Famous Photos

Stevie Nicks, Fleetwood

I have been very fortunate and privileged to photo some of the most famous names in contemporary music from the 70s and from the present day.

Elton John, Fleetwood Mac, Paul McCartney, Van Morrison, Neil Young, Jerry Douglas, John Mayer

Present day – Hurts, Emeli Sande, Mumford, Laura Marling, Snowpatrol, more!

Laura Marling

John Mayer

Lindsay Buckingham, Fleetwood

Elton John

Van Morrison

Emeli Sande

Fleetwood

Snowpatrol

Paul McCartney

Elton John: Music Magic Rocket Man SECC

Elton – Music Magic from the Rocket Man SECC Glasgow June 2009
Elton John was fabulous – dynamic vocals and piano and even after all these years performing he seems to thrive on it, while his voice gets better and better. Elton appeared up the steps and paused to bask in the audience's excitement of seeing him live!

Elton John...- I had forgotten how much I love ‘Your Song’ –  a wonderful live gig!. That adrenalin rush to the head..and I’m still standing!  

These photos of Elton were such an honour, and I was hugely excited about my first time shooting at the SECC. It seemed quite restrictive. I try to shoot support artists also, well you never know they might be big one day. Other press snappers turned up and we were all taken into the arena where there was more waiting about in the dark, at the front of the wide stage. Elton’s piano was the only shape lit up and then suddenly through the darkness he appeared up the side steps. 

We were only allowed the one song: the adrenalin rush was incredible and the knowing you only have such a short time to get that one shot. Nerve wracking!

Elton was wearing a pink shirt, pink glasses and a black jacket covered in colourful music notes, and a keyboard with the words ’music magic’ embroidered on the back. 

He ran through his back catalogue of hits and the packed SECC loved him. 

He built up the energy with strong renditions of 'I Guess That’s Why They Call it the Blues' and 'Daniel'.  Followed  by a full fifteen minute arrangement of his well known hit ‘Rocket Man’ which took the energy up; after which he performed 'Sad Songs' and 'Sorry' and taking the tempo down. 

The most moving moment was ‘Candle in the Wind‘ when you could hear a pin drop in the dark, with only Elton and his spot lit piano, when it felt like candles blowing in the air of the vast arena, with echoes of Norma Jean and of Diana, both beautiful ladies who shone for a brief time. 

He also sang 'I Need Love', 'Fly Away', 'Are You Ready For Love' and more from his extensive back catalogue. He had his long time band members with him and Nigel Olsen on drums. I was pleased that for his encore he played my favourite Elton song 'Your Song'. I had my Your Song piano sheet music with me with the vague hopes of getting it signed. I did get down near the front for the last songs and Elton was signing autographs, mostly gig tickets.

Elton writes piano melodies that touch people’s hearts and you could feel the love! Now this year I’ve taken photos of Richard Thompson and Elton. If I could ever take shots of Paul McCartney (!!). I’d no idea what to expect and I guess the next time I take photos at the SECC I won’t be so nervous!