News / Blog - Gigs & Bands News

SHOCK, HORROR.....

Maybe the 'Good old days' really were the best?

This week has been a great one for music lovers. Danny Baker has been on TV talking about iconic Albums, the format, the all-time greats and the influence they have had on society as a whole.
Each of the episodes featured a small but knowledgable panel who explored many classic recordings.
I'm pleased to say that I own quite a few of these:-)
I am dusting them off as I write and I intend to get to know a few favourites again....

Of course it was inevitable that the featured Albums were mostly produced years and even decades ago. So I asked myself the obvious question... were the old days really better?

I thought that the answer was obvious and without doubt... of course they were!

On Friday night I had my thoughts confirmed whilst at the Dog House watching Elysium perform two brilliant sets featuring many classics and a few less well known songs by one of the Bands on the 'Greats' list in Danny Bakers series. The Band was Pink Floyd.

I can still remember hearing 'Dark Side of the Moon' for the first time. It was at Birnam Court Hotel and the Album was being played (loud) by Ponders End (a great band) between sets. I was with my current wife (of approx 40 years) so you can guess how long ago this was! Surely it couldn't get any better than that?

Hearing Elysium play those great songs (incredibly well by the way) just proved that the old days would never be bettered.

So there it is. Sorted. Or so I thought!

But by the following day I was in a little doubt. This time I was at the Fermain Tavern for an eight hour musical marathon. There was a great vibe, one that can only be generated by live music. The gig-goers were mostly much younger than me - as always - and of course they were all living their own personal 'best times', now!
So maybe it is impossible to 'record' the one and only perfect moment? Maybe life is meant to be lived for this moment? And if music can be a part of it the world is a better place.

..... reading the above, maybe I should've been a hippy, ha,ha ;-)

In case you are wondering. The special moment I would like to bottle from Saturday night would have to be the set by Bright_Lights. A new local band featuring an electronic drum kit, sequencing and digital sounds. New sounds for tomorrows classics.... I LOVE now....
More about Bright_Lights in my next post...
Pics of Elysium are now online:
ELYSIUM PLAY PINK FLOYD AT THE DOG HOUSE

The Thomas de la Rue was taken over by supporters looking for a Sugar Slam fix at the weekend.

This band of old rockers (hopefully they won't be too hurt by me labelling them as such - but it's true!) took over the pub to launch their new Album, Fameless.

I understand that this is their first recording for 18 years. I guess that will make any contesting of my previous statement a bit hard to succeed ;-)

The Album was well worth the wait. Make an effort to search it out. It captures much of the energy the Band brings to their stage performances. The song writing is good and each track powers into the next with a grungy-raw rock sound.

I'm pleased to say that this Album is yet another that features my photography... so how can it fail to make an impact!!
I have lost count, but I think that now makes five Albums in the last twelve months. Rock 'n' Roll, eh!

My pics of the launch gig are now online and they benefit massively from Mark Guillou's stage lighting.
The stage area in the Thomas de la Rue is normally a 'black hole' and quite impossible to photograph. Not on this night though. Thanks Mark.
PICS OF SUGAR SLAM'S ALBUM LAUNCH GIG

Twelve Tribe Mansion introduced their debut 'self-titled' Album to a very enthusiastic and large audience a few days ago at The Fermain Tavern.

The trio of highly competent and well matched instumentalists have only had about a year together but in that time they have clearly built a strong following. This is made more noteable when you consider that the bands 'songs' have no vocals!

If you sat around a table in your favourite pub, beer in hand, trying to think of a formula for your new Band it is unlikely that you would consider setting up an instrumental group... certainly not if you were hoping to appeal to the masses!

But every rule is there to be bent and broken and Sam McKerrell, Tom Bradshaw and Simon Howitt have hit on a perfect and unusual balance in their sound. I can only describe their music as being Jazz, Funk, Rock with great dynamics and a movement that seems to roll along without ever missing a vocal layer.

These guys have proven that quality nomally does rise to the top and a Band can reach out to an audience who didn't even know they were 'into' Jazz-Funk before they heard it :-)
Top stuff guys.

Twelve Tribe Mansion were supported by Bright_Lights on the launch night. They are also worth catching again.

