Description
Human League Philip Oakey 2: A2: 150 Limited Edition Prints. Signed and Numbered. Unframed
In 1981 The Human League triple platinum album Dare and the multi-million selling single “Don’t You Want Me”were released. Dare reached No. 1 in the UK. It spent a total of four weeks at the top spot over the 1981/82 period, remaining in the chart for 77 weeks
Philip Oakey was introduced to producer Martin Rushent who recorded them at Genetic Studios in Reading, Berkshire. “The Sound of the Crowd” was released and the single was an instant success reaching No. 12 in the UK.
I first met and worked with the League back in 1981 for Record Mirror Magazine. It was only Philip, Joanna,Susan and Adrian at this point. Apart from snapping away at the interview the Record Mirror wanted a colour shot of Philip for the inside. Pop image with a colourful background. We were around the corner from Virgin Records when it was based at Vernon Yard off Portabello Road. Ross who set the interview up ( Ross Stapleton who was head of Artist Development ) said I’ve got a Red wall in my flat. So off we trot. What Ross didn’t say was the bathroom was very narrow with a low ceiling. The red wall which was at the end. Was about 4 feet wide and about 7 feet high and had a toilet stuck to it. Philp in his hi heals was close to 7ft himself. Welcome to my world! Tricky shot but we got a shot. This is the days of real film, so until the film comes back from the lab you really didn’t know what you’ve got. The Mag was happy but it I wasn’t happy. I like it more now!
A few weeks later I was shooting at Top of the Pops. The League were there and Philip saw me and came marching up to me, fuck I thought no where to hide. I was at this point ready for him to say what a shit shot call me a few names and march of. Wasn’t to be, Philip said he thought it was the best shot he had done of him and said thanks. You really could off knocked me down with a feather. From that point on I was lucky enough to work and get to know the Human League. Working on Covers like “Don’t You Want Me Baby”, Hysteria, Love Action, Mirror Man, Fascination, Romantic, Heart Like a Wheel, Louise, Greatest Hits, Press for a good few years. Lots of more stories to come.
Please note that the paper is size always larger than the printed image.Info here.
