Archive for the 'Gigs' Category

Paul Dianno ‘30th Anniversary of Iron Maiden’ Australian Tour

Published on March 11, 2010 in Gigs and Music. 0 Comments Tags: Iron Maiden, NWOBHM, Paul Dianno.

Paul Dianno 30th Anniversary of Iron Maiden Tour

Whilst there can be no doubt that Iron Maiden recorded a couple of classic albums with Bruce Dickinson, for this punter, the absolute best music Iron Maiden ever spawned – lie in the grooves of the first two albums. The self-titled masterpiece ‘Iron Maiden’ and the equally amazing ‘Killers’ – have both stood the test of time and clearly illustrated a band at its absolute best.

The Paul Dianno led Iron Maiden spawned, influenced and defined the Metal genre.

Hardline Media is proud to announce the “Paul Dianno 30th Anniversary of Iron Maiden Tour”. This is a very special tour, marking the 30th Anniversary of the debut self titled Iron Maiden LP. For the first and only time in history, you will hear every song from the debut Iron Maiden LP played live, along with multiple tracks from Killers, Iron Maiden’s legendary second album. Some of the songs from the first LP have not been played live for nearly 30 years, so this is a very special occasion for Australian fans, as this occasion looks set to only happen here in Oz.

Iron Maiden’s debut album shot the band to stardom to become one of the most influential bands in history, with the bands total sales well over 100 million. Paul Dianno was an integral part of the band, singing on their first two albums, ‘Iron Maiden’ and ‘Killers’. Tickets look set to sell fast so get in quick, and there will be special “V.I.P.” packages available for the die hard fans. These packages will get you entry to the show, a merch bag, tour poster and a meet and greet with the Beast himself, Paul Dianno. Please contact Hardline Media at hardlinem@yahoo.com for more info on these packages.

PAUL DIANNO 30TH ANNIVERSARY OF IRON MAIDEN TOUR

Thu 17 June – Bar On The Hill – Newcastle
Fri 18 June – Waves – Wollongong
Sat 19 June – Gaelic Theatre – Sydney
Sun 20 June – ANU – Canberra
Thu 24 June – The Espy Gershwin Room – Melbourne
Fri 25 June – Republic Bar – Hobart
Sat 26 June – Fowlers Live – Adelaide
Sun 27 June – Amplifier – Perth
Tue 29 June – Rosies – Brisbane
Thu 1 July – Al’s Bar – Christchurch – New Zealand
Fri 2 July – Bodega’s – Wellington – New Zealand
Sat 3 July – Transmission Room – Auckland – New Zealand

Supports to be announced and more info available below:

www.myspace.com/hardlinemedia
www.pauldianno.com

Can’t wait for this one and I will be fortunate enough to be photographing the Melbourne show. See you there!

Nashville Pussy Live @ The Espy, Melbourne, Australia

Published on March 10, 2010 in Gigs, Music and My Photography. 0 Comments Tags: Nashville Pussy, The Espy.

Nashville Pussy Live @ The Espy, Melbourne, Australia

I think I inhaled enough second-hand dope smoke tonight, that I will wake up in the morning and the world, no doubt, will be spinning!

You know it is going to be a damn hot night of pure Southern Rock the minute you walk into the hallowed grotty floor of the Espy. You can feel it in your bones even before the band, in this case, Nashville Pussy, have even set foot on the stage.

Never really checked these guys out but after tonight’s showing… geez, they sure can rock it with the best of them.

Photographically speaking, I was re-united with my beloved 25-105mm lens, having picked it up from the repair shop this afternoon. The lens has been out of commission since the Ace Frehley tour of last month, and you can bet your bottom dollar I have missed it so. For a pub gig environment, it is the perfect lens and it was a huge struggle to be without it this past month.

I put it through it’s paces tonight, and it was like being reunited with an old friend.

As stated, the band tore it up big time and had their rabid following loving every single minute of it. The rock was pounding, the whiskey was plentiful and the Espy well and truly got its collective ass kicked to hell and back.