Pics of the two Bands can be viewed here:
VIEW TWELVE TRIBE MANSION ALBUM LAUNCH PICS
VIEW PICS OF BRIGHT_LIGHTS

I've now added a second Gallery to showcase another of the bands that took to the stage at the Fermain Tavern during Mark Guillou's inaugural Keep Music Live gig.

I have already commented in my previous blog that when Mark stages any event there is no holding back! This is true for all the elements - the selection of Bands, the quality of the sound and - especially for the photogs ;-) the lighting.

I hope you will agree, if you check-out the new Gallery, that Mark and his able helper Jordan Solway put on a worthy show.

The new picture Gallery features From Bedrooms to Backseats... please take a look and click on the Facebook links below your favourite pics.
FROM BEDROOMS TO BACKSEATS ON STAGE AT THE FERMAIN TAVERN

No I don't mean does it grow tomatoes! I'm not sure our Island even has any 'old school' growers left?

What I am talking about is Mark Guillou's latest project, Keep Music Live.

The man who has bought us 'Rock of Ages' presented two nights of music at the Fermain Tavern this weekend. All the signature elements of any gig that Mark backs were there... loads of bands, great sound and (I kid myself that this is especially for me)... great lighting. I'm one happy photog :-)

It is a shame that due to other 'togging commitments I was only able to pop in for a couple of bands but I was satisfied that if we can get the word out to the gig-goers on Guernsey we will have plenty to look forward to in 2013.

As always, these events will only survive if the guys who put in the effort to organise them are supported. Make it your new years resolution to spread the word. You can start now by 'liking' my blog and picture galleries :-)

I hope to see ya at loads of gigs in 2013. As Mark says... KEEP MUSIC LIVE...
VIEW TWELVE TON TROUBLE PLAYING AT KEEP MUSIC LIVE-1

Maybe it was the heightened sense of DOOM... after all the end of the world had been predicted!

Or maybe it was the rarity of seeing Edith's Head on an outing? Whatever is was, there was an air of anticipation in The Fermain Tavern on Friday.

The Vale Earth Fair Collective had billed the gig as 'The End of the World'... so 'we had better make the best of it' was the attitude on the dance floor and stage!

If you follow this blog you will know that I love gig photography, even if I haven't worked out a way to make it pay yet!
I have photographed dozens of bands during 2012 from Noel Gallagher, Professor Green & Madness to Kaiser Chiefs & Macy Gray. So I'm not short of choice when it comes to selecting a favourite. I think this gig tops the lot!

You may have noticed that whilst I make occasional mention about photographic techniques and lighting I never try to review a bands performance. I'm satisfied that if I enjoy a gig, thats good enough. I leave the craft of reviewing to our local wordsmith, Tom Girard. CHECK-OUT TOM'S BLOG HERE

But this time I am moved to applaud The Deadbeats, Edith's Head and Heave for seeing off the end of the world with (in my opinion) the best gig of 2012.

Edith's Head are a band that has the talent to never play the same set twice. Their free and jazzy style is full of improv. They were welcomed... as expected... and (if it turns out to be their last gig before destruction) they made it a memorable one :-)

However the greatest praise must go to Heave. These two guys are the discovery of 2012. Steve Lynch & Neil Etasse take Grunge and Dirty to an all-time low, and I love it! In fact they are Grungier than a ........ and Dirtier than a ...... You'll have to fill the blanks in yourself. I told you I was new to this review business.

Maybe I should stick with what I know?

The masters who are Heave were inspired to play their set from the middle of the dance floor - they like to be in contact with their audience. This was an early Christmas present to this photographer. Thanks Santa.
It's good to still be alive, bring on more of the same in 2013 please :-)
YOU LIKE IT WITH GRUNGE... CLICK HERE TO VIEW PICS OF HEAVE
or

HOW ABOUT A BIT OF JAZZ & BLUES... THAT'LL BE EDITH'S HEAD. CLICK HERE FOR PICS
or

OR HOW ABOUT THE DEADBEATS... CLICK HERE TO VIEW PICS

When it comes to Christmas lets just say that every year I take a little while to 'warm to the idea'.

I blame the 35 years I spent in retail... meaning that Christmas always bought with it extra work-load and targets to meet. Old habits have proved hard to break even after (is it now seven years?) of being a pro photographer.

