Richard Bellia has worked in the world of music since the early 1980s, photographing a wide range of bands and musicians over his long and successful career. After moving to England in 1985, Richard began working for Melody Maker and then went on to become a regular correspondent for the French press specialising in the British music scene. Richard first photographed Rory in 1985 at the Mont de Marsan Festival in France and then again in 1988 as part of a photoshoot in London. I was delighted to catch up briefly with Richard recently and ask him about his memories of these two encounters with Rory. He also very kindly shared with me some previously unseen photographs, which I hope readers enjoy.

1. Were you a fan of Rory before you first photographed him?

I admire most of the musicians I meet. [Rory] clearly was one of those that I really admired.

2. What do you remember most about photographing Rory at the Mont de Marsan festival in 1985?

I took the photos exactly at the very end of the concert. That was only a few seconds and that was OK in the sense that it was not paparazzi-like photography. 

3. How did the 1988 photoshoot with Rory in London come about?

I was shooting for a magazine I believe was called Guitar Mag or something in France. I met him in a hotel for a photoshoot […] He was a really nice person.

4. What are your lasting memories of Rory? 

His guitar, his lumberjack shirt and his eyes.

If you would like to check out more of Richard’s work, then visit his Facebook or Instagram.