Induction All Access
A special digital exhibit celebrating the photography of Kevin Mazur
Inside Induction All Access: Photography by Kevin Mazur
Watch the VideoInside Induction All Access: Photography by Kevin Mazur
One of the world’s most esteemed celebrity photographers, Kevin Mazur has created iconic images of thousands of artists. His work has been published in countless magazines, books, exhibitions, ad campaigns and on the covers of albums by legendary musicians.
Mazur tells the story of photographing Fleetwood Mac as a teenager, sneaking his camera into the venue and shooting images of frontwoman Stevie Nicks.
About the Exhibit
One of the world’s most esteemed celebrity photographers, Kevin Mazur has created iconic images of thousands of artists. His work has been published in countless magazines, books, exhibitions, ad campaigns and on the covers of albums by legendary musicians.
Born in Brooklyn and raised on Long Island, Mazur got his start in photography by sneaking his camera into rock concerts and shooting from the crowd. While in his teens, he sold a live shot of Billy Joel to People and began building his name as an in-demand rock & roll photographer. Known for his deftness in capturing the kinetic energy of live performance, Mazur soon landed a job as staff photographer for Rolling Stone without ever assembling a portfolio.
His work has won him the admiration of many rock superstars. Invited on tour with the Rolling Stones, Mazur quickly became the preferred concert photographer for such artists as U2, Elton John and Sting. In 2001, Mazur co-founded WireImage, a digital photographic press agency that delivers professionally licensed images to media worldwide.
The agency quickly found great success and soon opened offices throughout Europe, Asia, and Australia. In 2007 WireImage was sold to Getty Images, and since then Mazur has been providing his unique brand of imagery to Getty Images’ customers.
Kevin Mazur has been the official photographer for all but two of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremonies. This special exhibition Induction All-Access: Photography by Kevin Mazur, features Mazur’s personally curated selection of his intimate backstage portraits and epic onstage images, providing fans with an up-close and personal look at past Induction moments.
Capturing lightning in a bottle
MOMENTS
Kevin Mazur is known for capturing lightning in a bottle: those once-in-a-lifetime onstage moments where iconic artists come together onstage at a Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony. These images highlight some of the best induction ceremony speeches and performances.
Steven Tyler recalled crying when they played 'Dazed and Confused' - but it wouldn't be the only time he shed tears that night at the Led Zeppelin concert.
It took not one but two Inductees to honor Buddy Guy when he was inducted into the Rock Hall as a part of the Class of 2005. Hear more details about the night Eric Clapton and B.B. King welcomed Blues giant into the Hall of Fame.
Known for his outlandish stage shows, Inductee Alice Cooper didn't disappoint on the theatrics when he was inducted by Rob Zombie in 2011.
Mazur recalls how one of the most iconic guitar solos came to be when in 2004 Prince overshadowed Tom Petty, Jeff Lynne and Steve Winwood while shredding on "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" in tribute to the late George Harrison.
Hear Mazur recall how the "Gimme Shelter" performance featuring U2 joined by Mick Jagger and Fergie came to be at the 25th Hall of Fame anniversary concert at Madison Square Garden.
"I get to live through the shows again through my photos" said Mazur, recalling the treasure trove of memories the 25th anniversary concert created, including the time when Inductee Aretha Franklin called Annie Lennox to the stage to perform "Chain of Fools."
Unbelievable talent on one stage
JAM
The all-star jam sessions that traditionally cap off each Rock Hall induction ceremony can sound raw and gritty or polished and well-rehearsed, but they are always memorable! Mazur’s jam session photos capture diverse groups of musicians coming together for fans and as fans to celebrate the art of rock & roll.
Carlos Santana led the way for The Edge, Johnny Cash and John Fogerty during the 1992 superjam. Mazur recalls the magic onstage when these celebrated guitarists made room for one another inside the same song.
"When the guys broke out into 'Higher Ground' - it was all out chaos in front of the stage." Hear Mazur describe how 2012's superjam became one of the most memorable.
Being in front of the Induction Ceremony stage, Mazur discusses how he focuses on capturing once-in-a-lifetime moments while taking in the incredible musical moments happening in real time.
Mazur's story continues - as a photographer, you couldn't get in the way of the talent. And Inductee Bill Graham was there to make sure everyone followed the rules.
Where the fun really began
BACKSTAGE
Kevin Mazur’s all-access status allows him to capture the exclusive backstage moments at Rock Hall induction ceremonies. These images give fans a sneak peek behind the scenes as the honorees and other performers connect and celebrate.
The Police in the kitchen - that's where Mazur photographed the trio on the eve of their induction and reunion onstage.
Another moment from 2003, Aerosmith's Steven Tyler and AC/DC showed off their fun side by goofing around backstage before the band took the stage to perform.
Superfan Tom Morello inducted KISS into the Hall of Fame in 2014. A fan himself, Mazur was crushed when the band didn't perform but shares a chance encounter he had with Simmons later at their reunion tour press conference.
"These young people, they've got no fear." Two-time Inductee Paul McCartney took a cue from daughter Stella's frank message on her shirt and lobbied for his fellow Beatles' solo inductions while accepting his own award.
When he was setting up the shot, Mazur found himself adding more friends to the backstage candid featuring both the Jackson 5 and the Bee Gees.
Taken backstage at the 1999 Induction Ceremony, Ray Charles was on hand to induct Billy Joel into the Hall of Fame. Even though he only played one of his signature songs, Mazur recalls the additional performances that evening Joel was a part of for his fellow class of Inductees.
Tableside service for one - Mazur took advantage of Isaak's humorous nature and staged the shot of him as a waiter pouring champagne for Bette Midler during the ceremony.
Mazur recalls how he helped orchestrate the shot of Jackson and Nicks together backstage and how capturing an image of the two artists together was one of his main goals for the evening.
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