The good news is that this year my effort to get into a Christmas mood has been given a kickstart and I have two 'party bands' to thank for this. I'm now on a roll... but maybe I have peaked a bit too soon?!

Saturday at the Fermain Tavern was the place to be to get into a party mood and the large crowd were certainly feeling it. First on stage were RentOClean. This was a great bit of booking and started the night on the way to a lively climax.

A 'lively climax' was always promised with Sons of the Desert topping the bill with their quick-fire set featuring the best of Madness.... Night boat to Cairo anyone?

If you struggle with the whole 'Christmas business' I'm afraid you missed the perfect opportunity to start the process :-) If you think a few pics might help, you can view the party that you missed here:
RENTOCLEAN KICKSTART THE CHRISTMAS SEASON
and
SONS OF THE DESERT ORCHESTRATE THE PARTY

Who am I trying to kid! I've got a long way to go yet before I get in the Christmas mood :-)

I guess many of you are having the usual problem (like me) of thinking about what presents to give.
Well you have come to the right place.... read on.

A new option to present favourite pictures has been added to my Gallery Shopping Cart....

I am often asked if I can frame prints for clients. I've always been reluctant as the options are so vast!

However, there is NO doubt that a beautifully framed print looks a MILLION times better than one that is left in an Album.... or worse still put at the bottom of a draw. I have cried after seeing the condition that some of my pics have ended up in :-(

The answer to this problem has really got me excited!!

After months of research and examining samples I have decided to add a FRAMED PRINT option to the Shopping Cart.

I am keeping things simple - but nothing has been compromised with the quality of the finished article.

Only one colour and finish is offered. I have tried many variations but always this was the most impressive. The frame is approx 30mm wide and is finished with a BLACK BRUSHED SATIN effect. It is supplied 'Ready to Hang' and the Print is protected behind Glass.

There are options to frame A2, A3 & A4 prints.

The smaller A3 & A4 sizes are presented with a hand cut BEVEL MOUNT. A truly classic look.

The Larger A2 sized PRINTS, DIGITAL PAINTINGS & POSTERS are the ultimate way to add impact to any wall. Each of the A2 options are individually prepared and feature distintive artistic touches. The DIGITAL PAINTINGS look amazing.
A few SAMPLES can be viewed here: TAKE A LOOK AT SAMPLE MONTAGES & DIGITAL PAINTINGS

I am dealing direct with a UK based Manufacturer which allows me to offer exceptional value for such a high class product. I am passing on the savings that I have made by purchasing in bulk to encourage you to choose the FRAMED PRINT option.

Everyone is a winner... you get great value and I have the satisfaction of knowing that my pics are displayed in the most impresive way :-)

When you see these Framed Prints - especially the larger sizes - you will understand why I am so excited by this new offering.

For more information on these and the other products I offer click here:

VIEW DETAILS OF ALL THE OPTIONS AND PRINTS SIZES
or
CLICK HERE TO VIEW ALL THE PICTURE GALLERIES

So there you are, I've solved your gift problems and if you order in the next 10 days I can still deliver in time for Christmas....

Guernsey's Kings of Metal held Court on the stage at The Fermain Tavern on Saturday.

Nemesis were there to support the visiting headliners, Hellfighter. I have never seen Nemesis playing to a small crowd. These guys have maintained a loyal following despite their rare appearances. Maybe people know that they have to make an effort when the Band takes to the stage..... it'll be a while before the next one!

I have photgraphed the Band several times before and have made this point at that time, but it is worth repeating. This Band might be a bit of a Rock cliche - or at least the shapes and poses they throw are... but it is certainly much more fun photographing that sort of action rather than static singers and guitarists. This band never lets me down when it comes to their showmanship!

If you are in a band and you are unhappy with the pictures you see of your peformances maybe you will take a tip from me. This is definately a case of 'you only get out what you put in'. A 'static and bland' performance will give you a 'static and bland' image!

Of course good stage lighting will also help a lot. Guernsey now has several guys who will do you a fantastic active lightshow to enhance your act. This is a great investment in my opinion.
I love professional lighting at a gig as this will always raise the standard of picture I can capture... even if it is unpredicable and monotone and really difficult to work with... here I go again, I'm falling back into 'prima-dona photographer mode' ;-)

Pics of Nemesis are now online:
VIEW THE NEMESIS GALLERY HERE

Hellfighter, fronted by former Guernsey resident Simon Gordon, headlined a night of Metal at the Fermain Tavern last Saturday.... and with Nemesis on the bill there was never a doubt what we were in for!

