At the Guitar Show 2023, Alex Ruffini’s rock n’ roll sounded loud and clear, vibrating like the strings of a well-tuned guitar. The association ‘Cancer Drugs & Rock’n’Roll’ presented ‘Alex Ruffini – Photographer’, a limited edition photo book with 500 copies and numbered certificate of gratitude.
Alex Ruffini, internationally renowned photographer, is known for his ability to capture the essence of rock’n’roll with a simple click. His unique skill allowed him to get close to the giants of the rock scene, including Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Eric Sardinas, Tracii Guns, Joe Satriani, Chis Slade, Alice Cooper, Thomas Silver, Oni Logan, Steven Tyler, Geoff Tate, Mötley Crüe, and his beloved KISS, forming deep bonds with them that went beyond the lens of his cameras.
With over 7,300 shots that captured the rock legends and 130 covers to his name, Ruffini left an indelible mark on the landscape of rock photography. Unfortunately, his career path took an abrupt turn when, in the spring of 2017, he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.
Despite the terrible diagnosis, Alex refused to give up and turned his suffering into a charity mission. In 2018, together with his brother Martino, he gave birth to ‘Cancer Drugs & Rock’n’Roll’, a project that marries the fight against cancer with a passion for rock. His legacy lives on through his photographs and the association he helped found, offering support and hope to many through events and charitable donations.
On 18 June 2019, Alex ends his battle with cancer, but his rebellious spirit still lives on in his work and in the cause he so dedicatedly supported. His request, rather than crying, was to celebrate life and music, preferably by wearing a KISS T-shirt.
The Guitar Show 2023 resounded with the echo of his passion, thanks to the presentation of the photo book ‘Alex Ruffini – Photographer‘ by the ‘Cancer Drugs & Rock’n’Roll’ association. Besides being a vibrant tribute to Alex’s talent, the event supported a very noble cause: all proceeds from the sale of the book were donated to paediatric oncology wards throughout the Veneto region.
With a limited print run of 500 copies, the book is a window on the world of rock through Alex’s lens. The presence of illustrious guests such as Steve Saluto, Alex de Rosso, Sandro Mariuz and Chris Slade, former Ac/Dc drummer, resulted in a noteworthy celebration of rock. Slade, with his charisma, personally signed his photo in the book, catalysing the attention and affection of the crowded audience at the fair.
The Guitar Show was an opportunity to spread the association’s mission and to honour Alex’s talent. Martino Ruffini, curator of the show, tells us that his personal highlight of the event came when a young, visibly moved fan had the opportunity to meet Chris Slade. After admiring a giant picture of the drummer that morning, the girl, accompanied by her mother, was among the first on stage for an autograph on the book. This meeting, just to give a fitting example, bears witness to the unquestionable power of music and the importance of its message, which, thanks to Ruffini’s work, can continue to resonate in the profound expressiveness of his unforgettable shots.