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
The Pyramid Stage and Glastonbury Tor captured beautifully by Jill Furmanovsky at the 2000 Glastonbury Festival
Kate Bush captured in 1993 during the filming for short film 'The Line, The Cross & The Curve'.
Limited edition of Morgan Howell's original painting of the cover of The Clash '(White Man) in Hammersmith Palais vinyl single
Iconic photo of John Lennon with a flower in his eye, fondly known as 'Adoration'.
Referred to as rock music's 'Prince of Darkness', Nick Cave's music is characterised by emotional intensity & a wide variety of influences.
Oasis were an English rock music band formed in Manchester in 1991, to date the band have sold over 70 million records worldwide.
Tom Waits is an American singer-songwriter known for his musical tales of bohemians, drifters, misfits & his blend of blues, folk & jazz.
The Sex Pistols were an English punk rock band formed in 1975. Without them popular culture in the last 30+ years would be very different.
Here are the very latest prints we have added to our collection. We hope you love them as much as we do.
Our contact sheet collection is a rare opportunity to look back at the hidden moments surrounding some of rocks most iconic images.
When it comes to rock photography Michael Putland has done it all, having shot the biggest name in rock & pop from Abba to Zappa.
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