For the complete Nashville Pussy experience, head on over to the Visceral Industry.

Nashville Pussy Live @ The Espy, Melbourne, Australia

H.I.M Live @ The Hifi Bar, Melbourne, Australia

Published on February 26, 2010 in Gigs, Music, My Photography and Photography. 0 Comments Tags: Australia, H.I.M., Hifi Bar, His Infernal Majesty, Melbourne, Ville Valo.

H.I.M Live @ The Hifi Bar, Melbourne, Australia

It’s always a treat getting to shoot a band you absolutely adore! Having been a huge H.I.M fan for quite a few years now, I was greatly anticipating the opportunity to photograph these guys.

Which is saying something. Earlier in the day I won a pass to go and see the incredible Faith No More but I surrendered that ticket to my cousin. Couple that with the fact that also, Meshuggah were doing a show elsewhere – I decided to stick with Ville and the boys and finally get to photograph this truly incredible band.

From the outset, The Hifi Bar was packed to the rafters. I was there about an hour early, made my way to the photo-pit and just could not believe the heat inside this place.

A hot night for rock and roll!

I shot tonight totally with my new 70-200mm – wanting to put it through the ringer and see what I could achieve with it. Granted, I am missing the hell out of my 24-105mm lens which is still getting repaired – but I thought it would be a good challenge to see what this new baby could do. I was pleased with the results. Even without the IS (Image Stablization) I managed to get some good, crisp, sharp results. I also fiddled around with my White Balance tonight and was trying for a more warm, ambient atmosphere.

I didn’t stay past my allotted three song limit in the photo-pit but as far as I could tell, it was proving to be a pretty raucous and fun gig. I’m sure the packed Hifi Bar had themselves a great night tonight.

And as much as I love the band, I was more concerned with my photos to worry about anything else…

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Life On The Road: On Tour With Ace Frehley

Published on February 7, 2010 in Gigs, Music and My Photography. 18 Comments Tags: Ace Frehley, Adelaide, Australia, Brisbane, KISS, Melbourne, Perth, Sydney.

Ace Frehley Australian Tour 2010

For just over a year now, I have been taking live music photography. It has been quite an adventure and each and every gig I have shot has come with its own experience and story to tell. And for me, that is where the beauty and true majesty of photography truly lies. Bottom line, its ability to leave you with a story or an experience is what it is all about. And there have been many stories to tell.

Last year I was asked if I would like to be the tour photographer for Ace Frehley’s October fan meet & greet in Melbourne.

“Sure!” I excitedly said.

10 minutes later another email signalled its arrival in my inbox… “Would you be able to do the whole tour?”

I recall just staring at my screen in sheer disbelief for several shell-shocked seconds! I was staring at a chance in a lifetime and I sure as hell was not going to let this go… Opportunities like this only present themselves so often so I agreed to do the whole tour.

A few weeks later, the tour was postponed and I thought my opportunity had disappeared before it could even materialise.

When the tour was rescheduled, I was once again asked to take my seat as the photog and we were all systems go from this point!

I found myself counting down the days and using this time to prepare myself for every-possible-situation that could arise. I put a lot of thought into it and spent time and money on additional gear and peripherals so that I could be ready at all times.

Little did I know the catastrophe that would befall me throughout…

Read on dear readers…

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The Horrors Live @ The Corner Hotel, Melbourne, Australia

Published on January 27, 2010 in Gigs, Music and My Photography. 0 Comments Tags: Corner Hotel, The Horrors.

The Horrors Live @ The Corner Hotel, Melbourne, Australia

I feel like a dog chasing its very own tail at times. The chase for a photo-pass to the Horrors’ Corner Hotel gig came down to the wire – and very well never materialized!

On the actual day of the gig, I thought I wasn’t going to be able to shoot these guys as no official confirmation had been forthcoming so it was an anxious day as I waited for my Inbox to sound that old familiar chime – and for confirmation to arrive.

