Crosby man's photos are on display at Rock 'n Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland
Six photographs by Tom Smith of Crosby have been accepted and are on display at the Rock 'n Roll Hall of Fame & Museum in Cleveland. Smith donated two 11x14 photos each of The Clash, The Police and Elvis Costello, all of whom were inducted last year.
"It's a great feather in my cap," said Smith, who shot the photos in the 1970s and '80s when he was living in the Twin Cities and regularly bringing his camera to concerts. "I felt very proud that people can see my work. It's part of their collection now, but who knows how many people will go there and see my work? As long as I got credit, it's great."
Among the photos he donated, Smith is particularly fond of a shot of The Police with guest singer Bono of U2. He snapped the photo in 1986 at the Amnesty International concert in Chicago. He also favors a shot of The Clash's Joe Strummer from a 1983 show at the St. Paul Civic Center.
The hall's chief curator, Howard Kramer, told Smith it's rare to find good live photos of the Clash, and Smith believes him.
"It was murder to photograph something like that when everyone is pogoing up and down," Smith said. "At some concerts, I'd start on the left side of the stage and end up on the right, just from being pushed around. And in those days with a screwmount camera, it was really difficult."
Smith recently submitted 12 photos of Prince, who will be inducted in March. Smith said Kramer is interested in his Prince photos because the artist got his start in the Twin Cities.
"I submitted a variety of photos, but I wouldn't be surprised if he wanted some of (Prince) in the purple outfit. Prince in purple, that was his look."