A little while back, we asked six of our favourite photographers to each send a music-related image that fit the tag "legendary". We said the term could be interpreted in whatever way they chose, from legendary performances, to legendary moments, to legendary legends just hanging out being legendary. First up is Nick Zinner, who apart from playing guitar in the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, also puts out photo books that are hands-down fucking incredible. When he sent us this crowd shot, the first thing we noticed was how strange it was that every single eyeball in it is pointed at the camera. The next thing we noticed was how boring our lives are compared to cool guitar playing art photographers.
VICE: Hey Nick, when was this image taken?
Nick Zinner: In Tokyo, in 2003, the first time Yeah Yeah Yeahs played in Japan.Can you tell us what, for you, is legendary about it?
From my point of view, playing in Japan is every band's dream, but what i see in the photograph is a joyous passion and excitement for the intensity of the moment.You've been taking crowd shots like this for years. What made you start and has that changed with time?
I try to document everything, knowing everything can be fleeting and every day brings a new experience. time has a way of blurring the details, so i wanted to both preserve those moments for myself, and try to make images that could be seen as powerful, or at least interesting to view. I studied in school to be a documentary photographer, and great images are constantly occurring in front of everyone, its just up to the photographer to take them.Can you remember a time when you were in the crowd instead of on stage?
I go to shows all the time wherever i am.What is the most legendary show you've played?
I've been lucky enough to play music on 6 continents, so im afraid that question is impossible to answer.That is lucky. Thanks Nick.
You're welcome.
Advertisement
Nick Zinner: In Tokyo, in 2003, the first time Yeah Yeah Yeahs played in Japan.Can you tell us what, for you, is legendary about it?
From my point of view, playing in Japan is every band's dream, but what i see in the photograph is a joyous passion and excitement for the intensity of the moment.You've been taking crowd shots like this for years. What made you start and has that changed with time?
I try to document everything, knowing everything can be fleeting and every day brings a new experience. time has a way of blurring the details, so i wanted to both preserve those moments for myself, and try to make images that could be seen as powerful, or at least interesting to view. I studied in school to be a documentary photographer, and great images are constantly occurring in front of everyone, its just up to the photographer to take them.Can you remember a time when you were in the crowd instead of on stage?
I go to shows all the time wherever i am.What is the most legendary show you've played?
I've been lucky enough to play music on 6 continents, so im afraid that question is impossible to answer.That is lucky. Thanks Nick.
You're welcome.