11 Comments
User's avatar
Mark Kureishy's avatar

He was one of the great photo chroniclers of two massive musical movements: punk and reggae’s move into the mainstream through the UK scene.

And, of course, he was a great snapper!

Terrific read, Alastair!

Expand full comment
Alastair McKay's avatar

Thanks, Mark. He was definitely in the right place (twice!). His social documentary pictures are really good too.

Expand full comment
Mark Kureishy's avatar

Yes, I’ve seen those, too, and they are good.

Expand full comment
Ellie J Carr's avatar

Good story. 'John Lydon with cigarette' is a mag editor's dream.

Expand full comment
Alastair McKay's avatar

Thanks! It is - particularly as it’s so different from how JL was perceived at that time.

Expand full comment
Margaret Bennett's avatar

A great read. I was always interested in how The Slits ended up at Island. And the art direction of Metal Box was a revelation.

Expand full comment
Alastair McKay's avatar

Thanks, Margaret. Viv has a slightly different version of the Island years! Metal Box is a brilliant thing.

Expand full comment
Margaret Bennett's avatar

I read Viv’s book (s) but I can’t remember that part.

Expand full comment
Alastair McKay's avatar

They had different ideas about how to present the group. And I think the recording costs kept escalating.

Expand full comment
Tantrum Zentrum's avatar

This is fascinating, thanks for writing amd sharing.

Expand full comment
Alastair McKay's avatar

Thank you - glad you enjoyed it.

Expand full comment