Occasionally I arrive at a gig in good time, get to meet my fellow photographers who are there, find out who's shooting for what publications/agencies. I can guage the lighting during the support acts and get a feel for what settings I may have to use.I wasn't able to do any of these for KT Tunstall's gig in Manchester last week. Some city centre roadworks and a lack of nearby parking meant I arrived at the Ritz with about 4 seconds to spare before KT took to the stage. Ms Tunstall has had a bit of a sabbatical recently. After releasing two acclaimed albums, she literally took the money and ran,...
Its when I get to shoot the biggest selling UK artist of 2010 that I know I must be doing something right. Plan B's 'The Defamation of Strickland Banks' has received great reviews from all quarters and he's sold out the Manchester Academy tonight on the back of it. The crowd is quite the mix of demographics and a suitable demonstration of his new material's mainstream appeal, and why some of my friends now hate him. Either way its a far cry from the first time I saw him perform; in this very building supporting Roots Manuva, just one young man and an acoustic guitar on stage.As far as the performance...
Like the Example concert I covered a couple of weeks ago, I thought this was probably too small a venue for Professor Green. 2010 has been quite a year for the artist, his INXS sampling 'Need You Tonight' propelled him into the limelight and follow up singles have gained him further success and mainstream appeal. He's rightfully sold out this venue with ease and the crowd are rightfully excited in anticipation of the show.A warm-up DJ takes to the stage before the band and starts spinning some big tunes to get the crowd excited. 'Katy on a Mission', 'Pon De Floor' and 'One' are well received and set the mood...
After my foray into the woods with Jaguar Jones a few sundays ago (see earlier post), I finally got the chance to see them perform live at Jabez Clegg in Manchester. Not disappointing, they draw on a wide range of influences, new and old, to create their own blend of guitar based tunes, including a few cameos from a wonderfully beefy vintage synth of Lewis'- My kind of instrument!With the photos, I decided to give the images a vintage film colour treatment, to add to the grittiness of the lighting and venue- I think they came out fantastically well and luckily the band agreed. Heres to many more...
Its not very often that you see Oscar winners knocking about in the middle of Salford, but thats exactly the sight I was greeted with as I pulled up at St. Phillips Church for my latest gig. I closed the boot of my car and look to my right to see Hollywood star Tim Robbins strolling alone around the front of the venue with casual nonchalance. He seemed to be taking in the ambience and history of this venue, admittedly one of the strangest, and most beautiful gig venues I have ever seen."Hello." I said to Tim. He smiled and reciprocated and I ventured inside, not wanting to intrude too much as he prepared...
I arrived at the Student Union with just a few minutes to spare before Examples performance, to be greeted by the most packed out Academy 2 that I have ever witnessed. Fair play really as tonights headline act has had all his singles A-listed on Radio 1 and, if anywhere, I would have expected him to be playing the main Academy venue.Making my way to the front (made easier while waving a large and heavy camera in peoples faces!), I arrive in the pit just in time as the crowd erupts and Example takes to the stage to his smash hit 'Won't Go Quietly'. After my 3 song photo allowance, I watched the rest...