Arrive it did. The obligatory “3 songs, no flash” edict was there as was an escorted exit out of the venue upon completion of those 3 songs.

And of course, just as my Horrors accreditation arrived so did one for the Fear Factory gig over at the Prince Bandroom across the other side of town. Same night. Same times.

Now, if only I could be at two places at once hey?

I decided to do The Horrors.

Arriving at the Corner Hotel an hour before the band was to hit the stage, I was told that there could only be one photographer at a time in the pit. As I was the first there, I was scheduled to go first.

In total, there were 4 photogs present. I hadn’t seen these guys at other shows I have shot so we quickly exchanged pleasantries and planned our strategy for the night.

We were to take turns doing a song each for three songs. Sounded fair.

I went in first and noticed that all the backlights were shining directly into my face and lens. Sigh! It was going to be tough to get a decent shot but I planned to make the best of the lighting and try and get some decent silhouettes happening.

After we all had a turn each within the segmented photo-pit area, security pulled the pin and didn’t allow us in again. That’s how it goes and as unfortunate as that is, one song is still better than no songs.

As for the band, well, I have been a fan from the minute I heard the first album and it is quite evident that these guys are going to be the biggest thing in long, long time. If they can keep it together – I am easily seeing world domination happening. They have this undying aura and quality about them with a uniquely marvellous retro-goth-punk-indie-alt groove.

Just fucking magnificent.
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Chimaira Live @ Billboard, Melbourne, Australia

Published on January 16, 2010 in Gigs, Music and My Photography. 0 Comments Tags: Australia, Billboard, Chimaira, Melbourne.

Chimaira Live @ Billboard, Melbourne, Australia

Tonight was one of the hardest shoots I’ve had to endure.

The allotted three-song limit was quickly cut down to half a song as the frantic security in the photo-pit alongside me – had their hands full within seconds of the band hitting the stage. Seconds!

This was akin to a veritable war-zone! Bodies flying everywhere! Three Doc Martin clad headbangers came flying over crashing into the photogs and security before the band had even hit the bridge of the first song and before I could even get my camera settings correct, a stage diver flew right over me, clipping my lens hood as he came crashing into the crowd behind me. Mayhem folks! Mayhem!

For as empty and sparse as the pit was at the Rotting Christ/Dark Funeral gig a couple of weeks ago, is as full and claustrophobic tonight’s was.

There was absolutely no room to move and with Chimaira in absolutely scintillating form (gosh, they were fucking phenomenal tonight!) and a maniacal, rabid crowd who were more like a pack of starving sharks circling a kill – it proved to be an intensely brutal gig. On stage, off-stage, in the pit… everyone got sucked into the blitzkrieg and were spat out the other end in pure Metal ferocity.

Insane! Just insane as the band were in some sorta serious form tonight. Precision like playing and serving song after song in a sublime first-class performance.

Who the fuck knew these guys were this good?

Not me.

So with all the action on offer, as stated, it was a hard gig to shoot. Kicked out of the pit within 90 seconds, I found a spot on the side of the stage and stayed there for the majority of the band’s amazing set where I tried as best as I could to get some shots!

A classic gig!

Phew!

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Dark Funeral & Rotting Christ Live @ Billboard, Melbourne, Australia

Published on January 5, 2010 in Gigs, Music and My Photography. 3 Comments Tags: Billboard, Black Metal, Dark Funeral, Rotting Christ.

Dark Funeral & Rotting Christ Live @ Billboard, Melbourne, Australia

With the near-encounter with Rotting Christ yesterday in the streets of Melbourne, seriously – what better way to kick off 2010’s gig photography with a nice touch of Black Metal evilness?

I was scheduled to shoot both Rotting Christ and headliners Dark Funeral at Billboard tonight – one of my fave venues to shoot at by the way – for Heavy Metal website and all round cool dudes, Metal Obsession.

