Tony Mott's Rock Photography Legacy

Unveiling the Lens of Rock: The Tony Mott Story

As the summer sun begins to wane, it's the perfect time to delve into the electrifying world of rock and roll through the lens of a true master. Tony Mott, a name synonymous with capturing the raw energy and iconic moments of music history, has recently released a stunning collection of his finest work. Having had the privilege of assisting in bringing this photographic journey to life with Wilkinson Publishing, I can attest to the captivating narrative woven through Mott's latest book, "Rock n Roll Gallery: A Journey from Sheffield to Sydney 1983-2003." This isn't just a book of photographs; it's a visceral experience, a testament to a career that has spanned decades, documenting the very soul of rock music.

From Sheffield Steel to Sydney Sun: A Photographer's Genesis

Tony Mott's story is as compelling as the images he captures. His narrative begins not on a stadium stage, but in Sheffield, Yorkshire, a childhood steeped in a different kind of rhythm. His early life took an unexpected turn, leading him to work as a chef on cruise ships. This peripatetic existence eventually brought him to Sydney in the 1980s, a city that would become the fertile ground for his burgeoning photographic talent. It was in Sydney that Mott's career took flight, with his initial photographs of the Divinyls acting as a powerful "snowball effect," propelling him into the orbit of rock stardom. What followed was a whirlwind of photo shoots with legendary musicians, culminating in work that graced the world's most prestigious venues and publications.

A Career Defined by Iconic Captures

The sheer volume of Mott's output is staggering. Over his illustrious career, he has produced an astonishing portfolio, including over 30,000 photographs, more than 3,000 sessions, and a prolific output of over 400 posters, 500 CD sleeves, and a remarkable 900 magazine covers. "Rock n Roll Gallery" is, therefore, a landmark publication, an essential acquisition for any true devotee of rock and roll. His journey began with a single, significant sale: a photograph of the Divinyls' frontwoman, Chrissy Amphlett, captured in the gritty streets of Kings Cross for a mere $20. This initial success set the stage for a career where Mott became the go-to photographer for musicians, his lens a trusted confidant to the stars.

Capturing the Uncapturable: Mott's Signature Style

Mott's portfolio reads like a who's who of rock royalty. His iconic images include the electrifying dynamism of Mick Jagger and Keith Richards mid-performance, the intense connection of Peter Garrett kneeling on stage, his gaze locked with the front row, and the commanding presence of Tex Perkins holding court before a sea of adoring fans at Sydney's Big Day Out in 1994. These are not merely snapshots; they are windows into pivotal moments, frozen in time with a palpable sense of energy and emotion. Kathy McCabe, a national music writer for News Corp Australia, has extensively chronicled Mott's contributions, highlighting his unique ability to translate the raw essence of live music into enduring visual art.

The Divinyls: A Muse and a Starting Point

Tony Mott's passion for music and his innate talent for black-and-white photography found their perfect synergy upon his migration to Sydney. The vibrant live music scene of the city, particularly the Divinyls' weekly residency at the Piccadilly Hotel, proved to be a turning point. The band's enigmatic frontwoman, Chrissy Amphlett, became Mott's muse. He candidly reflects on this formative period: "Every Monday night I would practise on Chrissy. What I didn’t know at the time I was learning the art of rock’n’roll photography on one of the world’s greatest female performers," Mott stated. "I can say that now with a certain amount of credibility as I’ve now photographed over 300 female artists. Chrissy is without a doubt #1." This early dedication and practice on Amphlett laid the foundation for his unparalleled success.

The Evolution of Rock Photography: Challenges and Resilience

After three decades at the pinnacle of his profession, Mott has adapted to the changing landscape of the music industry, now supplementing his income with stills for film productions. He offers a sobering perspective on the current state of rock photography: "Nowadays no one could make a living as a rock photographer. I can't imagine you could make a good living out of it; you could maybe cover your arse." Mott attributes this decline to a confluence of factors: the diminishing live pub music scene, the consolidation of record companies, the disappearance of printed music magazines, and the pervasive influence of digital photography. At the zenith of his career, Mott experienced a golden era where his concert photographs were in high demand, selling to over 30 magazines simultaneously from a pool of 172 music publications worldwide. Today, the vast majority of those magazines no longer exist, a stark illustration of the industry's transformation.

The Genesis of a Legend: The First Sale

Mott's initial foray into making a living from rock photography in the late 1980s proved challenging, leading him back to his former profession as a chef. Ironically, it was during this period that photography work began to pour in. He recalls his early days in Sydney: "I would finish work late at night and the live music scene was fantastic in Sydney; at the time it was probably the best live music scene in the world." His chance encounter with the Divinyls at the Piccadilly Hotel marked the beginning of an informal apprenticeship. He took his camera to the hotel, dedicating six months to photographing the band every week. "If anyone looked at the first three months results I would not ever have got a job," he admits with a chuckle. However, the hotel manager recognized the potential and purchased one of Mott's photographs of Amphlett for $20, using it for a poster. This seemingly small transaction was the catalyst for a career that would see him tour with global phenomena like the Rolling Stones, Fleetwood Mac, and document major festivals like the Big Day Out.

Where to Purchase "Rock n Roll Gallery"

For those eager to own a piece of rock history, "Rock n Roll Gallery: A Journey from Sheffield to Sydney 1983-2003" is readily available. You can purchase a copy directly online through the Wilkinson Publishing website. Additionally, the book can be found at reputable bookstores across the country. Retailers interested in stocking this exceptional publication are encouraged to contact Wilkinson Publishing directly.

Meet Tony Mott and Get a Signed Copy

For a truly special experience, you have the opportunity to meet Tony Mott in person and secure a signed copy of his book. A launch event will be held at The Exchange Hotel Hamilton in Newcastle, NSW, on Tuesday, February 20th. This complimentary event will feature a 45-minute talk by Tony Mott himself, offering insights into his remarkable career and the stories behind his iconic photographs. It's also your chance to obtain an exclusive signed edition. To attend, please register your interest by emailing [email protected].

A Retrospective and a New Beginning

Looking ahead, the State Library of New South Wales will be hosting a retrospective exhibition of Mott's work, commencing on October 17th. Mott views this exhibition as a "bookend" to his extensive career, though he wisely refrains from calling it an end, preferring to keep the narrative open. His work continues to inspire, reminding us of the power of photography to capture the spirit of an era and the enduring legacy of rock and roll.

Key Figures and Bands Photographed by Tony Mott:

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Where can I purchase Tony Mott's book, "Rock n Roll Gallery"?
You can buy the book online directly from Wilkinson Publishing's website. It is also available at good bookstores nationwide.

Q2: Can I get a signed copy of the book?
Yes, Tony Mott will be signing copies at a launch event at The Exchange Hotel Hamilton in Newcastle, NSW, on Tuesday, February 20th. You can also inquire about signed copies through Wilkinson Publishing.

Q3: Did Tony Mott sell a photograph of Chrissy Amphlett?
Yes, Tony Mott sold his first photograph, an image of Chrissy Amphlett performing with the Divinyls, for $20. This marked the beginning of his professional photography career.

Q4: What makes Tony Mott's work significant?
Tony Mott is renowned for capturing iconic moments and the raw energy of rock and roll over three decades. His extensive portfolio includes work with legendary artists like the Rolling Stones, Mick Jagger, Peter Garrett, and many more, making him one of the most influential rock photographers of his generation.

Q5: What factors have affected the rock photography industry according to Tony Mott?
Mott cites the decline of live pub music, the consolidation of record labels, the demise of printed music magazines, and the rise of digital photography as key factors contributing to the challenging environment for rock photographers today.

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