The Guardian recently described Roger Sargent as ‘the UK’s most important music photographer’, for his work documenting the most exciting new bands around, capturing them at the brink of stardom.
Last month Sargent, who talks Press Gazette through some of his most memorable work, was awarded the outstanding contribution to music photography at the 2007 Record of the Day Awards for Music Journalism and PR.
London-born Sargent started his career on Magnum legend David Hurn’s distinguished documentary photography course at Newport College. He was temporarily distracted along the way, dropping out to go on the road with Fabulous, a band made up of NME journalists and porn stars.
After his adventures, he returned to his studies and to graduate with first class honours, and after brief stints at the Melody Maker and ID magazine, he joined IPC’s music weekly, NME, where he survived for a decade. In addition to these, his work has been featured in Rolling Stone, Mojo, The Daily Telegraph and The Guardian.
Sargent’s work has been displayed in three major exhibitions, Oasis – Beentheredonethat, Future Legends and The Libertines – Boys in the Band.
Official photographer to The Libertines, he has also captured the story behind the group in a book, Bound Together, on which he collaborated with NME reviews editor and new media consultant, Anthony Thornton.
Email pged@pressgazette.co.uk to point out mistakes, provide story tips or send in a letter for publication on our "Letters Page" blog
