A legendary music photographer has revealed how he captured shots of icons from Oasis to David Bowie – and the wild moments behind his unseen images.

Lawrence Watson has shot everyone from Grace Jones to Michael Jordan to Snoop Dogg and Grace Jones during his five-decade career.

In an exclusive interview with DailyMail.com, Watson opened up about his experiences capturing the cultural icons as he launches an exclusive collection for a mental health charity and shared some of his iconic photos. 

The 61-year-old British photographer revealed the extraordinary tales behind his iconic images of music’s biggest stars – including being arrested by the KGB while photographing Noel Gallagher in Russia. 

He began his career at music magazine NME, and said it was his unassuming approach which helped him gain unprecedented access to normally guarded celebrities.

‘I don’t like to go in there with a big sort of ego thinking I’m the greatest photographer that’s ever been,’ Watson explained.

‘I think being that quiet person, documenting… that’s how you capture a moment in a recording studio. You want them to be at home and comfortable, he said. 

His low-key approach led to some unexpected relationships – including with Grace Jones, who personally requested Watson for her album shoot.

Snoop Dogg, California State Prison for video shoot, Los Angeles, 1996 – Lawrence Watson, Print Matters

David Bowie on set at Adrian Belew video shoot, Edinburgh, 1990 

‘I didn’t think I’d fit the deal with my documentary style,’ he admitted.

‘Grace was such an iconic, brilliant musician. I suddenly had a couple of days session with Grace Jones, which was one of the ones I didn’t expect to happen.’

The shoot turned into an all-night affair, and Watson revealed how Jones ‘pinched’ a hula hoop from the pub where they were shooting – later incorporating it into her legendary stage performances.

Watson’s five decades behind the lens have taken him from council estate beginnings to photographing Oasis at Madison Square and capturing Michael Jordan at the height of his fame. But it hasn’t been without drama.

‘I got arrested by the KGB in Moscow,’ Watson revealed about a particularly harrowing experience while photographing Noel Gallagher’s acoustic tour. 

‘I was shooting a little bit of Super 8 near Red Square when people came up to me [and took my] camera.

‘Noel wasn’t impressed because the KGB all had their side arms and everything, while Noel’s security man all he had was a torch,’ he continued. 

L.L. Cool J on stage with giant boomboxes, Philadelphia, 1986

Isaac Hayes, NME shoot in hotel room, Heathrow in the UK, 1986 

Noel Gallagher, Oasis, recording session for Dig Out Your Soul album, Studio Two, Abbey Road Studios, London, 2007

Ian Brown, The Stone Roses on Salford Street for Rockin’ On magazine, Manchester, 1988

Public Enemy – Chuck D and Flavor Flav (standing), Def Jam office steps, The Bowery, New York, 1987

Michael Jordan, NBA All-Stars Game, San Antonio, Texas, February 11, 1996

Liam Gallagher, Oasis in Union Jack, London, 2009

Paul McCartney recording for War Child ‘Help’ charity album, Abbey Road Studios, London, 1995

Watson’s career highlights include a 30-year working relationship with Paul Weller and capturing intimate moments with Oasis during their meteoric rise. 

His connection with many musicians extended beyond professional boundaries.

‘We go to social things as well. Good relationship with Paul Weller and Noel. Birthdays, 50ths… some of the social things,’ he shared.

‘They’re inviting you into that inner circle, so which is a lovely place to be.’ 

He’s currently launching a collection of limited edition prints with proceeds supporting mental health charity Rethink Mental Illness after a family tragedy that changed the course of his career. 

After personal tragedy – the loss of his son Travis – Watson took a break from photography. 

‘I basically nearly stopped,’ he admitted. ‘Initially I just saw the world in gray. There was no color in the world anymore.’

Now he’s returned to his craft with a renewed purpose, and is aiming to support mental health initiatives through his work. 

Grace Jones on the floor, The George Tavern, Commercial Road, London, 2008

Ray Charles concert, Royal Festival Hall, London, 1984

Pulp are pictured at Joy Studios, Highbury, London, 1994

Darryl ‘DMC’ McDaniels in dressing room, Philadelphia, 1985 

Eric B, The Bowery, New York in 1987

‘I wanted to do something good in the memory of Travis. He loved music and art as well,’ Watson explained.

His exclusive collection for Print Matters features previously unseen images of David Bowie and Oasis, with other subjects including Grace Jones, Run DMC, Michael Jordan, Snoop Dogg, Paul McCartney and The Stone Roses.

‘We’re losing youngsters to that horrible word suicide,’ Watson said. ‘I’m trying to put something back there… that’s my mission. My small mission.’

Watson revealed that his initial dream was to be a musician himself – until he was met with a harsh truth. 

‘I tried to be a musician when I was younger, but I was a dreadful bass player. I had no sense of rhythm whatsoever.

‘That was that was told to me by an English punk rock bass player. Maybe you can do something. Maybe the photography, so maybe taking pictures might be the way to go.’ 

However, it was all a blessing in disguise as he got to fulfill his dreams in other ways. 

He concluded: ‘I got the next best thing. I got to hang out with musicians and spent my life with them and take pictures.’