Online Diary

Sphere Studios

2009-06-03T20:24:00.001Z

I went down to Sphere Recording Studios in Battersea to meet up with Andy Wright, top top producer. I haven't been to Sphere for a year or two. In fact, I had not been down there to see my photos that are all over the walls there. There is quite a selection, Bob Dylan, Eric Clapton, Rolling Stones, Pete Doherty Shane, Shane MacGowan, Madonna and others. I had hoped to see Franco the owner of the studio. He is a really nice guy. Anyway, I had a nice meeting with Andy Wright and then headed out of town and home to the countryside.

Soccer Six Charity Match

2009-05-24T10:47:00.005Z

I went to Stamford Bridge, the home of London's Chelsea Football Club. Today is a charity six a side soccer tournament in aid of The Samaritans. I was there to shoot the band Blue. However, when I arrived with my son Sam & Gregg, we found that we were put into an area that was really awful from a photographic point of view. I did manage toget one shot of Antony and Lee before they wandered over to another pitch for a game.
Lee Ryan and Antony Costa of Blue
Copyright 2009 Danny Clifford
All Rights Reserved

There were quite a few photographers there, all of which were very very unhappy. The organisers charged all photographers £25 each to have the privilege of standing at the front of a stand where you could only see one pitch in front of you. Although, when there was a game on the pitch in front of you, people were standing in front of us, so we couldn't shoot the match. Not to mention the very important fact that all of the other pitches where games were also played were not visible to us at all. Occasionally I got a few shots of people standing around in front of us.

Danny Dyer
Copyright 2009 Danny Clifford. All Rights Reserved

Actor, Danny Dyer and all round good guy was with his partner and one of his children. I recenetly saw Danny in a film called The Business, he was fabulous in it, a really good film.
Lee Mack
Copyright 2009 Danny Clifford
All Rights Reserved

Comedian, Lee Mack was playing as well today. He is one of my favourite comedians. Very quick, very very funny.
Carl Barat
Copyright 2009 Danny Clifford
all Rights Reserved

It was great to see Carl Barat wearing a vintage Arsenal shirt. I had a chat with him, he is as always, very nice. I didn't know he was a goooner. Altogether, it was terrible for all of us photographers. All in all pretty useless. Sam, Gregg and I decided after a few hours of standing around getting nothing picture wise, that we should leave. We said goodbye to those that we knew and got out of there.

Eric Clapton - Royal Albert Hall

2009-05-22T21:19:00.008Z

I met up with Antony Costa and Andy for lunch in North London which was nice. We looked at some of the photos that I have taken over the past few days. Then I left and headed back to my house to pick up some other camera equipment for shooting Eric Clapton. So, once I got home after spending an hour and a half stuck on the M25, I grabbed my camera gear then headed straight towards the Royal Albert Hall in London. I arrived and headed into collect my pass. I then had to wait a while outside. Whilst I was there Katrina who is with Where's Eric came up to me to say hello. It was lovely to see her. Since I saw here last she has had two children. So, now the fun starts for her. It was lovely to see her. There were 2 other photographers there, one of which was Harry Heard, a very nice chap indeed. We were met at stage door by, head of security, my mate Brendan, who then took us down and got us into position.

Eric Clapton
Copyright 2009 Danny Clifford
All Rights Reserved

A couple of mins later, Eric Clapton and his band came on stage. He was excellent as usual. The Royal Albert Hall was packed as it usually is for Mr Clapton.

Eric Clapton
Copyright 2009 Danny Clifford
All Rights Reserved

I saw that Andy Faithweather Low and Steve Gadd are back with him, which is nice as they are both fantastic musicians and very nice chaps.

Chris Stainton
Copyright 2009 Danny Clifford
All Rights Reserved

I finished and headed back out of town. Got home and edited up the photos and sent them out to papers as usual.

