Fernando Aceves first saw the light of day in Mexico City in 1965. For the last twelve years he has dedicated his self-taught photographic talents to documenting Mexican and international all contemporary musical genres, although his personal preferences lean toward the rock scene.
Aceves has worked mainly for concert promoters, record companies, Mexican and foreign publications and the artists themselves, such as Paul McCartney (1993), Pink Floyd (1994), David Bowie (1997) and the Rolling Stones, among many others. In 2000 The Museum of Modern Art of Mexico City presented his highly influential exhibition, The Rolling Stones, - the first time music photography had been given status in Mexico.
Fernando has published two books, Ilusiones y destellos: retratos del rock mexicano (Editorial Plaza y Janés), a unique collection of 129 portraits of the rock musicians who have shaped the Mexican rock music scene over the last forty years, and ’50 Jazzistas Mexicanos’ his book on Mexican Jazz Musicians which came out in 2001.
Aceves is the only Mexican photographer who systematically focuses on music full-time. He works with 35mm and does not add special lighting to any given situation. One of the world’s best ’live’ photographers, Fernando has photographed hundreds of concerts in the United States, Canada, Great Britain and is the official photographer of the National Auditorium in Mexico City.
“You need to capture the musician's essence, find its human side, bring him down to Earth. Turn an idol into someone "normal" but without taking them from their environment”.
David Bowie in front of a Diego Rivera mural whilst visiting the Palacio de Bellas Artes in Mexico City in October 1997
Keith Richards and Mick Jagger performing onstage with The Rollihg Stones at Foro Sol, Mexico City in February 1998
The Rolling Stones shooting the video for 'I Go Wild' in Mexico City in January 1995
in 1997 prior to his first ever gig in Mexico City David Bowie explores the local cultural sites including the 'Pyramids of Teotihuacan'
David Bowie photographed with a mask at Frida Kahlo's house and museum in Mexico City in October 1997
Taken at Freida Kahlo’s Museum known as the ‘Blue House’, in Mexico City a few days before David Bowie's first ever concert in Mexico, 1997
David Bowie onstage at his first and only ever concert in Mexico in July 1997
Shooting promotional films for the singles Rain & Paperback Writer at Chiswick Park Gardens in May 1966
This photo session was for No.1 Magazine (long since extinct) on a Eurythmics press day, they’d been doing interviews all day.
Angus Young, from AC/DC, captured in a small street outside a press meeting in Copenhagen in 1977
Early shot of The Fall at Central Station Car Park, Manchester in the summer of 1978
Critics have called The Smiths the most important alternative rock band to emerge from the British independent music scene of the 1980s.
The Who are an English rock band that formed in 1964 & are considered one of the most influential rock bands of the 20th century.
The Ramones' loud, fast, straightforward musical style was influenced by music that the band members grew up listening to in the 50s & 60s.
Lou Reed was one of music's most influential icons. His music defied all definitions of genre & left a legacy that has inspired generations
We are all still reeling from the tragic loss of David Bowie. Here is a wonderful tribute from one of our photographers, Mark Mawston.
For eight years photographer Brian Duffy worked with David Bowie and shot his most iconic and enduring images. View his fantastic collection
The USA has given us many of the world's greatest music artists - we celebrate the best of the best
Our contact sheet collection is a rare opportunity to look back at the hidden moments surrounding some of rocks most iconic images.
