I'm in a taxi driving away from Factory Records and heading towards Prestwich. It's 1984 and I'm becoming paralysed with anxiety, wondering what on earth I'm doing here. I'm on my way to meet the Fall in MES's local at lunchtime. They've just signed to Beggars Banquet and they need a photo to send out to the music press to announce the move. I love the Fall like I love no other band and this is one reason why my stomach is in knots. To compensate I have a bit too much to drink and when we're all finally gathered and head out the door the cold March air hits me like a slap across the face. After the session we all head back to Mark and Brix's flat for a warming cup of tea. I think I must be dreaming.
Later that year I'm asked to photograph Brix for the forthcoming 12” ‘Call for Escape Route'. The shoot is to take place at Mark and Brix's new house. Mark's mum answers the door and asks me if I'd like a cup of coffee. I notice the Elvis calendar in the kitchen.
The following year MES rings me at home one night and asks if I could produce an image for the cover of the forthcoming album ‘This Nation's Saving Grace'. I remember showing the finished artwork to my psychologist.
Time moves on. I'm married now with two small children but I don't feel any different. I still take photographs every day, I still get anxious and the new Fall album is played more than any other in our house. I love the Fall and I always will.
Michael Pollard . Manchester . www.michaelpollard.co.uk
Karl and Craig playing pool while waiting for the rest of the band to show up for photo shoot. Red Lion, Prestwich . March 16th 1984
Red Lion, Prestwich . March 16th 1984
The Fall . Prestwich, Salford . March 16th 1984
A version of the official press image used to announce their signing to Beggars Banquet
The Fall . Prestwich, Salford . March 16th 1984
Image combining photography and drawing made using a large paper negative
The Fall . Prestwich, Salford . March 16th 1984
Alternative version of the image on ‘Wonderful and Frightening World'
The Fall . Prestwich, Salford . March 16th 1984
The Fall . Prestwich, Salford . March 16th 1984
Finished version of the image from ‘Oh Brother' combining photography and drawing
The Fall . Prestwich, Salford . March 16th 1984
The Fall . Prestwich, Salford . March 16th 1984
The Fall . Prestwich, Salford . March 16th 1984
Mark & Brix . Prestwich, Salford . March 16th 1984
Some of the images from this session (this one included) have turned up in a variety of places though I have no recollection of printing them at the time.
Brix . Prestwich, Salford . September 5th 1984
A version of the image from ‘Call for Escape Route'
Brix . Prestwich, Salford . September 5th 1984
Brix . Prestwich, Salford . September 5th 1984
Brix . Prestwich, Salford . September 5th 1984
Mark . Prestwich, Salford . September 5th 1984
Mark . Prestwich, Salford . September 5th 1984
Mark . Prestwich, Salford . September 5th 1984
Mark and Brix . Prestwich, Salford . September 5th 1984
Mark and Brix . Prestwich, Salford . September 5th 1984
Mark and Brix . Prestwich, Salford . September 5th 1984
Mark and Brix . Prestwich, Salford . September 5th 1984
Mark and Brix . Prestwich, Salford . September 5th 1984
Another image combining photography and drawing,, a technique I developed whilst at college.
