By Chris Murray

It was 44 years ago this month that photographer Michael Halsband had his first exhibition at Govinda Gallery.

I met Michael as he was assigned to photograph myself and the artist Kim Waters for a full page spread in Interview Magazine in February 1981. I had collaborated with Kim on our book Illuminations from the Bhagavad-Gita (Harper & Row), which she had stunningly illuminated with over a 100 paintings and drawings. Michael’s exhibition was also the first at Govinda Gallery that included photographs of musical artists, among others.

Michael had been hired by The Rolling Stones to be their tour photographer, and had me join him at a number of gigs on the tour, including the Stones’ five days in Washington D.C. The shows at Hampton Roads Virginia were the last of the tour and the last show was on December 18, Keith Richard‘s birthday. There was a party backstage after the gig and Keith’s mother was there. My birthday is December 19th and by the time the party started, it was my birthday! When I told that to Keith he said, “yeah Chris, you, me and Bobby Keys!” He then gave me the confectionary guitar on top of the cake! Keith is a wonderful fellow a great time was had by all.

I’m looking forward to my audio visual presentation “The Rolling Stones 50×20” at 1310 Kitchen in the Georgetown Inn on Tuesday.

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