Gerard was born 1960 in Chelsea, London. Leaving school at 16 years old, he spent almost 25 years working in professional darkrooms based in Soho. The majority of work undertaken was related to the film and television industry. This often entailed working closely with some of the best film producers, directors, editors, animators, and in particular post production companies, creating film titles. In 1979 a meeting with a client, an American music photographer called Valerie Glendening inspired him to start photographing live bands.
Although a complete novice, armed with a new Olympus OMI camera, Gerard's first concert was the enchanting Kate Bush on her Tour of Life at the Hammersmith Odeon, May 1979. From that show came his first published photograph, which appeared in Smash Hits magazines, alongside the lyrics to Them Heavy People. Combining his regular job he continued to photograph many more bands into the early 80's including, Adam & the Ants, Blondie, The Specials, Iggy Pop, Bow Wow Wow, U2 and Siouxsie & The Banshees.
His photographs have been featured in various books and magazines such as, Mojo, Uncut, The Face, Smash Hits, NME, Record Mirror, Sounds, and New Music News, as well as appearing on posters and t-shirts.
Changing careers in the mid 90's he moved away from the photographic industry, but has recently returned to shooting live bands again as well as various entertainment events.
Adam and the Ants performing on stage on the 'Kings of the Wild Frontier' tour at the Lyceum Ballroom in 1980.
This photo was taken on the 'Kings of the Wild Frontier' tour. Just as Adam Ant pauses an unusual but interesting lighting effect came on.
"Bauhaus were always an interesting band to photograph. With some extreme lighting conditions this gig proved to be somewhat challenging."
Early shot of The Fall at Central Station Car Park, Manchester in the summer of 1978
In the studio in Santa Monica, California in 1980, Bob Dylan is captured whilst leaning on his guitar case.
Shooting promotional films for the singles Rain & Paperback Writer at Chiswick Park Gardens in May 1966
Sex Pistols on the set for the 'Pretty Vacant' video shoot at the ITN Studios, London in June 1977
The Ramones' loud, fast, straightforward musical style was influenced by music that the band members grew up listening to in the 50s & 60s.
The Stranglers are one of the most enduring bands to have come out of the punk scene with an uncompromising attitude and idiosyncratic style
Madness are an English band from Camden Town, London & one of the most prominent bands of the late 70s & early 80s 2 Tone ska revival.
Critics have called The Smiths the most important alternative rock band to emerge from the British independent music scene of the 1980s.
Check out our great range of authentic fine art photographic prints available for £250 or less.
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Our contact sheet collection is a rare opportunity to look back at the hidden moments surrounding some of rocks most iconic images.
