Noel Gallagher made an unexpected appearance at the Abbey Road Music Photography Awards to celebrate “one of my closest friends” Jill Furmanovsky by presenting her with a distinguished icon award.
The Oasis legend characterized the music photographer, whose career spans over 50 years and includes capturing some of the globe’s most notable celebrities, as the “finest ever.”
Furmanovsky has photographed a diverse array of subjects, from Stevie Wonder and Pink Floyd to Bob Dylan, Blondie, Kate Bush, and Billie Eilish. She began her collaboration with Oasis in the 1990s and maintained her role as a photographer for the band and Gallagher throughout the years.
“She is an incredibly dear friend of mine… and it has been a privilege to be connected with her for three decades,” Gallagher expressed during his speech at the prestigious Abbey Road Studios in London. “I can assure you she is as wonderful as she appears; she is among my closest friends, and I cherish her.”
Furmanovsky shared with the audience that she was “deeply touched” to receive the recognition as a photography icon, particularly since she had no prior knowledge that the star would present the award.
Liam and Noel Gallagher in San Francisco, 1995 – Jill Furmanovsky
‘They were on a comet, clinging on for dear life’
Earlier, in an interview with Sky News, she mentioned that her photographs of Oasis are the ones she holds closest to her heart.
“At that time, I was precisely the right age to collaborate with them – I had the experience and felt unthreatened,” she shared.
“They were truly amazing. It felt like they were on a comet, clinging on for dear life, and I sensed I could actually contribute something based on my experience… they permitted me to be close to them, which was an extraordinary gift.”
Furmanovsky revealed that her initial response was to feel “confused” upon hearing about the Oasis reunion announcement made earlier this year, “since there were so many obstacles… it just didn’t seem plausible.”
The burning question remained: did she manage to secure a ticket?
“I wasn’t able to acquire tickets,” she chuckled. “I attempted to… they’ll grant me entry, though. They have to let me in, otherwise, I’ll approach [the Gallaghers’ mother] Peggy.”
In jest, Furmanovsky stated she would “definitely” be there to document what promises to be historic performances. “I must do it, right?”
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Graham Coxon’s sky-high guitar over Blur’s performance at Wembley Stadium won the music moment of the year award for Tom Pallant. Pic: Tom Pallant
Francis Mancini’s photograph of DJ Darren Styles earned the live music accolade. Pic: Francis Mancini
Regarding her recognition as an icon and receiving the award at the legendary Abbey Road Studios, Furmanovsky remarked: “I genuinely find it hard to express my feelings. As a teenager, I would often wait outside with my autograph book hoping to catch a glimpse of the Beatles…
“I once snapped a photo of Paul McCartney with a Kodak Instamatic; I previously penned a letter saying, ‘may I enter Abbey Road for my school magazine?’ Which, as expected, they declined. I finally visited in the 1970s with Pink Floyd and was allowed in. To me, it was sacred ground. Since then, I’ve returned countless times. It’s akin to a second home. It’s an iconic venue.”
Apart from the icon recognition, awards were also presented for live music photography, music portraiture, and memorable musical moments. Among the recipients were Tom Pallant, whose photograph of a guitar soaring high over Wembley Stadium by Blur’s Graham Coxon clinched the music moment of the year, and Frances Mancini, known for her striking capture of DJ and producer Darren Styles.
The winners were selected from approximately 22,000 submitted images, with Rankin serving as the head judge.