Surprisingly, there were no bouncers in the photo-pit tonight and the show was only being shot by two photographers. Myself and someone else, who’s name I didn’t catch unfortunately. We had plenty of room to move in and I used this opportunity to shoot from both sides of the stage. I have a nasty habit of staying in the one spot during a shoot and not fully utilizing my space to get the artist from all sorts of different angles. What can I tell you, I’m a creature of habit.

And so with the lack of security and tons of space to work with, I endeavored to capture Rotting Christ from as many angles as possible. Certainly was great not to be hampered by a three-song limit so I stayed and shot the band for the majority of their impressive set.

As they hail from Greece, where my heritage is from, it was cool hearing the band members talk in Greek amongst themselves between songs and fully understand what was being said! Ha!

I was pleasantly surprised by the band’s energetic, well received and damn good set. I had a misconception about these guys and always felt they were much, much heavier – but they put in a blistering performance and certainly won me over. Really need to check out some of their discography, because on tonight’s showing, they obliterated!

By the time Dark Funeral hit the stage, all decked out in the Black Metal Satanic corpse-paint and the like, I was feeling a little weary. (And it probably shows in my photos of these guys). I have much respect for band’s that go that extra mile on a visual front – it always makes for more interesting photos, but tonight, I just wasn’t feeling it.

They were super-loud and often times, it all got lost in a blitz of speed and volume. I had my back resting against the P.A. system and all I could ~~hear~~ feel, was a blur of rapid sound rattling my rib-cage. (That was kinda fun!)

I shot as much of the band as I could from the side of the photo-pit and called it a night after that.

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Lamb Of God, Devil Driver, Shadow’s Fall Live @ Festival Hall, Melbourne, Australia

Published on December 16, 2009 in Gigs, Music and My Photography. 2 Comments Tags: Devil Driver, Festival Hall, Lamb Of God, Melbourne, Shadow's Fall.

Lamb Of God, Devil Driver, Shadow's Fall Live @ Festival Hall, Melbourne, Australia

After a long tiring day at work, I drove straight to Festival Hall and arrived at 6.30. Waiting half an hour to get my alloted photo pass at the box office, I then made my way round to the rear where I hoped I, and 3 other fellow photogs would be let in to begin shooting. High On Fire hit the stage a little after 7.15 – yet there was no one waiting for us to let us in. We could hear the band playing inside – but we stuck outside. Helpless. Frustrated. And might I say, a little more than just peeved off.

Such a frustrating time standing there – and no one bothering to let us in even if we were all brandishing our photo-passes. I skipped dinner for this?

I also had two free tickets to the show as well, and whilst my buddy was already inside – I couldn’t go in as I had the camera with me. So basically, we were missing the entire thing.

A little aside… a young lad approached us and told us he had met with some of the band’s earlier today, but they didn’t give him a pass. He told us he was from Columbia and a headbanger. His words, not mine. Knowing full well I had tickets on me, I asked him if he would like to go to the show. He looked at me all surprised and I literally saw his gaze become excited. I handed him the ticket and the poor fella was almost in tears. He couldn’t believe it! “This has never happened to me!” he excitedly said! And I replied… “dude, go inside! Enjoy the show!’

Felt good doing that good deed. Made me feel great inside.

Now, back to our dilemma. After pleading with the venue staff stiffs who seemed to utter the words “I know nothing” more than Sgt Schultz of Hogan’s Heroe’s fame – one finally stopped to listen, heard our case and organised for us to go inside.

He said he could take us in for the first three songs of each act, then promptly escort us back out. I tried to tell him that isn’t what the promoter told me would happen tonight. He said we could go put our cameras away and be let in. Sigh! None of us were in the mood to go and pack away our gear 3 times a night, so I think in the end – we were just thankful to be able to do what we were here for… shoot some pics!

Unbelievable. Why do I do this exactly? Isn’t this supposed to be fun?

So routinely after the allotted three songs, we would be escorted back outside.

We could hear the band playing inside, but we just sat there and waited to be let back in.

