It was while squatting in London in the ’80s that Martyn Goodacre became interested in photography. He began shooting pictures of street people but it was a Henry Rollins gig that inspired him to shoot his first concert and move into music portraiture. From 1989 through to 2001 he became a regular freelancer for the NME, The Independent on Sunday and Japanese magazines Rockin On and Buzz amongst others. During this time he also played in the band ’Fabulous’ and formed the British punk label ’Kinglake’.
In 1995 Martyn went with former NME Editor and Fabulous manager James Brown to the new Loaded magazine where he was sent around the world with no brief other than to send back photos and words about what he got up to. He covered the musicians who shaped the 1990s with an archive that spans the full breadth of the decade, from guitar rock to dance to hip hop.
In addition to his magazine work, Martyn has been commissioned to shoot record sleeves for Groove Armada, Eric Matthews, Moco and Shane McGowan amongst others. In 2001 his work was published in the book ’Nirvana and Winterlude’. He continues freelancing for Channel 4, NME, Jack, Maxim and Bizarre. His pictures are published worldwide.
"Beck himself was lovely with an air of strangeness and charm. A joy to photograph, he is always looking to make a shot slightly unusual. "
Nirvana photographed outside the Dalmacia Hotel in Shepherd's Bush, London on a cold October morning in 1990.
Kurt Cobain, from Nirvana, photographed in October 1990 outside the Dalmacia Hotel, Shepherd's Bush, London
This photo session was for No.1 Magazine (long since extinct) on a Eurythmics press day, they’d been doing interviews all day.
In the studio in Santa Monica, California in 1980, Bob Dylan is captured whilst leaning on his guitar case.
Angus Young, from AC/DC, captured in a small street outside a press meeting in Copenhagen in 1977
Shooting promotional films for the singles Rain & Paperback Writer at Chiswick Park Gardens in May 1966
Ian Dury was an English rock and roll singer-songwriter, bandleader, artist, and actor who first rose to fame during the late 1970s.
Squeeze are a British band formed in Depford, London in 1974 that came to prominence during the new wave period of the late 1970s.
David Gilmour is a guitarist, vocalist and writer with the progressive rock band Pink Floyd, but is also renowned for his solo work.
Prince was a musical innovator known for his eclectic work, flamboyant stage presence, extravagant dress sense and unique vocal range.
Check out our great range of authentic fine art photographic prints available for £250 or less.
We are all still reeling from the tragic loss of David Bowie. Here is a wonderful tribute from one of our photographers, Mark Mawston.
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.
