Star music photog reflects on snapping Lennon, Zeppelin ahead of Toronto exhibit - See more at: http://www.timescolonist.com/star-music-photog-reflects-on-snapping-lennon-zeppelin-ahead-of-toronto-exhibit
TORONTO - Whether hanging out on a roof with John Lennon, on a runway with Led Zeppelin, or on a subway car with the Ramones, rock photographer Bob Gruen has always had a knack for capturing the moment. He once played bugle for the Clash, he served as personal photographer to Lennon and Yoko Ono, and his 69th birthday party last year attracted the likes of Alice Cooper, Billie Joe Armstrong and Debbie Harry. Toronto's Liss Gallery is hosting an exhibition and sale of the New Yorker's most-famous work beginning Tuesday and running to July 11. Ahead of his trip, Gruen shared the stories behind some of his most famous photographs.
JOHN LENNON Gruen took many photos of Lennon during his post-Beatles American phase, but none more famous than his shots of Lennon peering into the camera behind circular shades, lanky arms exposed under a sleeveless shirt reading "New York City." The shirt was a garment unique to the sidewalks of Times Square that Gruen used to buy in bunches. He cut the sleeves off one to lend it a "New York look" and gifted it to Lennon. A year later, Gruen was shooting Lennon on the roof of his apartment and, noticing the distinctive skyline, Gruen suggested Lennon wear the shirt, if he still had it (to Gruen's delight, he did). "We were friends and he felt very comfortable with me, and he looks comfortable in the picture," Gruen said. "He's got sunglasses on but he's accessible and open and you could go up and talk to him. I think people relate to that."
By: Nick Patch
Source: Times Colonist
