more than 50 years of rock history summarized in a photo exhibition in London

This is the rock exhibition to see at the moment in London. Jill Furmanovsky presents her photographs of legendary music icons in London.

Queen, Charlie Watts, Oasis, Amy Winehouse… Jill Furmanovsky photographed them all. She is presenting a small part of her incredible collection in London until February 3. The exhibition is called No Music No life and summarizes more than 50 years of rock history.

At age 11, Jill Furmanovsky showed up outside Paul McCartney’s house. “I was very shy and had just come to the UK from Africa”remembers the photographer, who came from Zimbabwe with her father, an architect. “I felt a little lonely. The Beatles were like friends to me. So yes, I went to Paul McCartney’s house. My aunt lived across the street.” The star plays the game, she takes a photo with her cheap camera, two friends who accompanied her pose with him. “My first rock shot”, she smiled. She doesn’t want to appear in the photo. “I never particularly wanted to be in the picture, but I was very interested in taking photos.”she explains.

On tour with Pink Floyd and Oasis

A few years later, as a daring student, she won the title of official photographer of a performance hall in London. She immortalizes dozens of concerts and rehearsals with not yet famous artists. “One of those bands in 1972 was Pink Floyd. They were rehearsing before a tour that would become the debut of The dark side of the moon, explains the photographer. My relationship with Pink Floyd, the longest of my career, is part of my life.”

Jill Furmanovsky then embarked on this tour and her career was launched. More than music, it is photography that fascinates her, particularly that of Cartier-Bresson to capture the moment.

“I like working with the most complicated, very introverted artists. Joy Division for example or the Talking Heads. It’s really a challenge. To capture something subtle, you need a certain skill.”

Jill Furmanovsky, photographer

at franceinfo

His method for taking good photos? Disappear. “I used to wear baggy black clothes and black shoes. I tried to be invisibleto be discreet behind the scenes, says Jill Furmanovsky. There are photographers who really like to stage things. I’m much more of an observer.”

“Whether it’s your dog or Amy Winehouse, she continues, a good photo is a good photo. The timing, the composition, how you feel… Of course, real-life photography has a particular dynamic. I love doing it. It’s like a meditation. It’s a complete journey. Today, everyone has their phone but it’s a little different because actually there’s a gap between your eye, the smartphone and what’s happening. But with a film camera, you look through the viewfinder, you’re inside. So there’s some sort of connection between what’s happening and anticipation. An absolute meditation.”

Oasis will mark his life

In 1993, she wanted to publish a book of her photos, in journal form. She starts with the Beatles and looks for the future group that will make history. She hears about Oasis and goes to see them in concert: “I told them: ‘I’m going to finish my book with you because you remind me a little of the Beatles’; and in my head I said to myself, ‘it’s okay, I’m done with my career’. The week of ‘Afterwards, I received a phone call. They had seen my photos and asked me if I wanted to do more and I worked with them for three very intense years.’ Even today, she exhibits to reassure herself. Without knowing if his photo will please.

“When I see it on a wall and people like it, it stimulates me. I tell myself that I haven’t wasted my time for 50 years.”

Jill Furmanovsky, photographer

at franceinfo

Among the artists she has “misses”she cites Nina Simone in particular. “I could have taken photos of her. I didn’t go. It’s terrible ! Or Shane MacGowan, the singer of the Pogues, who has just died. I photographed it. He was in the audience for The Clash. It’s an interesting photo but I should have worked with him. And then, David Bowie. I never photographed it and I regret it.”

Always intoxicated, Jill Furmanovsky insists on playing Gabriels, a group she recently photographed and of whom she has become a fan.