Review Fix chats with author and photographer Julian David Stone, who discusses his new book, “No Cameras Allowed,†detailing the creative process and why it’s a must-own for anyone that grew up in the ‘80s and as a fan of rock and pop music.
About the Book:
No Cameras Allowed: My Career as an Outlaw Rock and Roll Photographer (releasing nationwide October 16, 2018) tells the story, in words and photos, of how Julian David Stone, entirely by sneaking his equipment into concerts, amassed an incredible archive of over ten thousand rock and roll photos. Starting by simply stashing a camera in his socks, then taping equipment all over his body, to finally customizing a jacket to hide equipment from security guards, he shot dozens of the greatest acts: Prince, U2, the Police, David Bowie, R.E.M., the Ramones, Elvis Costello, the Talking Heads, the Grateful Dead, Joan Jett, and many, many more – all from the unique vantage point of the audience, capturing exactly what the fans were seeing and the way the band meant the show to be seen. Culled from this incredible, never–before–seen archive, No Cameras Allowed contains over 250 of his best photos, along with some of the craziest adventures he had as he evaded oversized roadies, aggressive security, and more than a few drunken fans.
Review Fix: What inspired this book? How did you make the decision to do it?
Julian David Stone: After Prince and David Bowie died, to memorialize them I posted some photos on Facebook that I had personally taken in the 1980s and that started a torrent of questions about the photos, and how I had come to take them. When people discovered that it wasn’t just Prince and David Bowie that I had photographed, but also a huge number of other iconic 80s music stars, someone suggested I put together a book of my photos. As I began to think through the experiences I had had all those years ago — I was so young when I started, barely 18 — I realized I could include not just the photos, but also all the crazy adventures I’d had sneaking my equipment into shows, evading security, out running roadies, etc.;Â I realized it was a great idea.
Review Fix: What was the editing process like?
Stone: I worked with a terrific book designer named Peter Robbins who was particularly helpful in this phase. The editing started with me sending him my favorite 1000 images and from there we went back and forth until we whittled it down to just over 250. Peter was great at picking photos that I might not have considered and really great at figuring out how they would work together on the page to compliment each other.
Review Fix: Who do you think will enjoy this book the most?
Stone: Anyone who loves Rock and Roll, particularly ’80s music, and anyone who enjoys a fun story of youthful adventure and coming of age.
Review Fix: What was the experience like for you to put all these moments in one place?
Stone: It was incredibly fun, and in a way very surreal. It was a time in my life, over 35 years ago, that I had kind of just metaphorically put away in a box and never thought about again. Putting the book together brought it all back and really made me appreciate how exciting it had been: Shooting U2 early in their careers in their hometown of Dublin, The Police at Shea Stadium at their most legendary show, Prince at the absolutely top of his talent and fame on the Purple Rain tour. And so much more! I am so grateful that the process of making the book brought it all back and particularly grateful that the negatives survived all these years, through move after move after move, in great shape.Â
Review Fix: Any stories that didn’t make the cut that you’d like to share with us?
Stone: All of the best stories made it into the book, but I will add that it was all, from start to finish, a total blast.Â
Review Fix: What advice would you give to aspiring music photos?
Stone: Shoot as much as you can, it only makes you better. And don’t be shy about showing your work to people – exposure leads to opportunity.Â
Review Fix: What’s next?
Stone: A movie about my adventures with Tom Holland playing me! But seriously, there’s been some talk of a few gallery shows of my work, as well as some special edition books concentrating on particular artists. All of my favorite photos are in the book, but I have a lot more of Prince and The Police that weren’t used, easily enough to make individual books on those two iconic artists, as well as other special editions on other legendary performers from the era.
Review Fix: Anything else you’d like to add?
Stone: I hope people will check out the book, and if everyone has half as much fun going through it as I did making it, then I know they’ll be happy. And I’d love to hear what people think – I’m very easy to reach on social media or through my website: JulianDavidStone.com
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