TAMPA – The Florida Museum of Photographic Arts will open an exhibition Nov. 21 that honors rock and roll through imagery and memorabilia.
Photographer Jay Nolan’s images and former Virgin Entertainment executive Davy Alder’s vintage memorabilia will offer a behind-the-scenes look at the music scene from the Beatles to the punk revolution, and beyond.
“Fandom: Celebrating Rock & Roll with Jay Nolan and Davy Alder” will highlight experiences ranging from backstage moments to live shows.
The exhibit will include 27 photos from Nolan and 31 vintage signed posters and photographs from Alder’s collection, as well as hundreds of memorabilia items, such as backstage passes, buttons, memorabilia and setlists.
Nolan has worked as a photojournalist for over 22 years, capturing concerts from his native Minnesota to his current home of Tampa. His personal images, which have never before been exhibited in a museum, present bands such as the Rolling Stones, U2, Siouxie the Banshees and the Ramones. Also featured are dynamic images of the likes of Tina Turner, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Madonna, Buddy Guy and BB King.
Alder is an accomplished musician, radio presenter, songwriter and collector of music memorabilia, especially concert posters. Alder worked 21 years for Virgin Entertainment Group as well as with several bands and music brands including Iron Maiden, MTV Networks, CMT and Universal Music Publishing. The exhibition features a curated selection of Alder’s vast collection, including vintage posters by talents like Jimi Hendrix, Jane’s Addiction, Johnny Cash, Neil Young, The Who and Wilco. It will also display call sheets for bands like Aerosmith and Def Leopard, intimate photographs of the Beatles, 85 backstage passes and promotional items.
Gallery talks by both Nolan and Alder will be included in events coinciding with the exhibition, as well as other corresponding happenings such as gatherings to share personal stories, related films and musical performances.
Want to go?
This exhibition, “Fandom: Celebrating Rock & Roll with Jay Nolan and Davy Alder,” will be on display from Nov. 21 to March 2, 2025, at the Florida Museum of Photographic Arts Gallery 1, 1630 E. 7th Ave. Admission costs $12. On the web: www.fmopa.org
