The photography of Philip Morris : It’s a long way

The first of November, has been released a Photography book of Philip Morris. The images in It’s a Long Way: From Acca-Dacca to Zappa capture what many believe to be the Golden Age of Australian music, the years from 1969 to 1979.

Born in Narrandera NSW, Philip Morris started his career behind the lens in Sydney at the age of 15. He got his first official gig as a contributing photographer for Australia’s first national pop publication ‘Go-Set’ Magazine in the late 1960’s.

Being immersed in the Sydney music scene Morris quickly added to his portfolio, shooting every big name musician to tour the country. His career continued to soar in the 1970′s when he was a contributor to all the major music magazines in Australia, including ‘RAM’ and ‘Juke’.

During this time he shot Australia’s legends The Easybeats on their last national tour as well as international bands including The Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin and Paul McCartney. Shooting AC/DC’s first ever professional photo session in 1974, Philip went on to work closely with the band for the next five years. 

Morris has shot album jackets for bands such as Midnight Oil (Head Injuries, 1979), John Paul Young (Hero, 1975), Johnny O’Keefe, Sherbet, Daddy Cool, Marcia Hines, and The Angels (Face To Face) winning a best album cover award in 1978.

A highly acclaimed exhibition of Morris’ AC/DC work was recently shown at Proud Galleries in London as well as featuring heavily throughout the Melbourne Art Centre’s current `AC/DC Family Jewels’ exhibition.

As chief photographer for music magazine Go-Set, Philip Morris was in the best possible position to photograph the many stars of the day. Philip was able to document these legendary performers from close range, with the type of all-areas access that is unheard of today.

It’s a Long Way: From Acca-Dacca to Zappa is a remarkable document of an era in music and popular culture that we’re never likely to witness again.

What : The photography of Phillip Morris, “It’s a long way, From Acca-Dacca to Zappa” 1969-1979

For more informations about the book click here!

To see more photos of Morris but also of others, click here!