Arca

Spike Island, 27 May 1990

MH: For whom did you take the picture and what camera did you use?

KC: NME. Nikon F3

MH: What do you remember about the shoot?

KC: Everything. The whole day out. A Stone Roses gig was an event. Most people who were there remember it for the poor sound quality. However, the sound on stage was great. The band were buzzing as were the crew and friends who were watching from the stage. We couldn’t believe the negative response from people who we spoke to later.

MH: This concert is often referred to as the ›Woodstock for the baggy generation‹. Did it actually feel like that?

KC: Well, it was on a much smaller scale and it was only one Sunday afternoon and evening – so no, not really. But it was an event.

MH: Does one get a buzz from standing on stage in front of more than 20.000 people even if you’re not the one performing?

KC: Yes, definitely. Because you are sharing a special moment with the band, you really understand how it must feel to be adored in this way. It’s a great feeling.

MH: Some parts of the photo are blurred, several arms become one. To me it looks like algae. What do you see?

KC: I wanted to capture the excitement of being in a crowd and the excitement you feel when you are in a band and you are looking at the stage. I shot it on a slow shutter speed to capture the movement. It looks like some people are being sucked into this incredible amorphous mass.