Denis O’Regan - photographer

Back when we were young… many of us had our walls covered with his posters and every Duran fan will remember him from the Sing Blue Silver book. In fact, his name crops up countless more times in the visual history of Duran Duran. We are truly honoured to present to you a very special photographer, Denis O’Regan.

What inspired you to become a music photographer?
David Bowie & Led Zeppelin, a love of music, light and creativity.

Please tell us a little about how you first came into contact with Duran
I shot them in Oxford for a German magazine (Popcorn) and insantly struck up a rapport with John, whom I met after the show. He knew my work from NME which was flattering. They weren’t popular in the UK at that point, but interest was growing in Germany. The more I saw of them the more we laughed.

Do you remember your first impression of the band?
I thought they were fun and interesting - a wonderful change from some of the misery of punk, and they were young.

You photographed the band in the '80s and then again since the reunion - what, if any, are the major differences for you in how you work with the band?
They’re less interested in photography now than they were in the eighties but as people they’re a little easier to work with. That’s the difference with friends you’ve known a long time.

And what are the differences that you've noticed in the band(members) between the '80s and now?
They’ve mellowed, had families and experienced a lot more of life. The enthusiasm of youth has faded and been replaced with a more philosophical attitude.

Just to give us an idea of how you work, can you describe a working day with Duran for us (i.e. what happens between photographing the band and the pictures appearing somewhere? how is the decision made to photograh a tour or event?)
These days, as I say, they’re less interested in photography, and so are the press. Much of what I do with DD these days is through my suggestion, either to one of the band or through management. In these digital days it’s easier to take and circulate the pictures – a big change from the eighties when it was a box of film, processing labs all over the world, slideshows, pictures on a lightbox, and a big bad pen! The problem now is that with so many digital pictures the storage/computer burden is greater. Luckily I use Apple iMacs!

You're probably known to most fans as "Denis O'Regan - photographer" - what do fans probably not realise or know about what your work involves?
Bureaucracy, diplomancy, lawyers, managers, accountants, planes, hotels, cars, expenses, more bureaucracy, hanging around – and of course photoshop!

Which bandmember do you find easiest to work with and why?
John – because I’ve known him so long and love and value him so much.

And which is the least easy to work with and why?
Everyone has a bad day (see diplomacy above)!

What's your general impression of Duran fans?
They range from appreciative, through to dedicated, to obsessive!

When you think back to the Sing Blue Silver era, for which you joined the band on tour, which images and memories spring to mind that you wish to share with us?
It was a great time. We were all growing up, and breaking new territory. To me touring with DD was my Beatles moment. I’d seen all that hysteria 20 years before as a child and here I was in the middle of a new version. It was new to them too, so it was a voyage of discovery. I remember many moments in America, as MTV and the press caught on, then Italy, where Duranmania exploded in front of our eyes. My immediate image is of being in big black limousines – that’s where most of the hysteria was experienced (venues, airports, hotels).

Probably an impossible question to answer, but is there any particular photo or photoseries of Duran that your are most proud of (and why)?
Hmmm. I like the shots I took in New York in and around a TV show in 1984. The band were made up and looked great. During quiet moments they posed with lights backstage and on the fire escape stairs. Nick’s favouite ever shot was taken there (and he’s difficult to please!)

You've photographed many, many major recording artists. Disregarding Duran, of which artist do you have the most special memories?
Probably David Bowie - I spent 2 entire years touring the world with him. I was a fan beforehand, so it was a dream come true. He’s an amazing person to photograph and I feel privileged to have been there.

Do you own any Duran albums? what's your favourite Duran song or album?
I own a few A favourite song live and on CD is White Lines. I've always loved Hungry Like the Wolf, and Rio takes me straight back to my happiest DD days. Then of course there’s Ordinary World. The Forum show in 2003 combined all the best memories into one amazing evening.

What kind of music or artists do you like in general?
I'm a boring old fart! Bowie, Pink Floyd, Beatles, Stones (I've toured with all except The Beatles). Of the new bands Franz Ferdinand is my favourite, and I like Razorlight, Coldplay, and Snow Patrol. Predictable really.

If you had to describe the bandmembers in one word each, what would that be?
Nick Andy Warhol. Always smiling. Fun. Demanding.
Simon Complicated. Sometimes distant. Loyal.
John Complicated. Intense. Artistic. Sensitive.
Andy Firecracker. Musician. Visionary. Fun
Roger Lovable. Quiet. Missed him while he was away.

For an immeasurable wealth of Duran photos, please visit www.denis.co.uk