Elton John (left) and George Michael around 1991
Credit: Mark Allan
NEED TO KNOW
Photographer Mark Allan recalls his career blossoming as interest in artists’ personal lives drove the early days of paparazzi culture
Allan opens up to PEOPLE about happening upon a hangout between Elton John and George Michael
Allan is one of several photographers featured in Elton John: Icon, from ACC Art Books
Photographer Mark Allan was in the right place at the right time.
Allen spoke with PEOPLE about Elton John: Icon, from ACC Art Books, which features his photos of the famed singer. The rock photographer reveals how his career took off as fans became interested not just in what stars were doing on stage, but off as well.
One unforgettable celebrity encounter happened completely by chance. “Back in the days of film, you’d drop your film off at a lab in town. And on my way back from the lab, I went past a quite famous nightclub in Covent Garden,” he recalls.
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Elton John backstage
Credit: Mark Allan
“I was driving back and I saw a lot of people running around and flashes going off, so I parked my car, jumped out. And right in front of me appeared Elton John and George Michael,” he continued.
“I took the picture on my camera that was still… I don’t know who was on the film that night, but I wasn’t there to do that,” he laughed.
For many years, the photo remained forgotten amid many others snaps he had taken.
Elton John
Credit: Mark Allan
“It just languished in my files for many, many years. I didn’t do anything with it. I just thought, ‘Oh, one day I might use that picture.’ To me, by then I didn’t really want to be a paparazzi. I didn’t want to hang around, so I didn’t do anything with the picture.”
Allan later had the opportunity to photograph the singer throughout his career, during which he noticed, “You can see him become more focused.”
“I can’t speak for Elton, but I think he became more and more serious as a performer and realized that he’s an all-time great,” he shares.
“I think in the ’70s he was all about the costumes and the glasses and jumping up and down. I think, like anyone, you can’t do the kicking in the air backwards stuff when you’re more mature. And today, people recognize him as the great artist that he is,” Allan adds.
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