The Antony Costa Band

2009-05-21T20:57:00.006Z

I met up with Antony Costa late afternoon at a hotel in Knightsbridge, London. We spent some time having a chat in the hotel room that Antony had been given to use by Terry Venables who was arranging this charity event. Andy Nicholas, Antony and I then went outside to have a cigarette, which is funny, as I don't smoke. Still, it was nice standing outside anyway. Antony's dad Michael arrived and joined us. After the cigarette break, we went back up to the room. Antony got changed and we then went down to a room where the band members were all waiting, a kind of green room, food, drinks etc. They were all due to go on and perform at about 10pm. But, things were running late as the auctioneer was taking his time. They finally went on about 11:30. But, when they did go on the place went mad. What a great band and what a great performer Antony is. I have to say, I have only seen Antony perform with Blue, but to see him perform like this was fantastic.

Antony Costa
Copyright 2009 Danny Clifford
All Rights Reserved

He is one hell of a talented boy, I really mean it. He did a few Blue songs as well as some great old classics. All of them were bloody brilliant. So, if you get the chance to see him with The Antony Costa Band, then jump at it.

It all finally ended at about 1pm or just after. We, me, Andy, Antony and his band went back to the green room ans chilled for a while. Then Antony went out and spent some time with Terry Venables, Andy Townsend, Alan Curbishley etc. I said goodnight at about 1:30 and headed home.

Antony Costa photo shoot

2009-05-20T08:40:00.002Z

I spent the afternoon at Antony Costa's house drinking tea, chatting and taking photos. Antony needed some shots himself for an acting project. So, whilst we were shooting we did some relaxed around the house, which was nice. Antony's band Blue are reformed and back in a few weeks . They are performing at a big Capital Radio event at the home of the mighty Arsenal at the Emirate's Stadium in London. I might go along and shoot that. Whilst I was shooting Antony today, there were moments when he reminded me of a young Elvis.
Antony Costa
Copyright 2009 Danny Clifford
All Rights Reserved

Antony does have a very strong and unique look and therefore he looks great in the shots. I was really pleased with the photos.

What a Sporty Day

2009-05-16T09:59:00.005Z

Had a bit of local running around to do this morning, what with dropping kids here and there. Then back to get some more things done at home. Then it's the mighty Arsenal, or not so mighty in reality playing the unstoppable Manchester United. I just thought that Arsenal are gonna get a proper kicking. Well, lucky for us, it was a 0-0 draw. So, there was a relief. However, that one point gave Manchester United what they needed to take the Premiership title. Therefore, leveling the amount of championships with Liverpool. So, congratulations to Manchester United. No, I don't need any emails from any of my Man Utd supporting friends, rubbing it in. OK, enough that for now. I then made my way down into town (London) and met up with Gregg Sulkin and his family. When I arrived at there home, I was introduced to Gary Stretch, ex-boxer, model and now Hollywood actor. Well, what a nice guy and very entertaining. He was talking about some of his experiences in acting and the people he has worked with is incredible. I think he is one for Friday night with Jonathan Ross. My son Sam was with me and he was also fascinated with the stories about some of his acting scenarios. Gregg, Sam and I went over to Primrose Hill and kicked a football around. I took some shots whilst we were doing this. After all of that exhaustion, me taking photos that is, we went back to The Sulkin's house then we all went out for dinner, in St John's Wood, which was really nice. After Sam and I headed off back out of town. On the way back, Sam insisted on listening to the Eurovison Song Contest on the car radio. I just thought it was a load of rubbish, but, he loves that sort of thing, after all he is the X-Factor generation.

Proud Gallery - Trekstock

2009-05-13T19:26:00.007Z

Tonight was a busy one. I went to the Proud Gallery in Camden to shoot a big night for the Charity Trekstock. I was shooting the arrivals outside and all inside exclusive stuff. Mark Ronson was DJing there.

Mark Ronson
Copyright 2009 Danny Clifford.
All Rights Reserved

Other guests included, Beth Ditto, Will Young, Henry Holland, DJ Yoda, James Walsh, Mathew Horne, Holly Vallance & brilliant up and coming actor, Gregg Sulkin. He has been romantically linked with Miley Cyrus recently. According to almost every paper in the UK and in fact hundreds of the round the world, Miley wants to dump her current boyfriend for the young British actor after getting close with him at a Disney Party. Gregg is being referred to as 'The British Zac Efron'. It was interesting watching the other Celebs there. Lots of them wanted to chat to him. He is a really down to earth lovely boy. He will no doubt go far. He is one to watch.

