The biggest thrill for me is shooting a live performance. There is nothing as rewarding as capturing that split-second of high energy – whether it’s Springsteen, Jagger or a new club band.  That is CAPTURING a moment. However, when shooting a band in the studio or on location, generating energy when the band members are all responding to me and show the same emotion in that one click, that is CREATING a moment.  I love both.

My photo career started in 1968 when I landed a summer job with the Chicago Tribune.  I was hired to shoot the Democratic National Convention.  The rioting ensued and I found myself in the middle of that chaos, having images published all over the world via Associated Press.  At the same time, I volunteered to shoot the Tribune music assignments.  My first five gigs were:Jefferson Airplane, Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, The Righteous Bros and Creem.  I knew right then what I wanted to do for a career!

I moved to Boston and connected with local bands, including Aerosmith, Boston, J.Geils, The Cars – relationships that are measured in more than just years. I was also fortunate to link with Elton John and Queen in the 70’s. Then I started working for Rolling Stone Magazine, Creem, Circus and Hit Parader…and worked directly with CBS, Epic, Sony & WEA record labels.

Those were the golden days of rock photography, when photographers had full access to the artists…and the MUSIC was the bottom line.