As stupid, moronic and downright degrading as this was… I did enjoy the company of my fellow photogs. Annie, Viktor & Scott – you guys rock!

Absolute pleasure meeting you all tonight – even if I have seen you all in the traps before – it was great hanging out with ya and trading some war stories!

The bands… well apart from Lamb Of God – who were in absolutely scintillating form and tore Festival Hall a new one (well, what I saw of ‘em in three songs!) – Shadow’s Fall were ok too, but I thought Devil Driver were pretty disappointing to be honest. Certainly a class or two below the performance that Lamb Of God brought to the table.

Anyway. Another gig. Another story to tell. Another slab of photos to share. (after the jump)

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Dream Theater Live @ The Palais, Melbourne, Australia

Published on December 8, 2009 in Gigs, Music and My Photography. Closed Tags: Australia, Dream Theater, Melbourne, St.Kilda, The Palais Theatre.

Dream Theater Live @ The Palais, Melbourne, Australia

With the past couple of gigs I have shot being two of the most rewarding experiences in the fledgling attempt at a career – a bad night was just around the corner.

I had never shot at the Palais before. This was to be my first night so I knew not what to expect. Although she is a gorgeous, classic venue and pretty much right in my own neighbourhood, I didn’t know what would be in store for me photographically.

From the outset, the challenge had been set.

The promoter only allowed the first 15 minutes of the show for photography, before then being escorted out of the venue.

I can live with that. I would have to do my absolute best in the allotted time to try and capture the best I could.

Unfortunately, the Palais doesn’t really cater to photography. There was no designated photo-pit area but I, and my fellow photogs, would have to stand in the aisle on either side.

Boy, did this prove to be a monumental task.

Visibility was hard and I was only armed with a 105mm lens – which just wasn’t to cut it tonight. Further evidence I really need to invest in a 70-200mm – fast!

Shooting from such an acute angle was so difficult.

I just wasn’t feeling it tonight, no matter how much I tried.

As I was leaving the venue, I was also confronted by the promoter who practically bit my head off because it was deemed I was standing in a punter’s way. I apologised profusely and stated my case that I simply did not know if I was in anyone’s way and that is something I would never do willingly and knowingly.

It all left a bitter taste in one’s mouth. I felt as if I was working very, very hard in extremely trying conditions for absolutely zero reward.

It’s a hard caper this rock n roll photography. Some nights are just magical, there is no doubt about that – but tonight… tonight is one I’d rather soon forget.

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Les Claypool Live @ The Forum, Melbourne, Australia

Published on December 5, 2009 in Gigs, Music and My Photography. Closed Tags: Les Claypool, Melbourne, Primus, The Forum.

Les Claypool Live @ The Forum, Melbourne, Australia

I was running so late tonight, that I thought I would miss the start of the show an of course, my allotted shooting in the first three songs. I barely made it by the skin of my teeth and by the time I got into the photo-pit – the lights had dimmed and Les Claypool and his masked cohorts had hit the stage.

To be perfectly honest, I hadn’t done my homework tonight and really, did not know what to expect. My knowledge of Les and his music is pretty much entrenched in Primus folklore – so I was not prepared for the musical brilliance that was about to envelop me. I mean sure, who doesn’t know of Mr Claypool’s prowess on the bass. And sure, who isn’t aware of the man’s quirky eccentricness – but I can assure you here and now – I was completely and utterly blown away by what I experienced tonight.

It was all such a strange sight to behold.

Looking like something akin to the League Of Extraordinary Gentlemen, the band (drums, percussion/xylophone, cello) were all masked. Les himself looked like a strange steampunk Doctor Fu Manchu. It was all so mind-fuckingly surreal, ethereal and a trip! I shudder to think what folks with a few ales in them made of the whole thing?

“Is that a pig onstage?!?!”

“Better yet, is that George W himself on that there xy-lo-phone???!?”

You couldn’t wipe the smile off my face.

I appreciate so much when a band goes to some effort to visually entertain the crowd – and of course, the photographers.

