Renowned French photographer Jean-Pierre Sabouret has taken some of our favourite photos of Rory throughout the 1980s and early 1990s. He has the remarkable ability to perfectly capture Rory’s angelic features, showing him at peace and lost in his music in an almost transcendental state. In fact, that is exactly what I told him in the comments section of the official Rory Facebook earlier this year when the image below was posted. Jean-Pierre responded kindly and told me that was his precise aim when taking the photograph – something that he undoubtedly achieved. In addition to being a fantastic photographer, Jean-Pierre is also an excellent music journalist. As a French speaker, I have read many of his articles on Rory in the French music press over the years, so it was a great honour to finally get to speak to the man behind the camera and the pen a few months ago and hear his memories of Rory. I share my translated version of the original interview conducted in French below, along with a selection of some of Jean-Pierre’s many photos.

1. Can you provide us with a general overview of your career in the music industry/ music photography?

To speak only of the music press, I started with a special issue/Ciné Rock poster on Prince and an article on Bruce Springsteen in Rock Mag in 1984, before joining Hard-Rock magazine at number 4, with an article on Kiss. It was in this magazine that I published my first interview with Rory in 1985 during his visit to the Mont De Marsan Festival. I initially wrote thinking of publishing my photos, but people preferred my writing and politely rejected my proposals. I have collaborated on dozens of titles since, finally managing to place a few photos, including those of Rory, in the magazines for which I was responsible. The chief editor didn’t refuse me anything, since it was me. Best actually. I have been doing concert photography since 1979, including several Rory dates. In addition to Hard-Rock magazine and Hard N’ Heavy, I have also collaborated with guitar magazines since the end of the 80s, such as Guitar World, Guitare Planète (no relation), Guitarist and Guitar Part. It’s for Guitarist that I offered the latest cover of Rory in France. I became very good friends with Dónal in the early 80s, which helped a lot. The most amazing thing is that I have written the texts of not one but 3 books by photographers, Pierre Terrasson, Bertrand Alary and Joseph Carlucci.

2. Can you tell us about some of the articles that you wrote about Rory?

I wrote several articles in Hard Rock magazine, but also in Hard N’ Heavy, Guitarist and Guitar Part. They were based on my interviews with Rory and Donal, but I also wrote in-depth articles.

3. Can you tell us specifically about some of the Rory concerts you attended and took photos at? What was it like to see him perform live?

I saw him from the end of the 70s until his last visit to France in 1994. [Jean-Pierre later found the ticket from his first concert and confirmed that this was 23rd October 1978 at the Hippodrome de Paris]. Whether I took photos or not, I was always transported to another world. Few musicians have fascinated me as much as Rory. Before I got permission (first time in 1985), I managed to pass a camera “in secret”. After that, Rory was so caring and friendly that security said nothing. He came several times to pose for photos in front of me. I was even invited several times by Donal to take photos on the stage. Not to mention the time I got in the van with Rory for a gig in Newcastle (if I remember correctly)!

4. Were you a fan of Rory’s music prior to photographing him? What do you love most about his music?

I discovered Rory with Irish Tour ’74 shortly after its release. I went to see the film in Paris and then Rory – finally – in 1978. I first took photos of him at Nogent Sur Marne on 26th January 1980. What I appreciate above all is the warmth and enthusiasm that emerges as soon as you listen to Rory. And I find that his formidable talent as a composer is not recognised enough, including at the level of lyrics. For me, “A Million Miles Away”, “Tattoo’d Lady”, “Daughter Of The Everglades”, “I Fall Apart”, “Moonchild” “The Mississippi Sheiks” and “Philby” are all on the same level as Bob Dylan or John Lennon. Not to mention the magic when he put his fingers on his old Stratocaster, which I actually had the immense privilege of playing during one of our meetings.

5. What was it like to meet Rory? What are your lasting impressions of him?

There would be enough to write a book about our many meetings! I remember an extremely courteous man who always spoke with great gentleness. He could also be very shy and reserved. Even his brother didn’t always understand him, but he respected his way of living. I was also very impressed and shy when I first met him, but he knew how to put you at ease very quickly.

6. Can you tell us about the specific photo used in the tribute to Rory in Best magazine? It’s one of our favourites. Rory looks so angelic and peaceful.

The photos that make up the poster come from all over the place, but most came from the concert at the Casino [Paris 1986].

7. Apart from Rory, what other artists have you photographed?

Thousands! Almost everyone I ever wanted to meet or photograph…

8. What’s your high point of Rory’s career?

I think there are several on a par with one another: the entire Taste period, Irish Tour 74, Photo Finish and the return with Defender. But if we’re talking about on stage, then it’s even harder to say.

To find out more about Jean-Pierre’s work, check out his Facebook