Words and pics from Alan Dearling
It was a delight and a privilege to visit this collection of impressive and stimulating photographs. I was shown around by Brad Dean and Javier Robledo from the Proud Galleries who were curating the show.
This photography exhibition “…invites the viewer to delve into the world of celebrity and rock stars off stage, behind the scenes, and on the move. The show explores the relationship and dynamics of the photographers and their subject matters under more challenging, unusual, and intimate contexts, rather than capturing them while performing or in controlled studio environments. OFF STAGE groups.”
And I was also extremely lucky to have the opportunity to have an eclectic chat with Erroll Jones about his photos of The Prodigy members right from the beginning of their sparky career, the early days around Braintree in Essex, through to before the death of Keith Flint. His collection is entitled, ‘My mates’ band’! We also talked about photography, working with musicians, gigs and festivals and the lifestyles of many – especially those involved in squats, communes, punk, reggae, dance, rave, Acid House and counter-cultures. Leftfield activities, parties, drugs and protests.
I’m not going to attempt any sort of potted history of Prodigy, suffice it to say that Erroll’s images evoke the magic of the band and its colourful individual members: Founded by song-writer and synth-player , Liam Howlett, singers, Keith Flint (who was also a dancer), Maxim and Sharkey, Rob Holliday on guitar and dancer, Leeroy Thornhill. Personally, I found The Prodigy set at Glastonbury on the second stage absolutely stunning. Electrifying theatre, energetic and dangerous. These guys knew how to produce fantastic amounts of musical electricity in amongst the spit and venom. And, The Prodigy continue to weave their own brand of abrasive musical magic through electro-techno-punk, though I believe that Howlett and Maxim are the only original members left in the current line-up.
Here are some of Erroll’s photos on display at the Proud Galleries.
His pics perfectly capture the underbelly of a band’s many conflicting lives.
Erroll says, “I was really into house music…Prodigy was different…rave…and I was able to take photos of my mates’ band… I shot entirely on film, both medium format and 35mm, and this series comprises a collection of never-before-seen images of the band backstage and on tour. It really does offer up an intimate behind the scenes glimpse.”
Here’s a video of Erroll talking about his relationship with The Prodigy: https://youtu.be/2N3SmIJLFlo
The ‘Off Stage’ show occupies the majority of the ground floor gallery with other photos from the Proud Galleries’ Collection spreading out their musical heroes down the stairs and into the basement gallery. Alan Chapman’s ‘Frame: Celebrity’ collection are almost all candid images, almost street-photography in style, but all are apparently approved by the ‘celebs’ themselves. Alan is a frequently the go-to photographer to the rich and famous, whether on the street or in social gatherings, and his images are widely published around the world both in print and on television.
David Magnus’s work with the Beatles is justly regarded as ground-breaking as he was a well-trusted lensman, and the Beatles gave him access to their personal and back-stage moments from very early on in their careers. David’s photos are absolutely fabulous. ‘All You Need is Love/the Beatles collection’ is the title of this selection at the Proud Galleries. David was present at the recording session when the Beatles took part in the first ever live world-wide T.V. satellite broadcast called ‘Our World’.
And to finish, a famous image by David Montgomery from 1968 of Jimi Hendrix from the Proud Collection. Do try to get along to this great free show – it’s a real testament to the powerful imagery of rock ‘n’ roll and its associated lifestyles of alternating excess and grandeur.
Many thanks to the Proud Galleries’ team for inviting me to the show and allowing me to take photos for sharing. Open until : 25 May 2024, Proud Galleries, 32 John Adam Street, London WC2N 6BP.
Website: https://proudgalleries.com/pages/exhibitions-programme
