Through the 1960s and into the ’70s, young photographer Alec Byrne covered the exploding rock-and-roll scene in London. Legendary British artists—such as the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin, the Who, and David Bowie—roiled the capital to the core along with groundbreaking American musicians such as Chuck Berry, Jimi Hendrix, and the Doors. The vibrancy of Swinging London provided provocative fodder for the talented lensman, capturing the height of a cultural revolution.
Rockarchive is honoured to be able to showcase Alec Byrne's extraordinary collection. Our highlights include a stunning contact sheet of Bob Dylan taken captured at the Isle of Wight festival in 1969, Iggy Pop performing with The Stooges at their legendary gig at Scala in 1972 and Jimi Hendrix relaxing at the Saville Theatre in 1967.
David Bowie posing in Beckenham Palace Park in September 1969
The Rocketman himself, Elton John, brings it onstage at London's Crystal Palace in July 1971.
The Jimi Hendrix Experience backstage at the Granada Theatre, Tooting, London in April 1967
Contact sheet of Bob Dylan taken at the Isle of Wight Press Conference in August 1969
Iggy Pop performing onstage with The Stooges during their legendary performance at Scala (Kings Cross Cinema), London in July 1972
The Marquee Club, London in 1971, Mick Jagger during a sound check
David Bowie captured at Coventry Theatre on the Humble Pie Tour in October 1969
Frank Zappa photographed at the private Bailiffscourt Hotel, Sussex in June 1970
John Lennon attending an Apple party at the Mayfair Hotel, London in 1968
Alec Byrne shot of David Bowie at Paddington Green, London in September 1969
Elton John performing onstage at the Crystal Palace Garden Party at Crystal Palace Bowl, London in July 1971
Alec Byrne photograph of Jimi Hendrix backstage at Saville Theatre. Jimi wears a handmade Nehru jacket made by Mick Jagger's brother Chris
August 1967, the Jimi Hendrix Experience perform their single 'Burning of the Midnight Lamp' on Top of the Pops in London
John Lennon performing at Madison Square Gardens, New York in August 1972
The Faces captured by Alec Byrne on Hampstead Heath, London in July 1970
Fleetwood Mac sit for a portrait in Hyde Park, London in 1969.
The Rolling Stones performing Brown Sugar on Top of the Pops in 1971, a few days before they left for France to record 'Exile on Main St'.
Keith Richards on the set of Top of the Pops in 1971 getting ready to perform 'Brown Sugar' for the first time on the TV
Jimi Hendrix & Mick Jagger captured together on their first ever meeting at the Top of the Pops studio in May 1967
Noel recalls "Maine Road was where we all used to go as kids. So I was standing there, trying to make sure I never forgot this moment"
Led Zeppelin performing at Madison Square Garden, New York, USA 1977.
Contact sheet of the Red Hot Chilli Peppers photographed at Hyde Park, London in 1991
Relaxing backstage at Abbey Road Studios during the recording of debut album 'The Piper at the Gates of Dawn'
Bob Marley was a Jamaican reggae singer, songwriter, musician, & guitarist who achieved international fame & acclaim.
Jeff Beck is one of rock’s most respected and dynamic instrumentalists. He is widely regarded as a “guitarist’s guitarist”.
Oasis was an English rock music band formed in Manchester in 1991, to date the band has sold over 70 million records worldwide.
Queen are a British rock band credited with making significant contributions to such genres as hard rock & heavy metal, among others.
Here are the very latest prints we have added to our collection. We hope you love them as much as we do.
Album covers can define a band almost as much as the music itself. Now you can put this great art on your wall as well as your turntable
Our contact sheet print collection is a rare opportunity to look back at the hidden moments surrounding some of rocks most iconic images.
During his 30 year career Jake Chessum has shot defining images of musicians such as Amy Winehouse, Jay Z, The Beastie Boys & David Bowie.