As strange and utterly bizarre the band looked – the sound was simply breathtaking. To be able to witness this bass virtuoso so close, and to be amongst the privileged few allowed to photograph him tonight – just made my day. Quite honestly, this would have to have been the most unique and entertaining gigs I have been to this year. As much as I enjoyed shooting Les and the band, I equally enjoyed the show and music on offer twice as much.

Photographically, I shot in TV mode once again tonight. Shutter speed was switched from 1/40 and at one point I went to 1/250. ISO was predominantly at 800 but then I kicked it back to Auto for the majority of the set. Partial Metering was in force, shooting in Continuous Mode and AI Focus. That’s as technical as I can take it at this point.

As an aside, the shots you are seeing in this set – are all straight out of the camera. I haven’t done any post-processing at this stage as frankly – I don’t really think they need any work. Granted, I’ll do some edits in a few days – but for now – what you see is what I shot.

Gosh, what a freaking amazing evening’s entertainment! Wow!

If you would like to comment on this article, please do so here.

View the complete set of photos here.

Continue reading ‘Les Claypool Live @ The Forum, Melbourne, Australia’

Amon Amarth Live @ Billboard, Melbourne, Australia

Published on November 28, 2009 in Gigs, Music and My Photography. Closed Tags: Amon Amarth, Billboard.

Amon Amarth Live @ Billboard, Melbourne, Australia

I’ve lost track of the number of gigs I have seen throughout the course of 2009. Trust me, there has been a few. One of the perks of shooting live music is that you get to see the gig for free so with that in mind, one does become a little complacent. It seems, at times, that one gig just rolls into the other and at the end of the day – it can get all rather stale.

Not tonight. Not tonight boys and girls. Amon Amarth were simply fucking phenomenal. For me, this was the gig of the year such was the power and ferocity that these guys utterly impressed and blew me away!

Rocking up to Billboard half an hour before the band was to hit the stage, I was told there weren’t any photo passes left but for me to just relay that info to the bouncers. Great, I was to wade through the gathered throng and make my way to the front of the venue with no pass to speak of. Once I got to the pit I said to the bouncer, “Is it a three song limit tonight?” Before he could even answer, I was in the pit and my minor problem of being without a pass – was solved.

You could certainly feel the electricity in the room tonight. So much so that another bouncer approached me and said, “It looks like it is going to get nuts from the get-go. You’ve got one song and one song only to photograph!”

What?

I felt a little devastated and quickly devised a strategy in my head to try and shoot as much as I could in that one song. I told him I had been promised three and that I would do my best to keep out of his way – but he was to have none of it. He then said I could stand on the side of stage left and shoot away for the rest of the night.

Nice!

In the end, he was correct. There were bodies flying almost immediately and the crowd was matching the frenzy of the most awesome, mind-blowing Power Metal that was pouring off the stage.

In a moment of levity, before the band hit the stage I noticed that one of the band’s roadies was signalling with his torch the top of a doorway. No why would he be doing that? It looked the size of a normal doorway and nothing to concern himself over. And then it hit me, when I saw the size of lead singer Johan Hegg – a throwback to when Northern European men were indeed vikings (!) – it all made sense!

Billboard was just re-splendid tonight! Easy to see why the ole girl is one of my fave venues to shoot in. Tonight, the backline had been moved way back and the stage looked huge. The band had some gorgeous backdrops which just added to the whole Metal feel of it all and the band used the stage like the seasoned pros that they are.

Fuck man, I was simply blown away. You just could not wipe the smile off my face as I was enjoying these guys so much and having a wonderful time shooting them.

Personally, I felt as if I took some of my best shots to date as I totally felt it tonight. In the zone with the camera and riding every bump with the band. Beautifully lit and willingly posing for shots throughout the course of the night.

What a fun night this was. What an amazing live band they truly are!

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Opeth Live @ The Palace, Melbourne, Australia

Published on November 26, 2009 in Gigs, Music and My Photography. Closed Tags: Opeth, The Palace.

