In the end it’s the little things that matter the most. No matter how old or famous you become the power of reading remains universal. The thrill of learning to read and picking up a book for the first time never really goes away.
In 2003 singer and songwriter Alice Peacock joined forces with Camping and Education Foundation president Hugh Haller and Chicago photographer Paul Natkin to create “Rock For Reading.” The foundation was made to raise money for literacy programs and empowering individuals to take action and make a difference in society.
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An Evening with...Alice Peacock : A Rock For Reading Benefit -Plus a Paul Natkin Photography Exhibit
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Lincoln Hall
Chicago, IL
September 11, 2010
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Since the inspiration for the organization came from Alice’s music, the group decided an annual benefit concert would be the signature event of the foundation. This year the event will be held on September 11 at the newly founded Lincoln Hall (2424 N. Lincoln Ave.) in the heart of Lincoln Park.
Lumino Magazine got the chance to sit down with “Rock For Reading” founder Paul Natkin to discuss the origins of the foundation and his legendary career as a rock photographer.
Natkin started shooting concerts in 1975 and was a frequent contributor to Creem, Rolling Stone, Circus, Newsweek, Time, People, Playboy and many others. He has also produced a large collection of album art on both major and indie labels.
How did you find Alice Peacock and decide to start the Rock For Reading foundation?
There’s probably a lot of different things I could say but the truth is we both felt that there has to be some kind of social responsibility in the music industry. We both live fairly comfortable lives and believe we needed to find a way to give back to the community.
You have a tremendous amount of work, what criteria did you use for picking out the pieces for this event?
Let’s be totally honest. The type of people that are coming out to Lincoln Hall to see Alice Peacock perform isn’t going to like the work I’ve done with Ozzy Osborne. I have some pieces which are considered Iconic so I made sure those were there but the others I picked to fit the crowd.
You are considered a legend in the rock photo community, how do you feel about that?
It’s pretty funny I don’t think of myself as a legend. I’ve been doing this for a long time. I’m just some guy with a camera who has taken a lot of things [laughs].
I guess I could see how some people might think that. I just had a heavy metal week shooting Slayer, Megadeath and Ozzy and whenever I’m in that crowd it brings back some memories. They went around introducing me as the guy that did the Ozzy cover. [Natkin is famous for shooting the iconic Ozzy Osborne/Randy Roads “Tribute” album cover]
You’ve covered virtually every aspect of the music business, from concerts to album covers, what aspect of the music industry has been your favorite to shoot?
It really doesn’t matter to me. I love shooting live stuff, there’s just something about the crowd and the buzz and the feeling you get when you’re in the pit.
At the same time I just spent some time shooting Buddy Guy’s new album at his club and hung out on the roof for three hours. I wouldn’t trade that for anything.
What is it about the music business that attracted you as a photographer?
People always think I’m going to give a lofty answer about the nature of photography or something like that. The truth is I got into it because I wanted to get into concerts for free.
That and I knew I wanted to meet the Rolling Stones. That’s why I got into the business.
Tell me about Lincoln Hall, whose idea was that to do the event there?
It’s one of the best new venues in the city. I remember I ran into Chris Schuba of Schuba’s and he approached me about doing a show there. And all we have to do is add some lighting so it’s really easy to make the venue work. It’s going to a great show.
* Photo of Paul Natkin by Irene Kijik
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