Will Young & Gregg Sulkin
Copyright 2009 Danny Clifford
All Rights Reserved

Whilst this event was moving on, my mate Jon Gardner was shooting a job at Madam Jo Jo's. After he finished there, he jumped in a taxi and came up to meet us. Jon seems to be addicted to Taxi's. He must spend a fortune on them. Jon was a great help, as he shot some of the arriving guests outside for me whilst I was inside shooting, The Cuban Brothers, who were absolutely fantastic. They must be seen if they are performing anywhere near you. Truly fantastic!

I had a really nice chat with Will Young about his brother who has set up a charity. I saw him on TV recently and his charity, Mood Foundation, is a brilliant idea. It is there to help people beat depression etc. So, well done to Rupert for starting that charity. I really hope it goes well for him as it is a fantastic thing to have done.

Mark Ronson was great on the decks, he knows exactly what to play and how to mix it about. I must say, in my humble opinion, he is a genius. I love everything he has done. His musical taste is fantastic and I love his production. Daniel Merryweather was there as well, another very talented chap. He is playing at the Bloomsbury Ballroom in June and he invited me down. So, I hope I am free that night as I would love to go down there.

Beth Ditto & Mathew Horne
Copyright 2009 Danny Clifford
All Rights Reserved

Beth Ditto is lovely, she was chatting to Gregg Sulkin and Sam, my son. She was educating them on the ways of Country music. She was telling them about Johnny Cash and Dolly Parton. I mentioned that I worked with Johnny Cash and she was really knocked out. So much so, that she said I want a photo with you. Me that is! So, Sam took my camera and Beth and I posed for him. I think we were trying to see who had the biggest muscles. I must Say, Beth looks positively skinny next to me. Anyway, what a lovely girl she is.

Danny Clifford & Beth Ditto
Copyright 2009
All rights reserved

The place started to thin out so we started to leave. Beth Ditto was leaving at the same time and despite covering her head with a coat, the paps who were waiting did seem to get shots of her. Al in all a very eventful night and for Trekstock a very successful one. I got home at about 2AM and then edited the shots until about 5:30 am. It was light and the birds were singing when I went to bed. I wont be a sleep for long as I will be up just after 9am.. That is horrible as I really need 8 hours a night to operate kind of normally. Sad, but true.

Mark Ronson - Beth Ditto

2009-05-12T19:44:00.002Z

I have loads of photo editing to do during the day and a photo shoot as well. However, tomorrow night I am off to Camden to shoot Mark Ronson and many others. Should be a busy night at Proud Camden.

Gary Barlow & Take That

2009-05-11T15:26:00.002Z

What a lovely day, sunshine all over the UK. It makes me much happier when the sun shines. Had billions of things to do today and started with it all quite early. Then collected a framed print that I had produced for Gary Barlow of Take That. I then took it to deepest darkest Hertfordshire to the rehearsal studio where Take That were rehearsing. I gave it Becky who works with them and she will no doubt pass it on to Gary. It a shot I took of him recently in a rather special situation. I do hope he likes it.

Razorlight at the O2

2009-05-07T09:22:00.003Z

Off to the O2 Arena in North Greenwich to shoot Razorlight. We were led inside and into the pit where I got my cameras ready. Then I noticed amongst the 20,000 people a bit of a commotion. Then I looked up into the gods and could see two guys running around with their shirts off. The crowd were responding with cheers. Then suddenly one of them decided to drop his trousers and give us all a 'Moon'. So, that was nice...NOT!! At least it kept the crowd happy for a few mins.

I don't know how many times I have shot Razorlight, loads of times really. Almost every time I have shot them, Johnny Borrell has worn a white shirt and white trousers. Add a bright white light on him and that starts to create a few problems with exposures. Anyway, tonight he was in a white, but the lighting wasn't too bad. This was the first time however that I have shot their new drummer. He is a New Yorker called David 'Skully' Sullivan-Kaplan. He was a pretty good drummer, I liked his style. So, all in all it was okay. The band came on at 9:20 and we all shot the first three songs, then left. I made a swift exit as it is a long old drive back to my part of town, nearly two hours to be precise. When I got home I edited up the photos and sent them out. Finally went to bed just before 3 am deep joy!!