Opeth Live @ The Palace, Melbourne, Australia

I had never shot at the Palace before so it was to be a night of firsts. I made my way to the front of the stage 20 minutes before Opeth were to kick off their set. I wanted to familiarise myself with the front of the venue and get a feel for the place – as you do. I fired off some test shots as I was going to shoot in TV (Time Value) mode so I needed to see what sort of light was on offer.

With 10 minutes to show time, I made my way into the designated photo-pit and sternly checked my gear again and waited for the band. Several other photogs made their way to the pit. Some new faces tonight and one photog approached me and said “You know, you should smile more often?” She took me by surprise and I responded with “Excuse me?”

“You look so serious!” she said. I laughed out loud and introduced myself.

She said, “You can smile and still be Metal you know. Not even Bloodduster are this serious.”

I guess I must have looked pretty intense, but I always feel a little tense before the band hits the stage. So many thoughts running though my head! Concentrate! Get the shot! Anticipate! Get the shot!

The last time I got to see Opeth live, I was armed with nothing but my iPhone to try and get a photo or two.

Although that gig was only just over a year ago, I wasn’t shooting bands at that point, but I remember thinking to myself just how amazing it would be to get that opportunity.

Here we are 12 months down the track and that opportunity had finally arrived.

The three-song limit had been cut back to two but thankfully, Opeth songs are mostly epic and vast and almost always span for ten minutes at a time. The restricted limit wouldn’t be too bad. I mean, driving to work this morning and listening to Opeth in the car, I only got to hear one track in my usual 15 minute drive.

The stage is pretty high at the Palace so I did find it a little tricky to get some good face shots of lead crooner Mikael Åkerfeldt but apart from that, I completely enjoyed shooting at the Palace.

Opeth, as always, were meticulously brilliant. I did feel they concentrated a little more on their mellower stuff tonight and felt that the gig in September of last year was a better performance. I was clamoring for a rendition of ‘Master’s Apprentices’ but alas, it wasn’t forthcoming.

A big thank you to Leticia and all the gang at Metal As Fuck.

And a nice little mention on the Roadrunner Records site can be seen here.

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Arch Enemy Live @ The Forum, Melbourne, Australia

Published on November 6, 2009 in Gigs, Music and My Photography. 2 Comments Tags: Angela Gossow, Arch Enemy.

Arch Enemy Live @ The Forum, Melbourne, Australia

I heard about Arch Enemy’s tour of Australia back in June. I’ve been a fan of the band for a while and last saw them at Festival Hall a few years ago in support of Megadeth. I definitely wanted the opportunity to photograph them so I decided to email the band via their website. When the promoter all but ignores you – cut out the middle man and go straight to the source.

Having said that, I really wasn’t expecting any sort of response but a day later, there was an email in my inbox that read:

hey John,

no problem.. if we can use the pictures as well..

dont forget to bring me a b-day cake, haha..

i will add you to the GL for the Melbourne show

cheers

Angela

Hmm? Angela? Nah! Couldn’t be!!!

Sure enough, the band’s lead singer Angela Gossow had personally responded and provided a photo-pass for me for the forthcoming Melbourne show. How totally freaking cool is that? If only other bands were so hands on and actually gave a crap about photographers and the like – it would certainly make our work a helluva lot easier! I totally thought this was a world-class move by Angela and one I certainly won’t forget in a hurry.

As the initial contact was made several months ago – I emailed Angela once again a week before the show and indeed, she had all but organized for my pass tonight.

Arriving at the Forum, already the foundations were being shook to the ground. New York’s Suffocation were blowing the place to bits and as I approached the doorman to get my credentials, I felt a tinge of nervousness overwhelm me. Shit, what if my name isn’t on the door? What if Angela didn’t get round to getting it all organized?

I needn’t have concerned myself. The pass was sitting and waiting for me so I made my way through the hallowed doors of the Forum. (Have I mentioned just how much I love this venue?)

