The British Invasion, Bob Bonis: Photographs of the Beatles and Rolling Stones in America 1964-1966

November 10, 2015 - January 3, 2016 - J. Hyde Crawford and Anthony Tortora Gallery

Bob Bonis (1932-1992) began his career in the music business in the late 1950s as a talent agent in New York City. He went on to hold an extraordinary position at a pivotal time in music and pop culture history – Tour Manager for both the Beatles and the Rolling Stones beginning with their first U.S. tours in 1964 and continuing through 1966 – heralding the British Invasion.

With a personal passion for photography and a keen eye for composition, Bonis took his Leica M3 camera along and shot unguarded and intimate photos of those with whom he worked. His natural talent and unequalled access would yield an archive of over 3,500 images of the future superstars that he had the privilege of serving. During his lifetime he declined all opportunities to publish or publicly exhibit his works.  

The Bob Bonis Archive includes over 850 spectacular, candid photos of the Beatles – on stage in concert, backstage (rehearsing, tuning up, waiting to go on stage and clowning around), dressing and relaxing, on vacations or en route to shows or cities, and more. Additionally, the archive includes over 2,700 extraordinary photos of the Rolling Stones, not just in concert, backstage and in the dressing rooms but also recording in the studio, at press events, at TV and film appearances, traveling, getting haircuts, swimming, bowling, and just hanging around being themselves. The extraordinary nature of these images reflects Bonis’ close friendship with both bands and offers a private, behind-the-scenes look into the early days of rock ‘n’ roll.

This exhibition is presented by The Bob Bonis Archive, in association with Gallery Schuster, and is made possible with support by BritWeek Orlando.