![+++ St. Kildare, Ireland, Sandymount Studios (RW’s house), autumn 1993 +++]( "+++ St. Kildare, Ireland, Sandymount Studios (RW’s house), autumn 1993 +++")
+++ St. Kildare, Ireland, Sandymount Studios (RW’s house), autumn 1993 +++
Photos and text by Duncan Raban
One of the most memorable days of my life was when I spent a day with the Rolling Stones. What was so unusual on this day was that I was going to be on my own with the band and I can assure you this never ever happens when you are photographing superstars. You always have hair and make up people, artist mangers countless assistants in the entourage, plus security guys and a publicist telling what you can and
can’t photograph. If you dare suggest a different picture they will inevitably just say no, so for me to be alone was a unique opportunity.
Ronnie took me to his art studio he told me how he loved to paint and how much he adored his dog. I told Ronnie to lie on his back and took some candid snaps of Ronnie and Chanel and then Ronnie and Keith walking with beers. Later in the day Mick and Charlie arrived and it was then I really did see the depth of their friendships as they laughed and joked and even asked about my life and my family as there was no one else there. I was able to capture four guys who had been pals for 30
years as relaxed old friends.
I arrived at Ronnie Wood's house deep in the Irish countryside. I open the gate and walked into this beautifulwalled courtyard, but all I could see was a giant white dog hurtling towards me. Within seconds an albino Scooby Doo jumped on me and i fell with my cameras, fying to the ground, getting licked all over. I heard, "Hey Chanel leave him alone!" and there was Ronnie and Keith. ”Sorry about this are you ok? They helped me back on my feet. ”Do you fancya pint of Guinness?"
+++ Keith Richards and Chanel The Great Dane +++
When I took this photograph it was just an ordinary moment of a man stroking a dog. 25 years later it has become an extraordinary and very precious moment. Keith had just poured me a pint of Guinness and sat opposite me chatting. Chanel the albino Great Dane wandered in and just collapsed at his feet and Keith said ”Oh yes baby your so beautiful”.
He then placed his foot gently on back and I thought this is just so beautiful I put my pint down raising my camera quietly to my knee and took this picture without looking through the viewfinder. Back then we were using film so we could not see what pictures we had taken and it was a dark room so I had to just guess the framing and exposure and luckily it was perfect. Months later Chanel went up to heaven. This is why it’s so important to photograph those ordinary moments of people
with with their dogs, these photographs become such wonderful heirlooms. God bless you Chanel.
- Duncan Raban
