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No Cameras Allowed: Julian David Stone’s never-before-seen rock and roll photographs

“Outlaw rock and roll photographer” Julian David Stone was just a teenager when he started smuggling his camera into gigs to photograph some of the world’s biggest rock bands and pop stars.

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All images courtesy of the artist. Via Creative Boom submission.

All images courtesy of the artist. Via Creative Boom submission.

From stashing a camera in his socks and taping equipment all over his body to finally customising a jacket to hide equipment from security guards, he shot dozens of the greatest acts: Prince, U2, the Police, David Bowie, R.E.M., the Ramones, Elvis Costello, the Talking Heads, the Grateful Dead, Joan Jett, and many, many more.

Amassing a huge archive of over 10,000 images, all from the unique vantage point of the audience, he captured exactly what the fans were seeing and the way the band meant the show to be seen. “I just couldn’t get enough of the music, but I also couldn’t get enough of the challenge,” says Julian. “The harder it was to get a camera in, the harder I tried. And every time I succeeded – but not without a few bruises along the way.”

Julian’s incredible career has been brought together in a new book, No Cameras Allowed: My Career as an Outlaw Rock and Roll Photographer. Culled from his never–before–seen archive, it contains over 250 of his best photos, along with stories of some of his crazy adventures as he evaded oversized roadies, aggressive security, and more than a few drunken fans. You can find out more at juliandavidstone.com.

A performer in sunglasses and light-coloured suit holds a microphone on stage under theatrical lighting, captured from the audience perspective by photographer Julian David Stone
Two rock musicians in profile against a black background, one with dark hair and a studded collar, the other with voluminous blonde hair, captured in black and white
A performer in a dark green shirt points outward with an animated expression during a concert against a black background
Shirtless musician playing a white bass guitar against a black background, looking upward during performance
Musician in ornate patterned shirt playing semi-hollow body electric guitar at microphone in black and white photograph
Male musician in profile playing guitar shirtless on stage in black and white photograph
Man wearing glasses and a green jacket speaks passionately into a microphone during a rock performance on stage
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