was my first tour with Status Quo..

Just a handful of people standing in front of them watching and listening to them. After about an hour, Colin Johnson said, okay everyone, ‘On the bus please” I remember looking at Colin Johnson and just waited for him to look at me and give me a nod or something. I didn’t know if I was going on this tour bus or not. He then did look over and said, “come on Danny boy, get on the bus'“. I then joined the band on the tour bus.

I had some of my best times on the road with Status Quo. Here is one inebriated Rick Parfitt in his hotel bed singing away. I think this was The Albany Hotel, Glasgow, Scotland.

Me with most of the band on the road in the early days.. Yes, I did have hair! Thats me with the fro! L-R Bob Young, Andrew Bown, John Coghlan, Danny Clifford, (Quo’s driver) and sitting on the floor with his arms round my leg is the wonderful Rick Parfitt..

This was my first tour with the incredible Status Quo. I very quickly formed a close friendship with them and long association until today.

Every time Rick bought a new car (which seemed like every week) he asked me to his house to take some photos.. Here is one of his vintage Rolls Royce’s..

Sound Check at Wembley Arena, London.

Rick pretending to hitch hike whilst we were out in the English countryside. Quo were promoting a beer & cider that they had put their name to. We were on an farm at the time when we shot this.

Sadly, we lost the wonderful Rick Parfitt a while ago, which was a shock and, at the time, quite unexpected. In fact, Rick had been unwell and had had yet another heart attack, but, we didn’t expect it to end.. Strangely, Rick and I had been emailing each other just before he left us. It was all rather surreal. Anyway, I don’t want to dwell on the time when Rick left us all, but, I do try and remember the good times and there were many. He had such a great sense of humour and not to forget what a great musician he was. He was one of the greatest rhythm guitarists I have ever heard. I was away in Los Angeles last week and whilst I was there, I saw all over social media that it would have been Rick’s 70th birthday at the time. I was a bit too busy to write my own little bit commemorating what would have been Rick Parfitt’s 70th birthday. So, I raise a non alcoholic drink to you, ‘Tricky Ricky’ and wish you a Happy 70th Birthday, Mate!

Rick & Francis in a shed on a farm. They were obviously discussing the best way to grow tomatoes!

This was Rick’s favourite shot of himself. I had just produced a big print for him just before he left us. One of his son’s Harry now has that. This reminds me, I must offer a print to his other children as well.

A cheeky looking Rick whilst we were on one of our outings…

The Private Exhibition

After all these years photographing in the music industry, I finally decided to have a little private exhibition. It took place last Wednesday & Thursday evening at our lawyers (Keystone Law’s) office, in Chancery Lane, London. Everyone who attended one of the show’s will probably agree that it was a great success. It was an unconventional setting as the offices are used daily by the law firm. So, we had to fit around them. I was thrilled to have the AMAZING Alexander Rosenberg as my Curator. What a fantastic job he did. Everyone who attended said how wonderful it all looked and it was primarily down to him. He was also assisted by our youngest, Sam Clifford. So, from Lyn and I there is a big thank you to them both. It would not have been the show that it was without them. Keystone Law also were fantastic and couldn’t have been more helpful and accommodating. Although we had quite a few of our friends attend the shows, it was primarily an event for Keystone Law and their clients. The feedback that we have had was fabulous. We would like to thank everyone who has bought one of our limited edition prints and also our Ultra Glaze Resins, as well. We have been overwhelmed by the response. I actually had no idea that my photos were going to be that popular with people. But, hey ho, there you go, they do seem to be. By the way, our photos can be purchased online at our website www.dannyclifford.com/prints So, please go there and check out the limited edition prints. Also, whilst you are there please sign up to our newsletter. You should see a pop up box asking for your email address. We will notify you of all of our shows coming up in the near future and details of special offers etc. Thank you to everyone who attended these two private shows and hopefully see all of you and more at our new shows coming up soon..

Ronnie & Mick - May 1976

Karl, Sarah & Sam (Oh and Freddie)

Guests

Part if the team and family as well. I wondered where my daughter sarah was, then I realised, she took this photo..

Me and Bob Young

Sam Clifford & our amazing Curator, Alexander Rosenberg.

Phonogram Record’s Bob Nolan, Karen Fox and the one and only Bob Young

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.     

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

l-r Mitch Dalton, Bradley Walsh, John Altman

l-r Mitch Dalton, John Altman & Bradley Walsh

Bradley Walsh

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..

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

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

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

Eli 'Paper Boy' Reed.

Roachie

Shean Williams..

Staks Band

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

Glenn Tilbrook

Chris Difford

Simon Hanson

Yolanda Charles

Stephen Large

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

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

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

The one and only #Roachie

Bassist, Stefan Redtenbacher. #StefanRedtenbacher #Staks

Mike Sturgis #MikeSturgis #Staks

The control room.. 

Malcolm Fitzsimons #MalcolmFitzsimons

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

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.