In the early 80’s whilst studying at art school, Phil Nicholls was given stage access (with his beloved Pentax MX camera) by Echo and The Bunnymen and never looked back. Photographing anything related to the music scene became an obsession.
In 1985, not long after leaving Bath Academy of Art, he received his first break in the music business scooping the Zigzag/Pentax Photographer of the Year Rock Portrait Award. This took him to London beginning his career as a freelance music photographer where he got to work with some of his heroes, Joe Strummer being right there at the top of the list!
Phil joined weekly music paper Melody Maker in 1985, staying with them until 1997 when he decided to focus more on other commissions, still working with bands but extending into fashion, advertising and even a brief stint as a photographer during The Balkans conflict. A lifelong music-lover, he eventually abandoned those other genres and specialised once again.
Today, he’s still as happy as ever in a photo-pit at a gig, in the studio or on location with a band.
Amy Winehouse photographed by Phil Nicholls in October 2003 whilst backstage at The Louisiana, Bristol.
Courtney Love captured during a London photo shoot for Melody Maker magazine in August 1991.
Joe Strummer photographed in St. Anne’s Churchyard off Wardour Street, Soho in September 1989.
Nick Cave taking a break during a photo shoot with Phil Nicholls in Paris in May 1997.
Nick Cave photographed at Mute Records, London during an interview session for Melody Maker in August 1986.
The Prodigy photographed for their Firestarter campaign on a piece of wasteland in their home county of Essex in January 1996.
The Clash on stage at the the first large scale Rock Against Racism/Anti Nazi League carnival at Victoria Park, April 1978.
Contact sheet of The Jam's photo shoot for the cover of their debut album 'In The City'
Adam Ant photographed by Jill Furmanovsky during a cover shoot for The Face magazine in February 1981
Exclusive David Bowie print specially created by The Postman for Rockarchive, based on a photograph taken by Dave Hogan at Live Aid in 1985
Amy Winehouse was an English singer and songwriter known for her deep expressive contralto vocals and her eclectic mix of musical genres.
Led Zeppelin were an English rock band formed in London in 1968 & considered one of the most innovative & influential rock bands in history.
Blondie is a American rock band founded by Debbie Harry & Chris Stein that pioneered the New York new wave & punk scenes of the 1970s.
Oasis was an English rock music band formed in Manchester in 1991, to date the band has sold over 70 million records worldwide.
Here are the very latest prints we have added to our collection. We hope you love them as much as we do.
During his 30 year career Jake Chessum has shot defining images of musicians such as Amy Winehouse, Jay Z, The Beastie Boys & David Bowie.
Artist Morgan Howell's paintings of record sleeves have become cult classics. We are delighted to introduce a range of his affordable prints
Our contact sheet print collection is a rare opportunity to look back at the hidden moments surrounding some of rocks most iconic images.
