ALL ACCESS: The Rock ‘n’ Roll Photography of Ken Regan, released this past October, brings readers behind the scenes and on stage with music legends like Bob Dylan and Janis Joplin. The 304-page book is a compilation of high quality snapshots by famous photographer Ken Regan, beginning in the 1960’s and up through the present. The introduction, by The Rolling Stones’ Mick Jagger, and preface by Keith Richards add authenticity to the collection, and demonstrate the lifelong connections Regan has made throughout his career.

Aside from groupies and rock and roll fans, the book is a gem for generation Y, those who grew up hearing about these artists, but never experienced the music mania first hand. Not just a photo book, it also includes personal stories from Regan as well, such as one memory of a five-hour bus ride in a snowstorm en route to shoot Elvis Presley, or an anecdote about the time a friend’s dad was his ticket into photographing at The Ed Sullivan Show.

It’s a trip in a time machine for anyone who wishes to experience the lives of these musicians in both color and black and white shots. An experienced photographer, Regan’s prints can be found on over 200 magazines covers. Regan not only captured musicians while performing, but off-set as well.

Some of these more natural shots are his most spectacular, like the series he took of The Rolling Stones at Andy Warhol’s Montauk estate in June 1975. In particular, his photograph of Ronnie Wood sitting on a worn, white wicker chair overlooking a rocky beach feels surreal for the viewer. Very rarely do fans see musicians off-stage, let alone in nature. Having such a momentous rock icon standing face to face with the ocean feels like a clash of the Titans. With his head resting on his hand and his feet on a rock, Wood is vulnerable and obviously deep in thought.

Another particularly resonating shot was of The Beatles: John Lennon, Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr. They are posing in New York City’s Central Park. Taken during their first United States visit, the group was posing for the media with the intent of riding on a horse-drawn carriage. Yet in this shot McCartney playfully holds his hands over his head like antlers, while Starr and McCartney look up with humorous expressions; the three stand on a snowy dock with the backdrop of a pond.

Seeing musicians like Wood and the three Beatles off of the stage and out of the recording studio helps to humanize people who have been deemed godly by some. In a country with a culture so focused on celebrity, Regan brings fans one step closer to experiencing the greatness first hand.

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