Nemesis have been pushing their style of Metal for almost as long as the Stones have been doing their thing (maybe a slight exageration here!). The guys are unashamed to flaunt all the classic rock poses, every riff in the book is used..... and the followers LOVE it!

So with Guernsey's own Metal Heads setting the tone before the visiting headliners the full crowd was primed for a lively one :-)

Whilst Metal isn't always my thing, I was really looking forward to seeing Hellfighter perform. I remember their frontman, Simon Gordon, from the time he fronted local band Thousand Points of Hate. That band were tight, focused and talented and Simon took them to a higher level with his stunning Rock/Metal voice.

The wait for Hellfighter to take to the stage was rewarded by a classy performance that would have filled a small Arena! The crowd left drained and satisfied.

I have added the first picture Gallery featuring Hellfighter. Once again (and I know this is becoming a bit of a 'cracked record') the lighting was VERY challenging with fast unpredictable sequences, strong back lighting and the 'pure' monotone prime colours that LED lights are so good at producing. This is all made worse (photographically) when a stage is 'flooded' with a single colour.... especially RED.

My earliest encounters with LED floods, several years ago, were very positive. In fact I loved them. They didn't burn-out the highlights so much as the old spotlights. However - maybe as the technology has 'improved' - the colour is so now pure they can now be really hard to work with. I find my pictures require quite a lot more post-processing. It is MUCH more fun taking the pics than sitting at the desk tweaking colours and tones.
No doubt I will return to this subject again sometime, watch this space!
VIEW PICTURES OF HELLFIGHTER

I don't want to loose your attention this early in a Blog.... but I'd like to suggest we do a few 'sums'. So get the calculator ready!

Many of you buy a few of your favourite pics from me and thanks for that :-) What you do with them isn't really my business but I would love to think they took pride of place somewhere - even if it is on the Loo wall!

My guess is that many prints end up in a draw, creased and damaged. This shouldn't really bother me.
After all I've taken your money by then ;-)

But of course if you decide that money spent on a print is money wasted..... then that is a SERIOUS problem to me. You might not buy another print - EVER!

So time to get the calculator out. What if you bought 5 x A4 sized prints at £8 each. Total = £40.
This is no problem if the pics are kept in an Album, but it's too much to chuck in a draw.

Now for my 'hard sell'. Remember I was a retailer in a previous life!

Why don't you consider having a MONTAGE custom designed. The most popular format is using 5 pictures. Have you made the link yet? What you will get is an impressive and unique picture that will deserve a place on display.... it would even brighten up the Loo if that is the only wall space available.

Out with the calculator again... an A2 sized MONTAGE will cost you just £55. That is just fifteen quid more than the prints at the bottom of the draw. BARGAIN is what I say!

Best of all is that I can supply the MONTAGE already framed CHECK THE FRAMING OPTIONS HERE.
I buy the FRAMES direct from the manufacturer and pass on the LOW PRICES to encourage sales.
Add a BLACK BRUSHED SATIN FRAME to your order for JUST £35.

Christmas is coming.... I hope I have sown the seed for a few gift ideas....
CHECK OUT THE FRAMING OPTIONS HERE
and
HERE ARE A FEW SAMPLE MONTAGES

It's official.... Jonny Lives! and everything is good.

The headline act at the weekends multi-band gig at the Fermain Tavern made quite an effort to visit us... from the other side of 'the pond'. That's the BIG pond, not the English Channel!

New Yorkers Jonny Lives! had their first attempt to visit our little Isle cancelled due to poor weather so the air of anticipation had longer to build and it was an eager crowd that awaited their appearance on the famous stage. The Band can now be added to the illustrious list of performers to play 'The Tav' and it is safe to say that they deserve their place on the Roll of Honour. Nice one lads, hope to see you back sometime soon.

