Do you ever feel challenged by the creative energy of your subjects? Pressure to create something unique when you are walking among the giants? I had the opportunity to talk to the famous music photographer, Denis O’Regan about shooting some of the biggest names in modern music history.
O’Regan’s online exhibition and special print sale, 69 DAYS, featuring some of his most iconic photographs of David Bowie, The Rolling Stones, and Freddie Mercury. 69 DAYS runs until January 1, 2023 at Contemporary Western Version.
O’Regan’s work with trending bands in the pre-punk, punk, new wave, rock and arena rock genres is legendary. Personally, I can’t imagine the pressure of having to create something artistic with such huge creative subjects. Modestly, O’Regan notes that he is more of a documentarian, documenting events around him, rather than creating something in the studio. A glance at his work shows that O’Regan has done more than point and shoot. O’Regan’s framing and use of light help reveal the hidden personalities of the stars he captures. Even so, O’Regan has explained that he’s always felt pressured to bring something new and creative to the likes of David Bowie and the Rolling Stones, because they’ve basically seen it all.
O’Regan’s anecdote about regularly showing with Bowie while on tour left me cold. Imagine trying to impress Bowie? For O’Regan, Bowie’s interest in framing his behind-the-scenes world in an informal but theatrical way meant the two ran across the ground, sliding into a fertile trench and doesn’t really stop.
O’Regan admitted to being human. He may feel uncomfortable before a big concert. O’Regan loves live performances and seems to thrive moment by moment watching musicians on stage. For O’Regan, the moment of truth came after the show, when he shared pictures with the band. For example, in 2008, when he signed on to work with KISS for a show, but they insisted he stick with the eight-week tour after he wowed them on a show. post-concert presentation.
However, I still pressed a little. Surely there must have been some artist or event that rocked O’Regan beyond recognition? That’s Direct Aid, of course. A concert like Live Aid is unique and it’s huge. Working with Bob Geldof, O’Regan is one of the official photographers of the day. O’Regan admits that for him, the pressure is huge.
In terms of musicians, it’s no surprise that Bowie has extended O’Regan’s talents farthest. Together, Bowie and O’Regan pushed music photography into new territory. In particular, O’Regan and Bowie spent a few weeks in 1983 in Asia at the conclusion of Bowie’s eight-month Serious Moonlight tour, creating some stunning visuals. Between Serious Moonlight and the 1987 Glass Spider tour, also by O’Regan, Bowie had never been photographed as much. Apparently, Bowie’s comfort with O’Regan allowed them to create iconic images.
Note, a percentage of the revenue from the program will Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity, GOSH.
All images are allowed by Denis O’Regan and Contemporary Western Version.
