As the last days of summer tick by, I want to recommend a collection of photos from rock photographer Tony Mott.
I was lucky enough to work with Tony to help bring his new photo collection to life with Wilkinson Publishing. For his latest book, Tony has carefully curated a collection of his best work.
In addition, he has written a wonderful text that tells his story from a childhood in Sheffield, Yorkshire, to working as a chef on cruise ships. He started a new life in Sydney in the 1980s where his first photos of the Divinyls had “a snowball effect” and led to photo shoots with rock stars selling out the world’s biggest stadiums.
Tony Mott has published over 30,000 photographs, shot more than 3,000 sessions, created more than 400 posters, 500 CD sleeves, and 900 magazine covers. Rock n Roll Gallery: A Journey from Sheffield to Sydney 1983-2003 is a landmark publication for every rock n roll fan.
Ever since he sold his first photo of the Divinyl’s Chrissy Amphlett in Kings Cross for $20, Tony Mott has been the musician’s photographer.
His iconic images include photos of Mick Jagger and Keith Richards mid-performance. Peter Garrett kneeling on stage eye to eye with the front row. Tex Perkins holding court in front of an army of fans at Sydney’s Big Day Out in 1994.
Tony Mott with the audience at another recent Sydney launch event (Photos: Ash Mar)
Read Kathy McCabe on Tony Mott
Tony Mott has been on stage, side of stage and in the pit at almost every big gig or musical moment in Australia since he migrated to Sydney from his native Sheffield in the 1980s.
His passion for music and black-and-white photography collided when he discovered the Divinyls playing a weekly residency at the Piccadilly Hotel, and the band’s dynamic frontwoman Chrissy Amphlett became his muse.
“Every Monday night I would practise on Chrissy. What I didn’t know at the time I was learning the art of rock’n’roll photography on one of the world’s greatest female performers,” Mott said. “I can say that now with a certain amount of credibility as I’ve now photographed over 300 female artists. Chrissy is without a doubt #1.”
Read this feature on Tony Mott here.
Kathy McCabe is the national music writer for News Corp Australia.
MEET TONY & GET A SIGNED COPY OF THE BOOK
Join Tony Mott at the launch of Rock n Roll Gallery at The Exchange Hotel Hamilton in Newcastle, NSW
When: Tuesday, 20 February
The free event includes a 45-minute talk from Tony and a chance to grab your exclusive signed copy. To register, please e-mail [email protected].
Publisher and editor of legendary rock music magazine Roadrunner, Donald Robertson, with Tony
BUY A COPY OF ROCK N ROLL GALLERY
Purchase online here.
Books are also available at good bookstores.
Retailers contact Wilkinson Publishing
