In the
seventies Dutch born Lex Van Rossen was working a photojournalist at Het Parool
when he noticed that there was money to make in pop photography so he moved
more towards photo reports from pop concerts. He photographs from that time
include Lou Reed, Bruce Springsteen, Tom Waits, Queen, Debbie Harry, Neil
Young, Iggy Pop, AC / DC and David Bowie.
In 1987 Lex caused a sensation by a taking an iconic photo of the Irish singer
Bono from the rock group U2, kneeling & singing at a concert in the
Feyenoord Stadium in Rotterdam. This was also his favorite picture, as he said
once in an interview.
Lex van Rossen died at the age of 57 from the effects of cancer. He was buried
on March 2, 2007 at the New Eastern Cemetery in Amsterdam.
Photographer
Jill Furmanovsky said of Lex, "It is hard to decide which to admire more,
his work or the man himself. His pictures have a grace that comes from a
thorough knowledge of the camera combined with a deep empathy with his subjects."
"His classic live images of musicians such as Debbie Harry, The Clash, Tom
Waits and many others required split timing. He had that. His portraits reflect
the trust he inspired in others.
Personally, he was a true gentleman in the old-fashioned sense of the word.
Softly spoken, gentle, polite, humorous with a twinkle in his eye, it was a
pleasure to be in his company. I shall miss him terribly and extend my deep
sympathy to his many friends and family."
