The story of how a fan of The Jam ended up as the band’s semi-official photographer is being told in a new exhibition next year.
Derek D’Souza was taking pictures of the band, fronted by singer Paul Weller, from the crowd at their live gigs when he sent some of his photographs into their fan club where his talent was spotted.
He was then invited to photograph the band in the grounds of 18th century Chiswick House in west London to promote their next single Absolute Beginners and since then has taken hundreds of pictures of The Jam and Weller throughout his career.
The band, who started out as the leading lights of the late 1970s mod revival, had 18 consecutive Top 40 singles including number ones such as Going Underground and Town Called Malice.
The band were at the height of their fame when Weller stunned the music world by quitting and going on to form The Style Council and have a successful solo career.
D’Souza’s photographs are on show in a free exhibition at the City of London Corporation’s Barbican Music Library from January 14.
Chair of the City of London Corporation’s Culture, Heritage and Libraries Committee, Wendy Hyde, said: “This exhibition will celebrate one of the UK’s most revered bands. It’s a truly memorable slice of rock and pop history.
“These photographs are extraordinary glimpses of an astonishing band who, almost 40 years after their break-up, still have a huge influence and loyal following.
“The Jam’s energetic concerts and sound showcased their social awareness, and made Paul Weller a spokesman for his generation.
“We are proud to display Derek D’Souza’s remarkable work as we welcome more and more people back into the City.”
