On Air Now
Early Breakfast with Lucy Coward 4am - 6am
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.
On-stage at the Royal Opera House in Donizetti's La Fille du Regiment. Picture: Getty
An early performance with none other than Joan Sutherland at the Royal Opera House. Picture: PA
Pavarotti's signature hanky came in useful on stage...
In his natural environment, on stage with The Three Tenors. Picture: Getty
Pavarotti was a keen artist: here he is with his painting inspired by Melville's 'Moby Dick'. Picture: PA
Picture: Getty
Performing with the great conductor, Zubin Mehta. Picture: PA
Believe it or not, Pav was once presented with a horse in Oklahoma. Picture: PA
The tenor accepts a huge cake at his surprise 45th birthday party. Picture: PA
His long-time friend and musical collaborator shares a laugh. Picture: PA
Pavarotti led the Columbus Day Parade in New York, back in 1980. Picture: PA
Oh these guys? Just Frank Sinatra, Diana Ross and Montserrat Caballé... no biggie. Picture: PA
Sharing a laugh on stage with Placido Domingo and José Carreras. Picture: Getty
Picture: Getty
An early, stormy press shot for his role in Aida.
Enjoying his wedding day, with wife Nicoletta Mantovani. Picture: Getty
Well, he can't be expected to remember ALL the words, can he?
Taken from one of the concerts on his farewell tour, Pavarotti here soaks up the applause. Picture: Getty