Richard Beland Celebrates Four Decades of Iconic Music Photography with "Our Immortal Stars" at Toronto's Liss Gallery, Opening October 17
Exhibition runs: October 17 – November 29
Artist appearance: October 25
VIP Preview: 1:00pm–3:00pm; Public Opening: 6:00pm–9:00pmET
Celebrated Canadian music photographer Richard Beland continues to define the visual language of live performance with his unparalleled ability to turn sound into image. Based in Toronto, Beland has spent nearly four decades chronicling music’s most electrifying moments — from intimate portraits to explosive stage performances — creating a visual anthology that celebrates the soul of popular music.
His upcoming exhibition at Liss Gallery in Toronto, opening October 17 and closes November 29, reaffirms his reputation as a visual historian of popular music. The collection showcases decades of legendary performances and portraits, honouring both global superstars and Canada’s most beloved musicians. Each image serves as a bridge between sound and sight — a reminder that music photography remains one of the purest forms of visual storytelling.
Since 1986, Beland’s lens has captured both international superstars and Canadian icons, producing an archive that bridges generations of artistry. His body of work includes dynamic live shots and evocative studio portraits that reveal his signature precision, timing, and artistry. From Coldplay to The Tragically Hip, his photographs reflect an instinctive understanding of music’s emotional core and a lifelong devotion to the art of storytelling through imagery.
Beland’s photographs have appeared in leading international publications including Rolling Stone, SPIN, Mojo, Kerrang!, People, and Maclean’s. Over the years, his creative excellence has been recognized with numerous distinctions, including a Juno Award nomination for Album Design of the Year and Canadian Country Music Award accolades for his work with Jason McCoy and Johnny Reid.
With more than 3,000 shows photographed — including over 100 performances by The Tragically Hip — Beland’s imagery has shaped how audiences experience live music. He has photographed 11 Glastonbury Festivals, 2 Woodstock Festivals, and countless Lollapaloozas and Edgefests, earning a place among the most respected music photographers in the world.
In an age defined by social media and digital immediacy, Beland’s work remains a benchmark of authenticity and craftsmanship. His images balance technical mastery with genuine emotion, offering fans not just documentation of performances but windows into the artists’ creative essence. Every photograph invites viewers to feel the pulse, the light, and the connection between musician and audience.
As the in-house photographer at Niagara Fallsview Casino Resort since 2007, Beland’s work adorns the venue’s backstage corridors and theatre lobby, where over 200 of his prints form a permanent gallery celebrating live performance. Each image stands as a testament to his meticulous eye for composition and his passion for preserving moments that define music history.
Beyond his prolific professional portfolio, Beland is also shaping the next generation of photographers. As the Program Coordinator for the Digital Photography Program at Lambton College — which he designed himself — he mentors students with the same enthusiasm and attention to detail that define his own career. His teaching blends technical education with creative inspiration, reminding emerging artists that every image begins with vision and intent.
Beland’s creative philosophy centers on presence and purpose. “When the lights go down, I’m fully immersed in the moment,” he explains. “My goal is to create an image that feels as alive as the music itself — one that captures not just what it looks like, but what it feels like.”
As Richard Beland continues to evolve his artistry, his work endures as a vital part of music culture. Through his lens, audiences rediscover the power of music — timeless, expressive, and immortal.
