The Stone Roses Suffer Boycott
Photographers have decided to boycott this weekend's hometown shows from The Stone Roses due to a wrangle over contracts. The return of The Stone Roses is one of the year's biggest stories. Media outlets are clambering for interview time with the band, while photographers are eager to shoot one of the most iconic groups of their generation. Sadly, though, it seems that the band's Heaton Park return will be marked by a media black out of sorts. Photographers have been shocked by the demands placed on them, leading to a walk out. The NUJ has stepped in, drafting a message of support. The boycott was initially organised by freelance photographer Ian Turton, with many other photographers now joining him. John Toner, NUJ Freelance Organiser said: “Too many musical artistes now wish to grab rights from photographers. Having said that, people are surprised that the Stone Roses have chosen to go down this route." “We fully understand why a band would wish to retain merchandising rights, and the photographers would be happy to concede this. Equally, a photographer must have the right to license editorial use of images without obtaining the band’s permission for each use" he continued. “The band’s intransigence on this point has led to the organisation of a boycott. “The NUJ fully supports the boycott and will provide every assistance. We still hope, though, that agreement can be reached even at this late hour". Photographer Ian Tilton was privy to those early discussions. “A suggested contract was offered to the Stone Roses, where photographers would agree to not use any pictures for merchandise purposes but they could syndicate their pictures for publication in the future" he said. “The Stone Roses press agent Murray Chalmers emailed in reply: The simple fact is that if you want to come and photograph the band then it will be necessary to sign our contract. Consequently the photographers have agreed that the boycott is still on.” The Stone Roses open their Heaton Park run tomorrow night (June 29th). Photo Credit: Pennie Smith
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