Allan Ballard began his photographic career at the Evening Standard where he assisted the picture editor. He then assisted eminent fashion photographer John Cowan (pictured above). Together they traveled extensively on fashion assignments (from the North Pole to the Persian Gulf and all points between).
Allan spent six months in New York working for American Vogue. During this time he documented the racial tension between the police and the black residents of Harlem for the Sunday Times. The now famous shot of the NYPD officer ‘pulling tongues’ in a momentary lapse ‘under fire’ was later ‘adopted’ by he band Skid Alley for their album cover.
On his return Allan set up his studio in Primrose Hill and began contributing regularly to the Sunday Times and later to the Supplement. On one of his diverse assignments Allan obtained almost exclusive access to Frank Sinatra and Mia Farrow at the time of their marriage. His pictures were syndicated around the world and secured Allan’s name as a top Photographer.
At 24 Allan had become one of the most successful photographers in London
Studio shoot with Debbie Harry, Blondie, who were regarded as an underground band in the US until the release of 'Parallel Lines' in 1978.
Debbie Harry at her home studio in NYC in 1978. Blondie took time off from their busy schedule recording Parallel Lines for this portrait.
Elton John at his rented house in Los Angeles prior to his career-defining sellout concerts at Dodger Stadium.
Adam Ant posing as the Dandy Highwayman on the set of Stand and Deliver at Hatfield House in Spring 1981.
Billy Idol with Ziggy Stardust flash makeup. New Wave just wouldn’t have been New Wave without Billy to pave the way through the 1980’s.
Debbie Harry of Blondie, opening the show at the San Diego Civic Auditorium for Iggy Pop & David Bowie while on their 'Idiot Tour' in 1977.
"Bob Marley took a break from touring and came by my studio in Primrose Hill. He was in such a fantastic mode that day, really playful."
The Clash back stage before their most famous gig at the Rainbow Theatre in May 1977.
Rod Stewart relaxing in the garden of his house in Berkshire he bought from bought from Lord Bethell, a lord-in-waiting to the Queen.
Rod Stewart standing next to his concert tour plane in Los Angeles, December 1977. Rod recalls, "The tour got off to a terrible start."
Frank Sinatra on the set of his last ever film with Warner Bros, 'The Naked Runner', by Allan Ballard, in London in 1967
Frank Sinatra walking over a London bridge in 1967 during a break from his filming of 'The Naked Runner'
Frank Sinatra in London in 1967 off-set from the filming of 'The Naked Runner'
Morrissey performing upside down on a monitor during his Kill Uncle Tour at the Jones Beach Theatre, Wantagh, New York in July 1991
John Lennon performing at Madison Square Gardens, New York in August 1972
I was asked to shoot a band session at Abbey Road, about a month after the media furore that was going on at the time.
The original Pink Floyd line-up on their first ever photo shoot in Ruskin Park, London
Liam Gallagher is best known as the charismatic, self-assured front man of Manchester Britpop band Oasis.
Catherine Bush is an English singer-songwriter, musician and record producer, known for her eclectic and experimental music.
Johnny Cash was known for his deep, calm bass-baritone voice and a trademark look, which earned him the nickname "The Man in Black"
The Rolling Stones are an English rock band who were in the vanguard of the British music Invasion that became popular in the US in 1964–65.
We are all still reeling from the tragic loss of David Bowie. Here is a wonderful tribute from one of our photographers, Mark Mawston.
Jill Furmanovsky is one of the greatest ever rock & roll photographers with a huge archive of iconic shots of the world's best music artists
Our contact sheet collection is a rare opportunity to look back at the hidden moments surrounding some of rocks most iconic images.
The USA has given us many of the world's greatest music artists - we celebrate the best of the best
