After a very successful launch of Rare Stones, the exhibition is touring to Photo London 2024 we will be in Room F07.

We will also be hosting a book signing with Geoff MacCormack on 16th May at 6pm “David Bowie – Rock and Roll with Me”

Brian Aris / Rare Stones

A Captivating Collection by Brian Aris Unveils Rare and Unseen Images of The Rolling Stones in the Early 1980s

‘Rare Stones’ curated by renowned photographer Brian Aris and Lucy Bell, showcases never-before seen images of the legendary Rolling Stones, during their iconic era of the early 80’s.

Brian Aris, who is celebrated for his exceptional eye for detail and the ability to capture the essence of his subjects, unveils this collection of rare and unseen images that encapsulate the bands raw energy, unparalleled charisma, and enduring influence.

“I was invited to fly to Boston in the USA and photograph The Rolling Stones in 1981 where they were in secret rehearsals for their upcoming tour. I spent days at Longview Farm photographing different band members some with their families before finally walking into a candle lit barn with the band around midnight for a rehearsal.

The extraordinary thing was that hardly any words were spoken. Charlie moved behind his drum kit, Keith and Ronnie picked up their guitars while Bill Wyman found himself a stool and collected his bass. Mick Strolled around the stage area before finally Charlie kicked off the first number.

I was sitting on the floor of the barn working with very fast film as there was such little light thinking how privileged I was to be there with an opportunity to capture the Stones in the raw. No fancy costumes or makeup. No expensive lighting rig just an amazing group of musicians really enjoying themselves making great music.

Other sessions followed. A one to one with Mick in Holborn Studios in London where one close-up image shows off the diamond set into his front tooth! Ronnie Wood in his artists studio. And I even found myself photographing his extraordinary wedding to Jo. A trip to Paris where the band was filming Undercover of the Night and later Mick and David Bowie in concert together.

Many of these images remain unseen and with the band going out on tour this year it felt like a perfect opportunity to raid my archives and make some new prints to show with the Lucy Bell Gallery as ‘Rare Stones’.”

‘Rare Stones is a captivating exploration of The Rolling Stones’ enigmatic allure, offering fans and admirers an intimate glimpse behind the scenes of one of the mist iconic bands of all time. Brian Aris’s unparalleled access to the band during their early 80’s era allows for an insider’s perspective, revealing candid moments and unsees facets of Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Charlie Watts, Ronnie Wood, and the rest of the band. As well as exploring the downtimes between writing, recording, or shooting, we see their chemistry as artists, collaborators, and friends.

The exhibition which was held at Lucy Bell Gallery in St Leonards on Sea from 23^rd March – 6^th May 2023 was featured in on BBC Breakfast Television as well as in the Guardian we are delighted to bring this to Photo London.

https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/gallery/2024/mar/28/rare-and-raw-never-before-seen-rolling-stones-in-pictures

GEOFF MACCORMACK – DAVID BOWIE ROCK N’ ROLL WITH ME

Geoff MacCormack, AKA Warren Peace, was one of David Bowie’s oldest and closest friends, their relationship dating back to their childhoods’ in Bromley.

MacCormack toured with Bowie for three years as a backing vocalist, dancer and percussionist.

During this time he recorded with Bowie on five albums — from Aladdin Sane to Station to Station, also co-writing the track Rock ‘n’ Roll With Me on Diamond Dogs, and Turn Blue with Bowie on Iggy Pops album Lust for Life.

As Bowie preferred not to fly, he and MacCormack travelled together by boat, train and road. The photographs from these travels explore this period, and give a rare insight into their friendship.

MacCormack said: “Just suppose your Brilliant Pal said: “Will you join my band [The Spiders from Mars] and come on a tour? And would you mind awfully if we travelled [first class] by sea to New York, and then sailed from Los Angeles to San Francisco, Canada, Hawaii and on to Japan? And then, from Japan to Siberia, through Russia [Trans-Siberian Express] to Moscow [for May Day Parade], Poland, East and West Germany, just in time for tea at the George V Hotel in Paris? Followed by a relaxing holiday in Rome, just to chill out?

“And then, just suppose, when you thought all the fun had finished, your Brilliant Pal said: “Would you mind being a dog [Diamond], and coming back to New York on an even better ship, eating caviar every day and joining another band, then another band, helping out on a few albums [six], and generally hanging out and having the time of your life for a couple more years?”

Supposing all that happened…Wouldn’t it be fantastic to have kept a photo or two?”