Morrissey: Alone and Palely Loitering by Kevin Cummins, Morrissey ISBN: 1788400232
Published by Cassell on October 2, 2018
Pages: 256
Source: Publisher
Goodreads
This is Morrissey as you've never seen him before. Featuring many previously unpublished photographs, Morrissey: Alone and Palely Loitering is a portrait of Morrissey at his creative peak. Journey through hundreds of Kevin Cummins' renowned, era-defining images, taken over a ten-year period in locations all over the world, accompanied by recollections from the author on his time with Morrissey and the artistic process of collaborating with him. Intimate, creative and surprising, this is a document of an artist at the height of his powers.
Ranging from unseen intimate portraits and on-tour reportage to boisterous on-stage pictures taken during live performances around the world, the photographs in this book were taken between 1983 and 1994, when Morrissey was creating some of his best-loved work.
My Thoughts
Morrissey: Alone and Palely Loitering by Kevin Cummins – If you ever followed New Music Express (NME) or Melody Maker by during the late 80’s to early 90’s then you know Cummins’ photos since he was the primary photographer for bands at this time in the UK. The collection of photographs of Morrisey and The Smith were all taken during this time. Some of them have never been seen and most are outtakes, things that never were approved for use. Most photographers take hundreds of rolls of film and quite a lot are never used or sometimes forgotten. These are the best of those.
There is a very personal take between Cummins and his relationship with the band. In some ways, he got the best of Morrissey, who is very mercurial, to say the least. It is always a miracle when he actually shows up for a concert these days. Most of the photos are in black and white which suits this musician perfectly. This is a must have for any Morrisey fan.
