Should've Been There - Deluxe Signed Edition

PERSONALLY SIGNED BY PETE TOWNSHEND, IAN ANDERSON, BILL BRUFORD AND BARRIE WENTZELL. ONLY 150 COPIES AVAILABLE.

Rufus Publications is pleased to announce “Should’ve been There” a brand new coffee table book chronicling the work of legendary music photographer Barrie Wentzell. 

During the early 1960’s, photographer Barrie Wentzell began diversifying into the worlds of fashion, music and advertising. In 1965 he had a chance encounter with the young Diana Ross. The image he made of this yet-to-be global super-star became a riveting front cover of Melody Maker, England’s most renowned music publication, which caught the attention of Bob Houston, the assistant editor at the time. Houston was to contact Barrie and sign him on as exclusive chief photographer for the paper.

Barrie went on to shoot for Melody Maker from 1965 until 1975, one of the most important decades in the history of popular music, photographing many unknown musicians who would later become legends and household names.

Should’ve Been There is a unique, illustrated chronicle of some of rock’s biggest stars, put together and edited by Barrie himself. The 392 page book features stunning photographs of The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, The Rolling Stones, Elton John, Jethro Tull, David Bowie, Deep Purple and a multitude of others, both live and relaxing off-stage in amazing candid moments caught by Barrie during this incredible decade of music.

With introductions by Pete Townshend, Steve Hackett, Roger Glover, Bill Bruford, Ian Anderson, Jimmy Page and Ray Davies, Should’ve Been There is an amazing celebration of one of the most creative times in British music history.

As Pete Townshend comments in his introduction: “This feels so much like my story as well as yours as a photographer, and it reminds me what we have lost. This book should make it clear that you were always a great man to have around with a camera. You made so many grumpy people smile. You made so many smiley people laugh. Your heart is always in the right place: the image. Fucking amazing work.”

The Deluxe Signed Edition

Personally signed by Pete Townshend, Ian Anderson, Bill Bruford and Barrie Wentzell. Just 150 numbered copies, bound in recycled leather with silver embossed foil and housed in a beautiful, printed slipcase. This edition includes three 10x8 photographic prints, chosen by Barrie, featuring Pete Townshend, Ian Anderson and Bill Bruford. This edition measures 30cm x 30cm (11.8" x 11.8") square.