Forty years in the past, musicians, actors, superstars and has-beens spent many a wild night time in an deserted Eighties Presbyterian church. Dubbed Britain’s most well-known nightspot by The Instances, Limelight drew all crowds, from New Romantics, US Rappers, British TV stars and fashionistas.
It was virtually too darkish to see what was occurring, however by asking company to carry matches to their face, photographer David Koppel was readily available to seize a major period of membership tradition. From Bob Geldof holding his stag do there in 1986 earlier than marrying Paula Yates, Prince Charles popping in and Boy George and George Michael having a uncommon public catch-up, Limelight marked a singular and eclectic merging of cultural historical past.
Limelight – First Version
‘I stated I didn’t like nightclubs, I didn’t drink, I wasn’t desirous about celebrities, and I used to be a ‘severe’ photographer,’ says Koppel, who has united his Limelight archive for the primary time in a e-book. ‘They stated, ‘We’ll pay you for one night time.’ That one night time lasted a 12 months and paved the way in which for a decade on Fleet Avenue.’
On the time, newspapers and magazines weren’t desirous about color images – ‘It appears unthinkable now,’ says Koppel, who produced his pictures in black and white.
(Picture credit score: David Koppel)
Capturing celebrities together with Boy George, George Michael, Johnny Rotten, Leigh Bowery, Nile Rogers, Belinda Carlisle, Brian Could, Kim Wilde, Iggy Pop, Jeff Beck, Bananarama, Malcolm McLaren, Lemmy from Motorhead, Billy Idol and Shane MacGowan, Koppel’s archive is a who’s-who of the Eighties. ‘This small assortment of works is a celebration of the nightlife of a time passed by, the beginning of a private journey and an evocation of the irrepressible spirit of the Eighties,’ provides Koppel.
To coincide with the e-book’s launch in September, there can be an exhibition of the work at London’s Zebra One Gallery, with a e-book signing on 9 October
davidkoppel.co.uk
Shane MacGowan and Chrissy Hynde
(Picture credit score: David Koppel)
(Picture credit score: David Koppel)
Patsy Kensit and Jasper Conran
(Picture credit score: David Koppel)
Siouxsie Sioux and Budgie
(Picture credit score: David Koppel)
Billy Idol and Nile Rogers
(Picture credit score: David Koppel)
Supply: Wallpaper
