When trying to take some smiling photographs of a room full of celebrities and their kids, Danny received quite the reaction from Liam Gallagher. With his pointed finger in Danny’s face Liam snarled: "You told me to smile. Rockstars dont f***ing smile". This inspired the title of Danny’s exclusive exhibition.
One of the world’s most renowned Rock and Roll photographers, Danny Clifford will be showcasing iconic imagery of some of the biggest musical artists, from the last 40 years, on Wednesday 19th and Thursday 20th September between 6pm-8pm, at Keystone’s London offices.
Keystone client Danny will be providing an exclusive insight into his “fly on the wall career” showcasing, for the very first time, a selection of his favourites from the countless shots taken on and offstage, behind the scenes and during historic performances throughout his career. Deemed as highly collectible, Danny’s images are held in the highest esteem by artists and appreciators alike.
From his big break, aged 17, as Bob Dylan’s official photographer in the 1970s, through to his close working relationships with Queen, The Who, The Rolling Stones and Amy Winehouse – to name but a few – the stories he has amassed over the years are just as vivid, colourful and dramatic as his photographs. Below we have included an excerpt of ‘Bob Wants a Word’ a story written by Danny on how he started working for Bob Dylan.
The exhibition will take place at 48 Chancery Lane, London, WC2A 1JF
Refreshments will be served throughout the evening.
If you would like to attend, please RSVP to events@keystonelaw.co.uk
Bob Wants a Word – Danny Clifford
[…] A twenty-year-old opportunist, I had applied to CBS Records for a photo pass. Like almost everyone else, I was denied… Undefeated, I showed up anyway. After quickly buying a crate of beer from the bar area, I proceeded through each security ticket check point with my hands full and my camera gear stowed down my trousers. Each time I was asked to produce my ticket, (conveniently) I couldn’t reach it, as my hands and arms were overflowing with beer bottles. Finally, I reached the front of the arena[…]
[…]Knowing security would be onto me pretty quickly, I shot as much as I could from the front row and then swiftly departed before I was thrown out. It was the next morning, while in the Royal Garden Hotel browsing the press reviews, that Bob Dylan himself caught sight of my photos, splashed all over the London Evening Standard Newspaper. As I popped into my office – which happened to be inside the offices of The Who (112 Wardour Street) – I received a phonecall from Paul Wasserman, Bob’s publicist. Surrounded by Keith Moon, Roger Daltry, Pete Townsend and John Entwistle, a lengthy phone conversation ensued, with the nutshell being that Bob loved my shots and wanted to use them to promote his forthcoming US tour. That is, until the moment when Paul said, “hang on a second, Bob wants a word with you…”
Wide eyed, I mouthed to the room that Bob Dylan was about to be on the line! Before Bob even had a chance to say hello, Roger grunted from beside me, “give me the phone!” and took it from my hand. Passing the phone back and forth between Roger and Keith, they excitedly tried to explain who they were to a presumably confused Bob Dylan. By the time they had finished and handed the phone back, it was Paul on the line again and my chance to speak to Bob on the phone had been thwarted. Fortunately, all was not lost, as this was the first step towards wangling my way into being Bob Dylan’s official photographer[…]