Santa Barbara on Fire

2009-05-06T09:12:00.003Z

The beautiful city of Santa Barbara is on fire and the residents are all being told to evacuate. The air is so thick with smoke that breathing is now a big problem. My little brother Simon was one of those told to get out of town. So, on his way out he shot the fire's from his truck. He has sent this to me and it is a brilliant photo. Just the fact that it is in his rear view mirror with a car speeding on the other side of the road. It just shows the urgency of the situation. I would have been very proud to have shot this myself. In fact I wish I had.
Copyright 2009
Simon Clifford- All Rights reserved

Bank Holiday Monday in Recording Studio

2009-05-04T08:16:00.000Z

I spent the best part of the day in a recording studio shooting a legend or two. When it hits the press in about a week I can mention it on my diary. But for now, cant say a word. However, it is a very exciting project and my day was a very good one.

Trafalgar Square and Pink nearly!

2009-05-01T18:45:00.001Z

Firstly, I love this weather. I love sunshine and it seems to be getting sunnier now.. I have loads of editing to do, so the day started with serious editing of images. Then I had a call from my friend Mick Flinn. He told me to get myself down to the village for a nice milky coffee. So, my wife and I stopped what we were doing and met up with Mick. When we arrived some other friends of ours were there, Jill & Bob Visser. It was really nice to actually stop working for a while and whiz out and meet with them.

Then back to the grindstone and more editing.. I have so much to do. Amongst other things, I just heard that boy band Blue are now reforming and performing this summer. So, I had better get my shots of Blue up and out syndicated that is.

I then got a call informing me that there was an event taking place in Trafalgar Square in London. This was to be the filming of a new TV commercial for telephone operator, T Mobile. I had a whisper that Pink was turning up to do it as well. The call I got was about 5:20 and Pink was going to be there between 6 and 7. So, I grabbed my cameras, assistant and drove as fast as I could into central London to shoot this. Well, it was rush hour and madness on the streets and we arrived in Trafalgar Square and rushed over through the crowd to see what was what. I couldn't see Pink anywhere, so, we asked someone in the crowd if there have been any celebs here and we were told "yeah, it was brilliant, Pink was here". She had just left, so, that was a bummer. Oh well, you cant win them all.. We headed out of town and when I got back, I just carried on with my editing.

and they are off..

2009-04-28T13:17:00.003Z

Today my second container left Southampton, UK for sunny California, USA. This has been a bit of a distraction over the past couple of months, but at least they are going. I will have to be there at Long Beach to receive it in about 6 weeks. No doubt with the help of my brother who is driving around Arizona and the Grand Canyon in his bloody enormous motor home, at the moment having a nice and well deserved break.

AC-DC London

2009-04-14T12:13:00.002Z

I can’t remember the last time I shot AC/DC, but I think it was around 1980. It was possibly at Hammersmith Odeon. In fact, I have a funny feeling that I also photographed them with Status Quo. Does anyone remember if they actually supported Quo? If so, please let me know and I will then get someone to dig deep into the archive and try and find them. So, back to now then. I arrived at the O2 arena in North Greenwich, London. It is a really long drive for me. I always say this or at least think it, but, it's easier for me to drive to Birmingham than across London to the O2. There were only about 6 photographers there allowed to shoot the show. We were all given a briefing as to where we are to stand and how the show will run for us. It was kind of reminiscent of shooting the Rolling Stones, the same kind of setup, which is pretty good. They know why were are there and want us to get the shots. So, in this case, the guy who was briefing us actually at the end of his list of does and don’ts he said one last thing "thank you for coming and we at AC/DC hope you get some great shots" This was quite refreshing and nice. So, in we went and we were split into two groups. There O2 was packed out, the crowd were really excited. Then without much delay at all, on the massive screen behind the stage came an intro cartoon film of AC/DC on a train with cartoon characters including scantily dressed saucy women. Then as this train finally crashed into a station, pyrotechnics went off on stage and the band appeared on stage. The lighting was very bright. We were all positioned along a runway in front of the stage. Brian Johnson and Angus Young both took turns and came down along the runway. After the show I headed out of the O2 and jumped in my car and attempted to get to a restaurant for dinner with my sister in law Jane who was having a dinner to celebrate her birthday. But, by the time I got anywhere near the restaurant, they had all left and gone home, which was a shame. Maybe they thought, hurry up eat up and get out of here before Danny gets here. When I got home I edited up the photos of AC/DC and sent them out.

