⭐ Kieron “Spud” Murphy – Glitter In The Sky. Apr. 2020

Kieron “Spud” Murphy was an Irish rock photographer whose work appeared in UK music publications during the 1970s and 1980s. Known for his unobtrusive, candid style, he photographed musicians in relaxed, unposed environments that revealed personality rather than performance. His archive includes recognised images of Marc Bolan, T. Rex, and John Lennon.

Murphy was born in 1946 and passed away on April 16 2020, a date confirmed through publicly verifiable obituary and memorial records.

📰 Work & Legacy

Murphy’s photographs are valued for their clarity, intimacy, and documentary honesty. His images of Marc Bolan and T. Rex remain widely circulated among collectors and historians, particularly those documenting the early‑1970s glam period. His Lennon photographs are similarly noted for their quiet, observational tone.

A significant part of Murphy’s legacy is his contribution to the visual identity of T. Rex during their peak years. His work includes two of the most recognisable images associated with the band:

Kieron “Spud” Murphy took the photograph used for the cover of Electric Warrior from the Nottingham concert in 1971, and he also took the image used as a poster packaged with the album.

This confirmed attribution places Murphy at the centre of one of the most iconic visual eras in British rock history.

Murphy’s reputation rests on:

A candid, unobtrusive shooting approach

Consistent access to artists in informal settings

A body of work that prioritised authenticity over spectacle

His photographs continue to appear in retrospectives, fan archives, and historical features on the glam‑rock and classic‑rock eras.

📰 Notable Associations

Marc Bolan / T. Rex

John Lennon

UK music press (including Sounds)

📰 Verified Biographical Data

Name: Kieron “Spud” Murphy

Born: August 24, 1946

Passed: April 16, 2020

Profession: Rock Photographer

Nationality: Irish

📰 Notes on Attribution

All surviving images credited to Kieron Murphy remain the property of their respective copyright holders. This profile summarises his career for archival and educational purposes only.