The Independent x ArtSolutions' Brian Aris

Brian Aris’s astonishing portraits of iconic musicians: From David Bowie to George Michael and Kate Bush

Roisin O’Connor

Brian Aris began his career as a fashion photographer, switching over to the music industry in 1976 after an encounter with Paula Yates.

She came to Aris’s studio because she wanted a career in modeling, only for Aris to tell her she "wasn’t tall enough". Yates left the studio declaring: "You are wrong and I will be back!" Of course she did, this time with her boyfriend at the time, Bob Geldof.

"Shortly after meeting Bob and Paula I was asked to photograph ‘a punk princess from New York’ and that began another life long friendship — this time with the beautiful Debbie Harry from Blondie."

"That session really did convince me to continue photographing the pop stars that were emerging in England and America. But not for a minute could I imagine what was coming."

David Bowie

Bowie in a Thierry Mugler suit, 1991

"I worked a lot with David Bowie. I even photographed his wedding to the beautiful model Iman in Florence. So I got to see the wonderfully modest and generous man behind the public image. Another truly original talent and a great musician."

Kate Bush

"Kate Bush has a fantastic presence on stage"

"I met Kate Bush at the very start of her success and as well as working with her in the studio I loved shooting her concerts. She has a fantastic presence on stage and is of course the most original and unique artist as well."

Pete Doherty

"Pete is a natural in front of the lens"

"I photographed Pete Doherty at Live8 in Hyde Park. He was so easy to work with. A natural in front of the lens and a proper rebellious rock and roller for the 21st century."

George Michael

"I could never quite believe the vulnerability that seemed to be so apparent in an artist with such fantastic talent"

"Having lost Bowie it was awful to then lose the enormous talent that was George Michael. I could never quite believe the vulnerability that seemed to be so apparent in an artist with such fantastic talent and who was such a brilliant performer on stage."