AC/DC London

2009-04-14T09:54:00.003Z

Starsailor - Shepherds Bush London

2009-04-09T00:06:00.002Z

Tonight was the full band. I have been shooting James Walsh quite a bit recently on his own whilst he was doing a few acoustic sets. So, here we were at Shepherds Bush Empire and it is sold out. I am not surprised as they are bloody great. I was shooting the whole show so, I managed to get some good shots. I started in the photo pit and did the first 5 songs. Then I ventured upstairs and shot from left right and centre. It was a great show, brilliant band. There was an after show party, but, I didn't go, I went with my wife Lyn and our friend Jill to Fulham to VQ and had a quick bite to eat. We then headed out of town and home. I then edited the photos and sent them out to usual places.

Ted Nugent Exclusive in Texas

2009-04-08T19:44:00.000Z

I was running through some of my old negatives and scanned a whole set of photos that I shot when I was on tour with Ted Nugent back in 1980. This was a shoot backstage somewhere in El Paso, Texas. Ted posed for me with all of his guns blazing.. Kind of weird as they were all loaded.. He was a very nice man and I did have great fun on the road with him. One of these shots ended up as a cover of the music magazine of the day in the UK, Melody Maker..

Pictures Published

2009-04-06T16:46:00.000Z

Had some photos from Friday night's Remi Nicole party in today's London Paper. Think they were in some other papers as well. But, I didn't really get much time to check them all..

Lacoste Party for Remi Nicole

2009-04-03T15:56:00.001Z

Party tonight at the Boogaloo in Highgate, North London. It's Remi Nicole's birthday party sponsored by Lacoste and in aid of Multiple Sclerosis. I got there at about 7:30, I was told it would start at about 8pm. Well, it was about 9:30 and nobody had arrived yet. There was a steady procession of guests from about 10pm. So, finally we got some photos. Pixie Geldof was on good form. She was having great fun, dancing and having a laugh. Her sister Peaches turned up about an hour after her. So, we did a couple of shots of them together.. Alexa Chung, Nick Grimshaw turned up and got on the decks for a bit of DJing. The party was in full swing by now. Got some nice shots of Alexa, Nick, Remi, Pixie & Peaches.. I headed off home just after midnight. Then edited up the photos and sent them out to all of the papers.

The Boat Race 2009

2009-03-29T21:41:00.005Z

Today is the annual Boat race between Universities of Oxford & Cambridge. I am shooting this from on the water, just behind them.

So, after a mad rush to Putney and a frantic parking of my car, I ran through the relaxed slow walking crowd (who didn't have a care in the bloody world). I was carrying loads of gear, cameras, laptop, long lenses in metal cases, I am sure you can picture it. Anyway, I had a few mins to spare and got to the media check in. I was checked in and almost immediately led out to the bank to board a boat. A minute of so later in came the boat I was allocated a place on. So, on I got and got ready for the start.
Boat Race 2009
Copyright Danny Clifford

After Oxford were presented with their cup etc, they through their Cox (little fella at the back of the boat) into the freezing River Thames.
Boat Race 2009
Copyright Danny Clifford

Teenag Cancer Trust - Bullet for My Valentine

2009-03-28T21:19:00.001Z

Royal Albert Hall again tonight, this time there are three bands, In Case of Fire, ex Busted boy, Charlie Simpson's newish band Fightstar.. Then the main act tonight is Bullet For My Valentine.

Mutton at The Shaw Theatre London

2009-03-27T21:26:00.001Z

Tonight is a slightly different one for me. I am shooting a show at the Shaw Theatre in Euston Rd, London. Its a production called Mutton, as in Mutton dressed up as lamb. The show is all about women of a certain age.. I was there to get some good live shots of them for Donna Flinn who is one of the three women in the show. The audience loved it, there were lots of laughs all round, a very funny and entertaining show.