My Galleries now feature a selection of pictures featuring Jonny Lives! on stage. It was a difficult gig to photograph with strong, contrasty light, lots of irregular sequences making it difficult to predict and all the usual 'single colour' floods - including the dreaded RED. The overall level of lighting was also very low - the final pics make it look as if it was quite bright.... OK, call me a photographic Genius, if you must ;-)

All the above has meant a lot of digital processing. The job is now done, phew!
VIEW PICS OF JONNY LIVES!


UPDATE: Pics of the second American Band to play at The Fermain Tavern last Saturday are now online. The Killing Floor can be viewed here:
VIEW PICS OF THE KILLING FLOOR

The Yanks were in town and they know how to Party....

Well I suppose if you want to nit-pick, I guess that as they were performing at The Fermain Tavern the Yanks were 'out of town' ;-)

Lets forget the detail. The bottom line is that the two American bands that topped a full bill went down a storm with a packed crowd.

Jonny Lives! headlined and were supported by fellow countrymen The Killing Floor. The rest of the line-up featured The Inevitable Pinhole Burns (as seen above), Of Empires and SugarSlam. That makes a very busy night and what a lot for your couple of quid!

I have started to develop the nights work. I think I have got the priorities a bit wrong as the first band added to the Galleries is The Inevitable Pinhole Burns.... Our American guests will follow shortly.
VIEW THE FIRST PICS OF THE INEVITABLE PINHOLE BURNS

My Website has suffered from the exceptional weather conditions in New York.... Small world isn't it!!!

The Main Servers for this Website are based right in the path of Hurricane Sandy. This has resulted in recurring power cuts and the drop of service. If you have attempted to view the Galleries during the last couple of days you might have found that you couldn't get a response.

I have just been informed that the services are now back to normal (perhaps still be a bit slow) but all the options, including the purchase of prints should now be working.

This is the first time my Website provider has dropped the service... and I think I will forgive them this time due to circumstances outside of their control ;-)

By the way, nice to see you back again!!! Check-out the news items below to see the latest updates.

Freaky, dark and scary is how it was at The Fermain Tavern last weekend.

Every year the Ghouls, Ghosts & Weirdo's come out to party at the Halloween Metal Mayhem. It's probably true to say that if you are easily spooked or if you don't like your music heavy you should stay at home!

But, if you LIKE getting spooked and you LIKE your music served in Heavy Metal portions then this is the 'gig of the year' ;-)

So this is what the full house were treated to on Saturday. A new Gallery of pictures featuring headliners Darker Shores has now been added:
HALLOWEEN METAL MAYHEM PICS OF DARKER SHORES

A new option to display your pictures has been added to my Gallery Shopping Cart....

I am often asked if I can frame prints for clients. I've always been reluctant as the options are so vast!

However, there is NO doubt that a beautifully framed print looks a MILLION times better than one that is left in an Album.... or worse still put at the bottom of a draw. I have cried after seeing the condition that some of my pics have ended up in :-(

The answer to this problem has really got me excited!!

After months of research and examining samples I have decided to add a FRAMED PRINT option to the Shopping Cart.

I am keeping things simple - but nothing has been compromised with the quality of the finished article.

Only one colour and finish is offered. I have tried many variations but always this was the most impressive. The frame is approx 30mm wide and is finished with a BLACK BRUSHED SATIN effect. It is supplied 'Ready to Hang' and the Print is protected behind Glass.

There are options to frame A2, A3 & A4 prints.

The smaller A3 & A4 sizes are presented with a hand cut BEVEL MOUNT. A truly classic look.

The Larger A2 sized PRINTS, DIGITAL PAINTINGS & POSTERS are the ultimate way to add impact to any wall. Each of the A2 options are individually prepared and feature distintive artistic touches. The DIGITAL PAINTINGS look amazing.
A few SAMPLES can be viewed here: TAKE A LOOK AT SAMPLE MONTAGES & DIGITAL PAINTINGS

I am buying the Frames directly from a UK based Manufacturer which allows me to offer exceptional value for such a high class product. I am passing on the savings that I have made by purchasing in bulk to encourage you to choose the FRAMED PRINT option.

Everyone is a winner... you get great value and I have the satisfaction of knowing that my pics are displayed in the most impresive way :-)

When you see these Framed Prints - especially the larger sizes - you will understand why I am so excited by this new offering.

