nick elliott officialBREAKFREE
Posted on April 2, 2021
The gentle easing of the COVID-19 restrictions is eagerly welcomed by Nick and the elliottstudios team.
However the far reaching consequences to the music industry and the creatives surrounding it, will take time to heal. The COVID-19 incision into the underbelly of the music industry may be so deep in some places that even the strongest surgical sutures cannot knit the wound together.
The faint sound of live music can still be heard in the distance and in time it will get louder. Nick has always remained staunchly hopeful that it will return stronger than ever. No one can live without live music in their lives. It is the food of love. It creates memories, feelings, emotions, it takes the heart and soul and allows them to soar, it can heal. Music transports us back to a moment in time. Music is all powerful.
The anticipated return of live music has sent audiences, promoters and musicians into a frenzy of organisation. Nick has been amazed at the resiliency of all creatives during the last year. The innovative ideas that have been borne from their tenacity to keep their art flowing to their audiences, has shown strength within the arts. Audiences have enjoyed virtual tours, online exhibits, podcasts, radio shows and live streaming which has kept them connected to an artistic life line.
Nick is looking forward to creatively stretching his wings again
“I can’t wait to get out there and get stuck into the Rockumentary projects again with The Dead Reynolds and Jon Peach. We are busy booking dates to continue ‘The Story So Far’ documentary and of course the filming for TV, ‘Two go mad in Norfolk’. It’s going to be a busy summer finalising arrangements for the UK to USA tour. There are also several commissioned projects and album artwork projects that need to be progressed. It’s going to be busy, I can’t wait” (Nick Elliott)
As lockdown is lifted let us take some time to fully appreciate the art industry and how much it enriches our lives, no matter what form it takes. Once we get back to riding down the highway (and going to a show), let’s tune in to BREAKFREE by Whitehorses, where JJ Newman blows us away with his lead vocals, and the track quintessentially epitomises what we have all been yearning to do for the last 13 months.
Rock Of Pages
Posted on April 2, 2021
In conjunction with Nick’s USA tour, exclusive tour merchandise is being prepared for shipment stateside.
Along with posters, bags, hats and T-shirts, Nick has finalised approximately 138 previously unseen fine art rock images for his new Rock Book. The rock publication has been weeks in the design and formatting process by the Elliott Studios team, and the first run of 250 will soon be underway. This exclusive American collection of rock images include Alice Cooper, Bon Jovi, Michael Schenker, and Iron Maiden to name a few.
The books introduction will be penned by our own Elliott Studios writer, and its forward will be a contribution from one of Nick’s acclaimed mysterious rockstar guests.
Each publication will be personally signed by Nick whilst on tour.
“It’s been a great opportunity to visit my rock archive. I’ve had a bit of an awakening and I don’t think I’m too bad at this gig!.“ (Nick Elliott)
FOR YOUR EYES ONLY
Posted on April 2, 2021
Recently Nick had the rare opportunity to work with several talented and much loved Hollywood A listers. Nick was contacted by a casting agency to consider playing a small but significant role in a Hollywood blockbuster film due for general cinematic release in autumn 2021 across the UK.
It was an early morning set call, on a cold brisk morning, and the filming of Nick’s scene took all day at a secret location.
To reduce the possibility of any leaks to the National Tabloids, no photos were permitted on set as the Hollywood actors were in full costume. Strict Covid -19 restrictions were in place to prevent any chance of the production being closed down. Whilst waiting for the scene set up, Nick mingled with some of the cast and crew.
“ What a fantastic experience. This was a first for me on this kind of level. I’m looking forward to more opportunities. It was wonderful to meet so many interesting people. The main star of the movie is played by an exceptional actor who was extremely kind, with an absolute wicked sense of humour. The professionalism they displayed was top drawer and their talent as a performer was immeasurable. (Nick Elliott)
A COLLECTION OF ROCK PHOTOGRAPHERS
Posted on April 2, 2021
Several months ago Nick was approached by David Trew, director of the reputable clothing company ‘Rock Photographers Collective’, to discuss an exciting new proposal. Now at post negotiation stage, elliottstudios are delighted to announce Nick’s new association with Rock Photographers Collective (RPC).
RPC, an established rock art clothing company, supplies quality hoodies, T- shirts, rock art merchandise, and fine art prints using images from a select illustrious group of rock photographers.
Nick has had the difficult task of selecting just 30 images from thousands of his archived, unseen rock images for the exclusive use of RPC on their extensive clothing and merchandise range.
Nick now joins an impressive and well recognised listing of photography peers, including rock photographers Andy Cotterill, Tony Mottram, and Angela Williams, who was Norman Parkinson’s assistant and her images of Paul Newman, Audrey Hepburn, and Barbara Streisand continue to captivate audiences.
RPC is also responsible for coordinating exhibitions, meet and greet, and Q & A sessions, which Nick is looking forward to participating in.