Flashing my pass, I got to walk through the crowd and straight into the pit where I spent some time shooting the tail-end of Suffocation’s set (photos will be online soon).

Again, there were familiar photogs and faces in the photo-pit and again, we traded some war-stories about previous shoots, dodging bottles and Dr Marten imprints in our backs.

Arch Enemy took the stage just after 10.30pm and the gathered Metal throng was in pure rapture.

With a three song limit in force, I started frantically going for broke as the band hit the stage.

The band were in fine form and a blistering, concise and brutal Metal set delivered with finesse, style and a ton of class was mercilessly dumped onto an eager Melbourne Metal crowd.

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Poison The Well Live @ The Corner Hotel, Melbourne, Australia

Published on October 23, 2009 in Gigs, Music and My Photography. 1 Comment Tags: Poison The Well.

Poison The Well Live @ The Corner Hotel, Melbourne, Australia

I’m not usually a fan of the Metalcore genre. For the most part, it’s raucous nature and somewhat pretentious technical stylings leaves me scratching my head. It sounds like each individual band member is playing a different song.

But I wanted to photograph such a gig and in the end, I was pleasantly surprised with Poison The Well’s set which was injected with melody throughout. I will definitely be checking out some of their discography as frankly, I really liked what I heard tonight.

I’ve shot a couple of times now at the Corner Hotel so I pretty much knew what to expect.

An hour or so before the main act, I went for a brief walk through the room and took some practice shots to get a feel for the limited lights so I could set the right exposure on the camera.

Tonight there was a dedicated photo-pit and I was unsure if the bouncers would let us shoot through the whole set – or we’d get a limited amount of time. At the recent Deathstars show, the pit was all of half-a-foot deep – which made it practically impossible to work in. Thankfully tonight, I had a bit more room to maneuver.

We were granted about 4 songs before the bouncers moved us on, but I managed to stand at the side of the stage and continued to shoot unabated.

I am starting to feel like a bit of a rock photog veteran at times. I am seeing familiar fellow photographers at shows who for the most part – are some of the nicest bunch of blokes (& gals) one could meet. It is always fun trading war stories and I am always eager to hear how a fellow photog does his thing. I’m like a sponge soaking up as much knowledge and tips as I could get.

View the complete set of photos here.
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Slayer & Megadeth

Published on October 13, 2009 in Gigs and Music. 3 Comments Tags: Festival Hall, Megadeth, Slayer.

It felt strange attending a gig where I wasn’t strapped with a camera bag on my back and a heavy camera around my neck! But tonight, I was here merely as a spectator and a fan – even though it would have been a blast photographing a couple of bands I have been listening to since their inception(!)

A few years ago, I caught Megadeth on their Australian Gigantour shows at this very venue, Festival Hall. It was a blistering set from the band and an absolutely classic gig. Check out our archives for a full review.

Tonight, the band was plagued by sound problems and after the third song, stormed off the stage to Mustaine’s disgust. They returned about 10 minutes later when the source of the sound problems had been sorted.

To be honest, they weren’t anything special tonight. No where near as powerful and magnificent as the last time I saw them and in the end, it was all pretty standard fare from Megadeth.

And then there was Slayer.

I knew we were about to have our brains melted when I saw the stacks of Marshall amps, three stacks high and about 8-10 long. Insanity!

And I was right. This was the most painfully loud gig I have ever experienced. In fact, it was just way too loud. Yeah, yeah, “too loud, too old” – fuck you, I’ve seen Motorhead – who probably left me with permanent ear damage back in the early 80’s. Well this was louder. Much louder.

Unfortunately, Tom Araya had pretty much lost his voice so we were left with just instrumental versions of Slayer classics and the occasional fan from the audience providing lead vocals. Kudos to the band for soldiering on, as it was MAGNIFICENT seeing the sublime Dave Lombardo show why he is one of the finest drummers out there today – but in the end, I felt a little disappointed that we got this limited show.

All in all, what could have been a classic performance end up being just average.