The photographer Brian Griffin passed away last January 29 at the age of seventy-five years. The news has left both the music industry and the world of photography in mourning. Griffin He worked with many artists throughout the 1980s such as Queen, Peter Gabriel, Kate Bush, Billy Idol o Iggy Popbut it was his work behind the first five covers of the discography of Depeche Mode which elevated his status to legend.
In 1989, The Guardian named Griffin “photographer of the decade” and, the following year, the magazine Time recognized the photograph taken for “A Broken Frame” as “photograph of the decade”. Her photographs were on the album covers. “Speak & Spell” (1981), “A Broken Frame” (1982), “Construction Time Again” (1983), “Some Great Reward” (1984) y “Black Celebration” (1986).
Several personalities have shared their condolences through social networks. The writer Bill Brewster has posted that “I am sorry to hear the news of the death of Brian Griffin. When I interviewed the photographer Peter Ashworthsaid that he was a source of inspiration: He is a dazzling photographer and I have learned to light by watching photographs of Brian and thinking “this excites me.”” The record label Rough Trade has shared the following statement: “We are saddened to hear the news of the death of Brian Griffinthe photographer behind the iconic album art of Depeche Mode, Echo and the Bunnymen and others. A uniquely talented artist whose creative vision turned the world of music photography and videography upside down.”