“I’m looking forward so much to joining this elite band of great photographic artists.” (Nick Elliott)
To see Nick’s work and the opportunity to bag yourself an exclusive unseen rock image, head over to Rockphotographerscollection.co.uk
Happy shopping everyone!
ONE SHEET, ONE MAN, ONE CAMERA, AND A ROLL FULL OF AMBITION
Posted on April 2, 2021
Nick’s ‘One Sheet’ for his upcoming USA Tour has been expertly designed by South Carolina design and network service industry, Waterscape Incorporated, of Murtle Beach, and elliottstudios could not be any more happier with the finished result.
The One Sheet is being distributed across several states in the USA, which is proving to generate even further interest and bookings for the USA Tour, under the robust management of Brenda Cline CEO of Workhorse 615.
Nick has already selected a compilation of his unique unseen images exclusively for his USA tour and its exhibitions. These remarkable images will be available to purchase as fine art prints and also be transferred onto tour merchandise.
A full list of dates and venues will be officially released by elliottstudios later this year.
If Nick’s UK fan base are feeling left out, there is no need to worry. Negotiations are already in progress for a UK and European tour.
“I’ve spent 10 years trying to crack the American market, since I first went there in 2010. I love the USA and the American people. I’m looking forward to taking Rock’ n’ Roll Nick Elliott style stateside. It’s going to be kicking!” (Nick Elliott)
Q & A. PART 6
Posted on February 13, 2021
Q1. What’s your favourite meal? (JB Coventry UK)
A1. Chips and egg with bread and butter. A close second would be a full Monty. Benice is a brilliant cook and she has taught me a few of her tricks. You could eat in Monaco and it would be as good as her home-made chips and egg.
Q2. What’s the last book you read? (A regalia UK)
A2. I was fortunate enough to receive David Bailey‘s new book ‘Look’ for Christmas and it’s absolutely enthralling . I’ve also just read ‘The boy, the mole, the Fox and the horse’ by Charlie Mackey. It’s fantastic, I recommend it to everyone, and it’s reassuring in these times. The artwork and the text are just spot-on.
Q3. What do you prefer to drink? (B Carter UK)
A3. I love a pint of ice cold milk, but that’s closely followed by JB and Pepsi on ice. I met Agostini in the clubhouse at Silverstone in 1974 during the British motorcycle Grand Prix. During our chat he ordered us both a whiskey and Coke, in a tall glass over ice. It was the best drink ever. Afterwards I thought that if it’s good enough for Agostini it’s good enough for me and I have drunk my JB like that ever since.
Q4. What tips can you give an aspiring music photographer? (Remedios P. Greece)
A4. I don’t normally give tips on photography. I’m a firm believer that you should find your own style and develop your craft to make it individual. Individualism is the way to make your art stand out from the rest. It blazes a unique trail that others try to emulate, but as you develop and become more creative those twats that copy, find it hard to keep up. Always keep pushing your creative boundaries and be daring.
Q5. Truth or dare? (D Clark Bodmin UK)
A5. Truth
Q6. Have you ever been arrested? (Joyce Gwyn South Wales UK)
A6. Well no, but I nearly was. My friend and I climbed the Christmas tree in the middle of Peterborough town Square in 1973. When we got down, the dibbles were waiting for us. It took a bit of sweet talking for them to let us off with a warning. I was totally ragged that night. Happy days!
Thank you for all your questions. If you have a burning question for Nick, whatever the topic, please send it to benicebond@icloud.com.
Q & A. PART 5…
Posted on February 13, 2021
Q1. How often do you buy new clothes and is there anything that you wish would come back into fashion? ( A.Stephens Dorset UK)
A1. I buy new clothes regularly, I like to create my own fashion, but I would like to see proper heavy duty Levi denim make a come back.
Q2. Who was the worst and the best musician or band to work with? (Robin Callum Huntsville Alabama USA)
A2. Some of the best bands I have worked with were Status Quo, Metallica, Blockheads, Supertramp and ZZ Top. The most difficult musicians I’ve worked with would be Van Morrison, Michael Schenker, I found Art Garfunkel and Chuck Berry very challenging, and Gary Moore just plain ruined my evening!
Q3. Will your UK to USA tour come to UK venues? I really wanna see it. (Sam Neill UK)
A3. Hi Sam. We really hope to bring it back to England at some point in time.
Q4. Is there anything that you wouldn’t try or do again? (Belinda Howsley Oklahoma City USA)
A4. Marriage!
Q5. What bad habits have you got? (M Weisz New Mexico)
A5. Marriage!
Thank you for your questions Nick enjoys reading them and answering them all. If there’s anything that you would like to ask Nick please send your questions to Benicebond@iCloud.com
Q & A PART 4
Posted on February 13, 2021
Q1. How do you relax in your spare time? (KD Scotland)
A1. I listen to music, and watch classic British films and British comedies. I’m developing my cooking skills, and I love spending time with my partner and playing guitar.
