Fleet Street Urgency and the Rejection of Stuffy Studio Rules
Today the area is full of chic coffee bars, but in 1963 it was known as Tin Pan Alley. It was home to music publishers, songwriters and the music industry within London.
Inspired by Terry's love for photojournalism he wanted to portray the band differently.
After O'Neill began to gain some attention with his early photos of The Beatles Andrew Loog Oldham the manager of Rolling Stones asked him to take some shots of the band. Instead of taking them for a standard band shot he took them to Denmark Street in Soho, where they could use the background of music industry.
He wanted the band to look like a well-established touring band. He took pictures of them wearing their own clothing, with their instruments and bags, allowing them to show off their individual personalities. At a time when many bands were wearing matching suits and ties, the Stones looked more ragged and stood out.
Through taking them outside he made the photos feel very urgent and very connected to the music industry in London. This helped create the band's rebellious image.
To see some of Terry O'Neill's early work in music head to Iconic Images Gallery located at: 16 Waterloo Place, St James's (SW1Y 4AR). Or visit iconicimagesgallery.com.