AS HE’S NAMED ‘LEGEND OF THE YEAR’ DAVE ‘HOGIE’ HOGAN THE PHOTOGRAPHER REMINISCES ABOUT A CAREER WORKING WITH MUSIC’S FINEST
INTERVIEW: ROSALIND POWELL PHOTOS: DAVE HOGAN
O ver the past 40-odd years, Dave Hogan has had “access all areas” for some of the most talked-about events – and people – in the music industry. Affectionately known as “Hogie”, the photographer has captured candid moments and electric performances from The Rolling Stones, David Bowie, Madonna, Queen, Prince, Sir Elton John, Taylor Swift, Tina Turner and Amy Winehouse. He’s babysat Robbie Williams in Barbados, stayed in Sir Mick Jagger’s hotel room in Cuba (although not at the same time) and hung out by a hotel swimming pool in Rio de Janeiro for 12 days to photograph Freddie Mercury.
“If someone asked me what else I’d like to do with my life, the answer would be: ‘Nothing,’” says Dave, 62, who last week was named Legend of the Year at the So.co Music Photographer of the Year Awards.
TRIBUTE FROM A STAR
Rolling Stones frontman Sir Mick said: “Dave Hogan has been shooting the Stones live on tour for more than three decades. From our unforgettable gig in Cuba, headlining Glastonbury in 2013 to most recently at our London Hyde Park shows, his images have captured these incredible moments we have shared with our fans. I’d like to congratulate him on winning the award.”
Although the behind-the-scenes worlds of these very public stars are open to him, whether backstage at their performances, in rehearsals or at events, Dave has one hard and fast rule.
“I’m not their new best friend – I’m there to do a job,” he says. “There’s a very, very close inner circle within a band and you visit and leave, visit and leave.”
It was a lesson he learnt from the outset. “It’s to do with feeling like an impostor – how can a kid from Wales be backstage with Madonna and Tina Turner?” he says. “You’re not the star; you’re just witnessing photographic history in the making.”
Besides, there are some inner circles he’d rather not be in. “Like some of the rappers,” he says. Prince was also a “pain”: “I remember one time I got called up to do some pictures but when I arrived, there was a note on the door for me saying: ‘I’ve gone to get a haircut.’ I was so annoyed. He was such an incredibly talented person, but flawed.”
Sir Mick, however, is “brilliant – a true star of stars”. Dave’s been The Rolling Stones’ official photographer since 2012 and is familiar with the rhythms and routines of their rehearsals and shows. “Charlie Watts always used to come in ea
