From being arrested by KGB to all night parties – famous Snapper shares stories behind iconic photos
A legendary music photographer, Oasis’ten David Bowie and the unseen images of the wild moments behind the icon explained.
During his five -year career, Lawrence Watson hit everyone from Grace Jones to Michael Jordan, Snoop Dogg and Grace Jones.
In a special interview with Dailymail.com, Watson opened a special collection for a mental health charity and sharing his iconic photographs.
The 61 -year -old British photographer has revealed extraordinary tales behind the iconic images of the largest stars of music, including the arrest of KGB in Russia, while photographing Christmas Gallagher.
Music started his career in NME and said that it was a humble approach that helps to obtain unprecedented access to normally protected celebrities.
Watson, “ I do not like to go there with a great ego that thinks I am the biggest photographer so far, ” he explained.
I think that quiet person, documenting … You catch a moment in a recording studio. Im You want them to be at home and comfortable, dedi he said.
The low -key approach led to some unexpected relationships, including Grace Jones, who personally want Watson for an album shooting.
Snoop Dogg, California State Prison for Video shoot, Los Angeles, 1996 – Lawrence Watson, Print Matters
David Bowie Sette Adrian Belew video shoot, Edinburgh, 1990
“ I did not think I would follow the agreement with my documentary style ‘he confessed.
‘Grace was a very iconic, bright musician. Suddenly, I had a few days of sessions with Grace Jones, who I didn’t expect. ‘
The shooting became an incident all night, and Watson announced how Jones ‘squeezed’ from the pubs they were shooting – then included in the legendary stage performances.
Watson’s five years behind the lens led him to capture Michael Jordan at the summit of his fame from the beginning of the council land from the beginning of the council land. But it didn’t happen without drama.
“I was arrested by the KGB in Moscow,” Watson announced a particularly sad experience when photographing Christmas Gallagher’s acoustic tour.
When people came to me, I was pulling a little super 8 near the red square [and took my] camera.
“Christmas was not affected because KGB had side branches and everything, Christmas was a torch of a torch,” he continued.
LL Cool J, Philadelphia, 1986
Isaac Hayes, shooting in Nme hotel room, Heathrow in England, 1986
Christmas Gallagher, Oasis, Dig Your Soul Recording Session, Studio Two, Abbey Road Studios, London, 2007
Ian Brown, The Stone Roses on Rockin at Salford Street ‘on Magazine, Manchester, 1988
People’s enemy – Chuck D and Flavor Flav (Standing), Def Jam Office Steps, The Bower, New York, 1987
Michael Jordan, NBA All-Stars Game, San Antonio, Texas, 11 February 1996
Liam Gallagher, Oasis in Union Jack, London, 2009
Paul McCartney War Child ‘Help’ Help album, Abbey Road Studios, London, 1995
Watson’s career emphasis includes a 30 -year -old working relationship with Paul Weller and intimate moments with Oasis during the meteoric rise.
His connection with many musicians went beyond professional boundaries.
‘We are going to social things. A good relationship with Paul Weller and Christmas. Birthdays, 50 … Some Social Things’ shared.
‘They invite you to that inner environment, so it’s a good place to be.’
Currently, after a family tragedy that changes the course of his career, he is starting a collection of prints limited with revenues that support the mental health aid organization.
After the personal tragedy – the loss of his son Travis – Watson took a break from photography.
“ I almost stopped, ” he confessed. Initially I saw the world gray. There was no color in the world anymore. ‘
He has now returned to his craft for a renewed purpose and aims to support mental health initiatives through his work.
Grace Jones on the ground, George Tavern, Commercial Road, London, 2008
Ray Charles Concert, Royal Festival Hall, London, 1984
Pulp, Joy Studios, Highbury, London, was depicted in 1994.
Darryl ‘DMC’ mcdaniels, in the dressing room, Philadelphia, 1985
Eric B, The Bower, New York in 1987
I wanted to do something good in memory of Travis. He loved music and art, ” Watson explained.
Private collection for printing issues includes other issues such as Grace Jones, Run DMC, Michael Jordan, Snoop Dogg, Paul McCartney and Stone Roses.
Watson, “ Young people lose this terrible suicide, ” he said. ‘I’m trying to put something there … This is my duty. My little duty. ‘
Watson announced that his first dream was to be a musician until he met a harsh reality.
“ I tried to be a musician when I was young, but I was a terrible bassist. I didn’t have any rhythm.
“ This was told by a British Punk Rock bass. Maybe you can do something. Maybe photography, maybe it could be the way to go to take pictures. ‘
However, it was a blessing that had changed his dreams in other ways.
As a result: ‘I got the next best thing. I stuck with the musicians and spent my life with them and took photos. ‘
