Brian Griffin, renowned music photographer, dead at 75
Celebrated photographer Brian Griffin, known for capturing iconic album covers in the 1980s for artists such as Depeche Mode and Echo & The Bunnymen, has passed away at the age of 75.
Griffin, whose style often involved surreal and thought-provoking compositions, passed away in his sleep, according to his business partner Vaughn George.
He said: “It is with a heavy heart that I announce that my dear friend and business partner Brian Griffin passed away peacefully in his sleep. I am heartbroken but I will cherish every conversation, the time we spent together and all the wonderful experiences. Rest peacefully my friend.”
Griffin started his career as a highly acclaimed corporate photographer during the ’70s. His association with Stiff Records propelled him into the realm of music, where he became a prominent figure.
In the ’80s, Griffin gained recognition for capturing some of the decade’s most defining album covers. Notably, his work on Depeche Mode’s A Broken Frame, featuring a distinctive photograph of a woman harvesting grain in a field, drew inspiration from the socialist photography of Soviet Russia.
His other work included projects with Echo & The Bunnymen, Iggy Pop, The Clash, and Siouxsie and the Banshees. Furthermore, Griffin a shot a documentary for Paul McCartney in 2004, while connecting with notable individuals, including Helen Mirren, Jonathan Ross, and Vivienne Westwood.
Tributes have begun to pour in, with publishers Nine Eight Books posting: “We are very sorry to hear about the passing of the remarkable photographer Brian Griffin. He kindly allowed us to use his stunning shot of Siouxsie for Cathi Unsworth’s ‘Season of the Witch’. It was the only picture we ever considered. A true visionary.”
Meanwhile, fellow photographer, Claire Marie Bailey shared images of her with Griffin, and wrote: “My lovely friend Brian Griffin has died. I was staying with him for his last couple of days & his last two expos. I will miss you Brian, the chats, walks, minstrels, the petrified trees, the way your mind worked & your beautiful art. A genuine one of a kind person.”
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