The incredible photographer behind Depeche Mode’s first five album covers.
The renowned British photographer and iconic contributor to Depeche Mode, Brian Griffin He passed away at the age of 75 on January 29 while he was sleeping. The news has left the music industry in mourning.
Originally from Birmingham, Griffin He began his career in industrial jobs before discovering his passion for photography, initially as a hobby which eventually became his profession with which he contributed significantly to the British pop scene of the 80s.
Throughout his career, Griffin He left an indelible mark by working with artists such as Siouxsie Sioux, Kate Bush, Ultravox, REM, Billy Idol, Iggy Pop, Ringo Starr, Queen and Peter Gabriel. However, it was his collaboration with Depeche Mode the one that catapulted him to fame, for his work on the covers of the band’s first five albums.
In 1989, Guardian named him “photographer of the decade”, while in 1990 the photography used in A Broken Frame was recognized as Photography of the decade by the magazine timeto consolidate his successful career.
Although he abandoned photography in the 1990s, he returned to the workforce in the early 2000s to direct notable projects, including a notable documentary for Sir Paul MCCARTNEY.
The news of his death has generated a wave of condolences from the music industry. DJ Kenny reminded Griffin as the “incredible photographer behind Depeche’s first five album covers”, while Bill Brewster praised him as a source of inspiration.
Sorry to hear about the death of Brian Griffin. When I interviewed fellow snapper Peter Ashworth, he said he was a source of inspiration: He’s a stunning photographer I learned how to light by seeing Brian’s pictures and thinking, “These excite me.” pic.twitter.com/Xc4NUHInjf
— Bill Brewster (@djhistory) January 30, 2024
Rough Trade highlighted her “unique creative vision,” and the photographer Linda Wisdom remembered him as a “lovely human being and legendary photographer.”
We are saddened to hear about the passing of Brian Griffin, the photographer behind the iconic album art for Depeche Mode, Echo and the Bunnymen and more.
A uniquely talented artist whose creative vision upended the world of music photography and videography. pic.twitter.com/CxFffVzcvV
— Rough Trade (@RoughTrade) January 30, 2024