Teenage Cancer Trust Stereophonics

2009-03-26T16:10:00.006Z

Tonight is the mighty Stereophonics at the Royal Albert Hall. Again I arrived at about 7pm to collect my pass.
Stereophonics
Copyright 2009 Danny Clifford

We were led down to the Lanson Bar where we waited until about 7:35 then up to shoot the first act, Karima Francis. My mate and fellow photographer (and a great good one at that) Matt Kent told me that she is tipped to be pretty big.
Stereophonics
Copyright 2009 Danny Clifford

Throughout her first three songs, the front row were chatting and munching away on big tubs of sweets, Malteezers to be precise.
Stereophonics
Copyright 2009 Danny Clifford

They were a real fun bunch and pretty loud. In fact so loud that poor Karima kept glaring at them. It was a shame really for Karima, as the fans were there for The Sterophonics and that was that I am afraid.
Stereophonics
Copyright 2009 Danny Clifford

As I said they were fun and a nice bunch, kept offering me Maltesers, like I need them (NOT).
Very Happy Malteser Eating Fans
Copyright 2009 Danny Clifford

Teenage Cancer Trust Day Two

2009-03-25T15:09:00.001Z

The Royal Albert hall tonight and its Teenage Cancer Trust's second night. The headline act is old folk rockers Fairport Convention. I have never seem them before and funnily enough, didn't tonight either. So, I got to the Albert Hall at about 7:15 then, a few minutes later us photographers were led into the arena to shoot the support act. The first artist was Eliza Carthy. She was pretty good, very folky and had a personality too. Then there seemed to be quite a long gap and then on late, came DJ Mike Harding and introduced a singer songwriter called Reg Muerose. I had never heard of him. He performed a few songs and also was pretty good. By now all of us photographers were getting pins and needles. We had to crouch down and keep out of the way of the paying punters behind us, who were getting quite rude and abusive.. Bloody heathens!! Not all of them, just the wanker and his friend behind me who didn't stop complaining and to be honest,needed a quick short sharp thump. Naturally, I am a gentleman and a true pro, so, I wouldn't possibly be the one to do such a thing.. So, after pins and needles Had truly taken hold, I was remembering a friend of mine who years ago was at a dinner and dance kind of charity event and had his legs crossed. When he stood up in front of the whole room, he couldn't feel his leg and fell straight over.. Everyone rushed over and picked him up and he went straight over again. I was now thanking this could be me in a few mins and it would be just my luck and quite funny if for the second year in a row at the Teenage Cancer Trust, I would fall over in front of the stage. Luckily this didn't happen... Finally on came the third support act. Her name was Kate Rusby and so she said she was from Barnsly, Yorkshire. She was pretty good as well. All quite impressive. So, us photographers did our bit and then stood up and left the pit and headed back out to the Lanson bar to wait until the main act was due to come on. Once we were waiting a while we were informed that the show was running very late. The main act, Fairport Convention were now due to be on at about 10:30. They were due to originally be on at 9:45. I now couldn't wait. So, I left before the main act came on. I had to get to Highgate, the Boogaloo to be precise to photograph ex mayor of London Ken Livingstone. There was some kind of Debate going on there. Ken Livingstone was joined on stage with Polly Styrene (of X-Ray Specs) and Laura Manuel of Reverend and the Makers. I only got there towards the end and photographed them. Mind you, I got there in time to hear someone ask the panel what there view was on drug legalisation. Ken Livingstone replied with "There is nothing wrong with Heroin in its pure form, Queen Victoria took it every night" I thought that was a pretty stupid thing to say. Imagine saying that to children. Heroin in its purest form is safe.. What a tosser.. We all know that in it pure form its safe, they use it every day in hospitals around the world. But the question wasn't a medical one, it was about legalising drugs.. He is a weirdo.. No doubt he will wriggle out of that and try and deny it. Funnily enough it was recorded by BBC Radio and filmed by Channel 4 TV. Get out of that then Ken!!