Pavarotti in pictures: the 18 most iconic images of the great tenor
On this day in 1963, Luciano Pavarotti made his Royal Opera House debut, playing Rodolfo in La Boheme - here are the most iconic pictures of the man himself, spanning his life and career.
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1. La Fille du Regiment
On-stage at the Royal Opera House in Donizetti's La Fille du Regiment. Picture: Getty
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2. Early days
An early performance with none other than Joan Sutherland at the Royal Opera House. Picture: PA
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3. A quick mop of the brow
Pavarotti's signature hanky came in useful on stage...
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4. With The Three Tenors
In his natural environment, on stage with The Three Tenors. Picture: Getty
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5. Pavarotti the artist
Pavarotti was a keen artist: here he is with his painting inspired by Melville's 'Moby Dick'. Picture: PA
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6. An emotional moment
Picture: Getty
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7. With Zubin Mehta
Performing with the great conductor, Zubin Mehta. Picture: PA
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8. Horsing around
Believe it or not, Pav was once presented with a horse in Oklahoma. Picture: PA
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9. Many happy returns
The tenor accepts a huge cake at his surprise 45th birthday party. Picture: PA
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10. With Placido Domingo
His long-time friend and musical collaborator shares a laugh. Picture: PA
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11. On horseback
Pavarotti led the Columbus Day Parade in New York, back in 1980. Picture: PA
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12. Quite a line-up
Oh these guys? Just Frank Sinatra, Diana Ross and Montserrat Caballé... no biggie. Picture: PA
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13. With The Three Tenors
Sharing a laugh on stage with Placido Domingo and José Carreras. Picture: Getty
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14. In performance
Picture: Getty
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15. Aida
An early, stormy press shot for his role in Aida.
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16. Wedding Day
Enjoying his wedding day, with wife Nicoletta Mantovani. Picture: Getty
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17. Checking the words
Well, he can't be expected to remember ALL the words, can he?
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18. Farewell
Taken from one of the concerts on his farewell tour, Pavarotti here soaks up the applause. Picture: Getty
