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
Signed limited edition multicoloured cassette art print by Horace Panter featuring 24 different images including Madness, Blur & David Bowie
Contact sheet of Joy Division backstage at the YMCA, London in August 1979
Pink Floyd are currently getting set for the 'Their Mortal Remains' exhibition at the V&A - Check out our range of images for sale.
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Sir Elton John is an English pianist, singer-songwriter, composer & pop icon who has sold millions of records and won countless awards.
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A photographic celebration of Manchester's rock music history. Free exhibition at the University of Manchester
The Beatles were one of the most popular & influential bands of all time. Here we showcase our collection of their iconic fine art prints
A fantastic curated collection of museum quality fine art prints by leading music photographer Barry Schultz
For eight years photographer Brian Duffy worked with David Bowie and shot his most iconic and enduring images. View his fantastic collection
