top of page
News
08/10/22
I am currently putting my photography on a slight hold to concentrate more on my writing (see below).
I had hoped that this site would have been a springboard to a return to active photography work, rather than just a look back at the past shoots but, unfortunately, that hasn't been the case. As a result I have redesigned my site to look more at what I am mainly doing now. Although I have taken down the shop I still have a large archive of material so if anyone is looking to buy or license any prints just use the contact page to get in touch and I'll see if I have what you are looking for.
I haven't put down the camera completely so any acts out there (or PRs, record companies, managers etc) who need a photographer why not get in touch. What have you got to lose?
19/12/22
A quick update. 2022 hasn’t panned out as I had hoped, no bands or PR’s knocking down my door looking for a photographer and now some sad news (for me anyway) about my book. I’m afraid I’ve had to put it on hold indefinitely for various reasons but I hope it will see the light of day eventually. Hoping that 2023 will throw something more creative my way, something I can get my teeth into. Thank you for all your support and kind works through my website and on social media, that really has meant a lot.
I hope you all have a fantastic holiday season and that 2023 brings you peace, happiness and health.
30/10/22
A sneak preview at the working in progress index for my book.
22/10/22
I've had some really nice news about the book. Pete Townshend and Ross Halfin have both agreed to write a foreword to my book. This is really exciting for me. Both have been instrumental in my shortish career as a photographer, providing encouragement, help and critical opinion when needed.
I started taking photos (snaps, really) whilst working for Pete and knew of Ross's work as a top music photographer long before we became friends going on 30 years ago. Both have a big place in my heart.
This news is also something else that may help with finding a publisher for the book (although, if not, the plan would be to self-publish).
I'll add further updates as they came along.
I did post the news on Instagram yesterday and apologies for anyone who has commented - I've been looked out for some reason but will reply once I get access again.
15/10/22
A big shout out to my brother Pat whose large box set of books on Jethro Tull has started making a thud on door steps today. It's a magnificent piece of work, weighting in at 5.5 kg, that sets a new standard for music books. A labour of love, it's been a long time coming but it's here now. Very proud of Pat for seeing it through and overcoming difficulties that were put in his path along the way.
Visit his website for more details www.spinmebackdowntheyears.com/
08/10/22
As I said above, writing is currently taking up most of my spare time (when I'm not doing the day job). I currently have a number of projects on the go, most notably a photography / memoir book which looks back at the start of my photography journey whilst working for Pete Townshend, up to my last shoots as a full time photographer. It's the first book that I have felt comfortable enough to finish for a long time. I'm not one of the world's naturally gifted writers, I wish I was, but have to work hard at it. Unfortunately working all week makes that difficult. With this project though the research is all in my head so, for me it is easier than one which requires me to spend time pouring through archival records. Confidence is always a concern with me and I'm not the most self-confident of people and that has been a problem in the past. I have great ideas, some of which flower elsewhere, but rarely convince myself to see them through.
I'm looking at self funding the publication of the book so that I have complete control over the look and content, but the downside is that I can't release it until I have the funding available. I had hoped that it would be out this year but, being realistic, that isn't going to happen. I am determined to get it out though and am aiming for early to mid 2023. I'll update on progress here.
This doesn't mean I've forgotten other projects, such as my Four Faces book on the solo careers of The Who. It's been on the back burner for a while now but one day it will see the light of day.
I recently completed a 15,000 word essay on the history of Pete Townshend's Life House project. This was a commissioned piece by Universal Music for the forthcoming Who's Next box set. I am really happy with how it has turned out and those that have read it have been very complimentary.
I have previously had two books on The Who published - Anyway Anyhow Anywhere (left), co-authored with Andy Neill (2002) and The Who Revealed (2010). I was the founder and main writer of Naked Eye, a semi-official fanzine for The Who and have contributed written pieces for numerous CD / DVD liner notes, magazine articles and have undertaken research for documentaries (and been in a few) and films.
I'm always interested in commissions for entertainment pieces, if anyone is interested please use the contact page.
bottom of page