The biggest names in rock music photographed by the great Paul Harries

Over the past 30 years, Rock ’n' Roll lensman Paul Harries has established himself as one of the world’s finest music photographers – but it all started at the Bank of England

by Ben Winstanley

Slipknot

“Slipknot are probably the band I am best known for shooting. I first worked with them in 1999 and I have documented their career ever since. I have so many photos that I had a book published last year called Slipknot: Dysfunctional Family Portraits. This shot was taken in Iowa (the home of Slipknot) while they waited to start a night video shoot for the song ‘Psychosocial’. Not only is this shot very creepy but also a personal favourite of my career.”

Biffy Clyro

“I have been working with Biffy Clyro for more than ten years and it has been fantastic to see them grow into the arena rock band that they are now. Anyone that has met them will tell you how lovely they are. This shot of Simon [Neil] was taken at their hotel in Madrid before they played at Mad Cool festival last year. A friend of mine said this photo made her ‘feel all funny’ so it had to go in the exhibition.”

Slash

“This shot of Slash was taken in my hotel room, I had a suite so I could convert it into a studio for a Velvet Revolver shoot in 2004. He arrived first, sat on my bed and just started playing. A private audience with Slash – a real wow moment.”

Black Veil Brides

"The band had just flown into London from LA and came straight to Holborn Studios for their first UK magazine cover shoot in 2011. They were so jet lagged, it doesn't show but after the shoot they could barely keep their eyes open. The thing I noticed most about vocalist Andy is that he has almost perfect skin, there is no retouching on this shot."

Courtney Love

"This portrait was shot at 11 Codogan Gardens hotel 2010. I don't think I have ever been so nervous about a shoot, I had never worked with Courtney before and she obviously has a fierce reputation. I'm pleased to say she was absolutely charming and i look forward to one day working with her again."

Green Day

“Backstage in Germany in 2017. I think it is great that a band like Green Day are still happy to have a laugh during a photoshoot. I first worked with them in the 1990s and I’ve done a tonne of shoots with them since. They have always been very popular but working with them during their rise to mega stardom in the American Idiot era was amazing. I will never forget the roar of the crowd when the band came on stage for their Milton Keynes Bowl concert in 2005.”

Ozzy Osbourne

"It’s not often that you get to shoot a real legend at home but in 2014 I got to shoot Ozzy at home in Beverly Hills. I love this shot of him doing his trademark shouty face because his dog is doing it as well. He gave us a tour and I discovered that he has a collection of Beatles memorabilia, I asked him about it and he said they are his favourite band."

Nirvana

"Shot as the Astoria in 1991, the buzz around Nirvana was really growing at this time. The next day did a magazine shoot with them. Looking back I think even then Kurt was feeling uneasy with his new found fame as he didn't seem at all interested in the photo shoot."

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Published: Thursday 13th April 2017

Culture

The world of rock’n’roll has many unorthodox entry points – garages, church halls, ads in the newspaper – but it rarely, if ever, begins at the Bank of England. That is unless your name is Paul Harries.

Formerly a bank clerk at the BoE, Harries’ break came when he applied for the official photographer position for the venerable institution… He didn’t get the role, but it did inspire him to pursue his passion for photography. As an avid music fan, he first started taking pictures at the legendary Marquee Club in Soho (now defunct) before he got his first paid gig at Kerrang! in 1989.

Fast forward 28 years and Harries is not only the lead lensman for the famed UK rock magazine, but he is also one of the most celebrated photographers in the music industry, particularly respected for his cinematic portrayal of iconic rock bands such as Nirvana, Slash, Metallica, Muse, and Iron Maiden.

Harries’ dynamic photography lends itself to the theatre and energy of the rock world. It’s no surprise he attracts performers who play up to the camera, and those who have powerful stage presence. Not many photographers have been invited into the world of Slipknot, after all.

Access All Areas: Photographs by Paul Harries runs from 9 March-23 May at Proud Camden. For more information, see proud.co.uk

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