By its theme, the book also chronicles some of the legendary excesses that led such stars as Harry Nilsson, the Beach Boys' Dennis Wilson, T Rex's Marc Bolan, and scores of others to their early exits. Chesher, however, chooses to downplay that element.
"It's truly not about dead people as much as it is about how amazing these musicians were," Chesher says as she sips a latte during a recent interview at a friend's art studio.
"The theme is resurrection. I'm bringing them back to life with pictures that have never been seen before and that were taken at a time when they were all extremely vibrant and productive - which is how I like to remember them."
As much a fan as a photographer when she started, the native Canadian arrived in Los Angeles in the mid-1970s with a 35mm camera and a portfolio of touring rock acts she had photographed as they passed through Vancouver. She was soon working at all the local music haunts, shooting musicians for albums, concert posters, and publicity photos.
Although some typical "rock star as deity" poses make it into "Everybody I Shot," most of the 48 people profiled in its pages are captured in a way that reflects more of a human side. There is a joyous George Harrison on stage in embroidered jeans and bright yellow shirt, and a relaxed Maurice Gibb of the Bee Gees visiting backstage with family and friends.
Little Feat's Lowell George is playfully making bunny ears behind record executive Mo Ostin's head as Ostin reviews a contract the two are about to sign. Michael Bloomfield even takes his turn behind the camera, producing some blurry black-and-white images in an apparently misguided attempt at art photography.
Not all that long after he took those photos, the guitarist died of a drug overdose at age 37. It was a tragedy that still brings Chesher to tears.
Others, such as George, who was 34 when he suffered a fatal heart attack, died young after years of hard living. Still others, like Bolan, who was 29, perished in car crashes or, in the case of former teen idol Rick Nelson, plane crashes.
