Tributes have poured in for a "pioneer" music photographer who has died.

Mick Hutson, who lived in Brighton Marina, worked with Nirvana, Primal Scream, David Bowie and dozens of other world renowned artists during his career.

The 58-year-old was described as a “beautiful man” by friends following his death last Thursday, June 1.

Mick captured more than 80 front covers for rock magazine Metal Hammer and travelled all over the world to capture images of music stars during his 37 year career.

Darren Sadler, a friend and former colleague of Mick, told The Argus: "My first ever press trip for Metal Hammer was with Mick some 20-odd years ago - we went to Oklahoma to cover Slipknot.

“He was instantly likeable, charming and encouraging. Watching him work was fantastic and, of course, the results were stunning.

"Mick's legacy speaks for itself - there wasn't an artist he hasn't shot and so many of his pictures have become culturally iconic, even if you didn't see the credit. From Macca to Aerosmith, from Brian Blessed to James Brown, from Ozzy Osbourne to The Modfather, Paul Weller, he shot them all.

"He loved living on Brighton Marina and posted daily shots of his life on his social media accounts, capturing the beauty of the area. 

"A mentor to many professionals, the creative industry has lost a true pioneer and gifted individual. I'm truly sorry that he couldn't find inner peace. Much love to his family and children." 

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Mick was born in Newcastle in May 1965 and grew up in Aberdeen.

Before his photography career, Mick worked in the North Sea as an oil worker in 1984.

He went on to start Mick Hutson Photography from 1986 and became known for his work with Metal Hammer, Classic Rock and Q magazines among others.

His illustrious career saw him picture Ozzy Osbourne, Paul McCartney, Michael Jackson, the Stones, Elton John and Fatboy Slim.

Robyn Doreian, Metal Hammer editor between 1994 and 2001, said: "I met Mick Hutson in 1994 when I became Metal Hammer's editor. Both Taureans and bull-ish, we shared the ethos that images were of equal significance to the monthly's words.

"He delivered gorgeous transparencies and prints, often in the most uninspiring circumstances, such as the visiting room of a former Nazi goal in Norway in 1996.

"Or at the Four Seasons hotel in Berlin in 1999, where in Kirk Hammett's room, he coaxed the Metallica guitarist to shed his clobber and mount a posh toilet seat, his manhood shielded by a black ESP guitar. Mick clicked the shutter hard and partied equally hard.

"He was loyal and gentle. He was my friend. His art, humour and Aberdeen smile will be forever missed."

His friends said Mick had a hard work ethic and even retrained temporarily as a coach driver during lockdown when the music industry completely stopped.

A tribute from the people who run the late David Bowie’s Facebook account read: “Sad to learn of the passing of rock photographer Mick Hutson who photographed Bowie on a few occasions.

“Among his more memorable shots of DB, is this one of David and Annie Lennox performing Under Pressure at the Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert at Wembley Stadium for AIDS Awareness in 1992.”

Tributes described Mick as an “amazing friend” and “kind, loving person”.

Dani Brown said: “You are one of the few genuinely kind and loving people I have ever had the pleasure to know.

“I know you had your demons and you fought hard against them for so long. All I can hope for now is that you are no longer in pain.

“I will always hold you close to my heart and I will always love you.”

Myk Fyvie said he was a “true gent gone too early”.

Stephen Hawke said: “Rest in peace Mick. Always a gent to me and so generous with your photography advice.

“So very sad to hear this news and sending sincerest condolences to family and friends.”

Diane Davies said: “A massive loss, such a talented photographer and lovely man, RIP Mick.”

An inquest into his death is being held in Chichester next Tuesday, June 13, at 9.30am.