Q2. What is your most favourite aspect of being a rock photographer? (E Shields Illinois USA)
A2. Photographing the people that are my heroes, who have made me who I am today, whose music has influence to my outlook on life, people and my creativity.
Q3. What is your greatest creative motivation? (J Ward UK)
A3. To leave a mark in photographic history, for people to recognise what I do. I want to my work to be viewed and questioned by the viewer I want them to explore their own emotions and try to understand the reactions and feelings that my images evoke.
Q4. Who would you want to be stranded with on a desert island and what three items would you take with you? (M Rogers Dunstable UK)
A4. My mum and I would take with me a camera, a guitar and a hairdryer!
Q5. What do you think about when photographing rock bands? (M Phillips Bideford UK)
A5. I think about the final images. I know when I’ve got the perfect shot and how it will look. The subject matter becomes irrelevant, and it’s always about the art
Q6. I think my boyfriend is going to ask me to marry him on Valentine’s Day, what should I say? (Kerry UK)
A6. Hi Kerry if you don’t get a better offer, then say yes!
Thank you for all your questions so far, if there is a particular question that you would like Nick to answer please send it to Benicebond@icloud.com
A DAY IN THE LIFE
Posted on February 12, 2021
A sneak peak into the day of our favourite Rock Art photographer Nick Elliott, can be very insightful to understand his work ethics, his passion for his art and his unrelenting drive to produce and push the boundaries of his creative mind.
Nick firmly believes that the early bird catches the worm, and rises each morning at 5:30. A time usually associated with shift workers, Nick finds this the best part of the day.
“The world is quiet. It hasn’t woken up yet. It’s a new day that I feel I’m the one of the first people to experience it “. (nick elliott)
Nick finds this time very productive,there is quiet and solitude to brainstorm ideas and formulate new projects.
“It’s my best thinking time, I’ve had some of my best ideas waiting for the world to wake up. I am often amazed at the beauty of a Norfolk sunrise from my kitchen window as I eat breakfast. It stirs my creativity “. (Nick Elliott)
Nick checks his diary, organises his work for the day, writes any outstanding emails and letters, tweaks contracts to go out and updates Elliott Studios social media and his personal accounts all before 7 am. After a brief respite work begins in earnest at 8:30 at Elliott studios. Recently Nick has been selecting images and finalising the design of several new books for publication, and post producing hundreds of unseen images in preparation for his upcoming tour and exhibitions. If not in the studio, Nick can be found on location either filming or completing commissioned work.
“I prefer my day to start off in a very structured way. This leaves my mind free to explore my creativity in the best way possible. My head can get really cluttered with ideas and new projects, I really have to work through all those concepts with mood boards to see the potential of it working. I have now realised that for a large part of my life I was creatively restrained in a relationship with an antagonist who was constantly imposing boundaries and restrictions which caused conflict. After a catalyst of events I now find myself free from that toxic relationship and I’m now able to grow creatively with freedom of expression. It’s had a huge positive impact on my life. My conceptual dark art projects portray that emotional journey to empowerment and allows me to push the boundaries of my art each day without fear of retribution or suppression. As a result of this life changing event, I have a renewed and deeper passion for creating art that has been allowed to be released and developed in the last couple of years. It’s liberating “. (Nick Elliott)
LIGHTS ,CAMERA, ACTION
Posted on February 12, 2021
‘The Story So Far’, a documentary produced and directed by the talented filmmaker Andy Blithe of Aturn Films, continues its filming across Norfolk, charting the unique and enviable life of world renowned rock art photographer Nick Elliott.
Filming has proven to be quite challenging at times due to the current lockdown, but where there’s a will, there’s a way and shooting has taken place at Elliott Studios documenting Nick post producing and preparing his fine art images for his upcoming exhibition and sales.
It is hopeful that Andy will be shadowing Nick on his UK to USA tour to record stateside the events of this much anticipated event.
Nick and Andy are making headway with the filming of ‘2 go mad in Norfolk’ at various locations around Norfolk. Penthouse I has been refurbished to make it the most desirable motorhome on the road. Not limiting themselves to the road, the boys will also be kings of the waterways as penthouse II has finally dipped her bottom into the water and is ready to christen the waters of Norfolk with Captain Blithe at the helm and Mr Elliott no doubt planning a mutiny.
Look out for the lads in the county on all the different modes of transport, bringing laughter and mayhem to the locals of Norfolk as they rediscover the hidden delights of the county in their naughty, exclusive style.
“I’m so enjoying this partnership with Andy. We are the Morecambe and Wise of Norfolk. We have a lot of laughs but we take all the projects very seriously. It’s a pleasure to work with him, plus he’s taller than Ernie “. (Nick Elliott)