An American from Alabama, in the early 1960s Tom studied photography at London’s
Ealing College of Art which is where he introduced graphic design student Pete
Townshend to the twin pleasures of smoking marijuana and listening to American blues,
jazz, folk and R&B. Tom was among the first to recognize Pete’s talent, enthusiastically
spreading the word about Pete’s playing. The two spent countless hours together, and
Tom’s vast record collection and deep musical knowledge played a pivotal role in
shaping The Who’s early sound. Before returning to America, Tom left his vast record
collection to Pete.
When The Who toured the US in the summer of 1967 as support band for Herman’s
Hermits, Tom joined them as their road manager and tour photographer and from these
early days in the band’s career came some of the most defining images of the
period. He toured with The Who for another two US tours in 1968.
Through his lens, Tom captures a defining period of the late ’60s — the band’s
relentless energy, financial struggles, and artistic breakthroughs, including the recording
of “I Can See for Miles” and the explosive debut of rock opera Tommy.
Over the next thirty five years Tom also toured with Rod Stewart and The Faces, the
Rolling Stones, The Eagles, Joe Walsh and The James Gang, Elvis Costello and many
others, constantly photographing the bands, their crews, their shows and life on the
road.
Tom died in 2022.