For more information on these and the other the products I offer click here:
VIEW DETAILS OF ALL THE OPTIONS AND PRINTS SIZES
or
CLICK HERE TO VIEW ALL THE PICTURE GALLERIES

What makes a great photograph?

I haven't even started this blog and I know it is a bad idea... a REALLY bad idea.
There will never be a definitive answer to the question! But this is as I see it.

Of course there are many different (and memorable) styles of photography. When you combine this with an infinite amount of photographic subjects every person will have their own idea of what makes a 'GREAT PHOTOGRAPH'.

The only thing I can offer is my own point of view, and of course this is very personal. Inevitably I am going to be influenced by the choice of subject that I like to capture.

I'll say right at the start of this ramble that, even if I was backed into a corner under threat of serious pain, I still couldn't find a single picture of my own that I would offer as 'something really special'. The bar has been set very high by the truly great photographers.

However, this doesn't prevent me - nor should it prevent any of you - from trying to record the special moments that you enjoy.

This blog was inspired after I began sorting through a few old galleries. This made me consider what makes a successful shoot, or at least a shoot that achieved the result I was hoping for.

Much of my work as a professional photographer isn't about capturing a single great shot. My assignments often cover Events, Gigs, Sports and Commercial shoots that have to be recorded over a period of time. I am expected to capture the atmosphere, the special moments, the climax. My pictures are often seen as a collection and should give the viewer a true and descriptive presentation of a performance or occasion.
The challenge is to give the viewer memorable images of an experience they had been part of, or to show another person what they have missed.

You will see that I shoot a lot of gigs. These are a good example of how I approach my work. I will try to record a Bands stage performance in such a way that flicking through a Gallery the viewer should have a better understanding of the 'essence' of a Band's act.

But as I have already said, GREAT pictures don't come along too often. In fact if you are still waiting for me to tell you what makes a GREAT PHOTOGRAPH. Sorry, I can't!
You didn't think I was that talented, did you?
If I do discover the formula for guaranteed success I will bottle it.... I'll make a fortune ;-)

What I do know is that by putting in the time and effort and by being very 'self critical', slowly it is possible to develop your skills and your eye for a good pic. I try to practice what I preach and continue in the the pursuit of that illusive GREAT PHOTOGRAPH :-)

I offer a Gallery of pictures that you might like to take a look at.... but don't expect to see any GREAT pics yet. I'm still working on that!

The Gallery features a Band that I really enjoy. Elmer Henley are energetic and good to photograph.
If you take away a 'feel' for their stage performance after scrolling quickly though the pics I will consider the job 'well done'.
Follow my lead, grab your camera and start on the path to capturing better images... maybe even a GREAT PHOTOGRAPH one day!
TAKE A LOOK, DO YOU GET A FEEL FOR THIS BANDS PERFORMANCE?

I'm not too great on superlatives it seems!

A 'three letter' 'WOW' seems a bit weak for the latest statistic showing viewings on this Web-site.

But there you have it. That was the first word I uttered when the counter passed THREE MILLION VIEWINGS!

Previous landmarks were also special to me. The FIRST MILLION was passed literaly on the Anniversary of the first year online. I was astounded by that coincidence.

TWO MILLION VIEWINGS showed up in May this year. This started me wondering if 3,000,000 viewings could be reached before the first two years online..... and we have just made it with nine days to go :-)

I'd like to thank all of you for the continued - and growing - interest in my work. I feel very lucky to call photography my 'proper job'. I speak to so many talented and enthusiastic photographers who would love to change places (and camera kit!) with me.

So passing the 3,000,000 viewings deserves to be analysed a little. This breaks down to 2,000,000 in the last 51 weeks.
Google Analytics shows that the vast majority of viewings are from European Countries/Time Zones.

With most of the viewings being made during 18 of the 24 hours available we can do some sums!

18 Hours x 60 Mins = 1,080 Mins a Day
1,080 Mins x 7 Days = 7,560 Mins a Week
7,560 x 51 Weeks = 385,560 Mins of viewing time to go from 1,000,000 to 3,000,000

So now a simple division reveals the average number of viewings that occurred every minute for every hour for the last 51 weeks....

2,000,000 divided by 385,560 = 5.18

The resulting number (as if you are really going to be as interested as me :-) shows this:

EVERY MINUTE FOR THE LAST 51 WEEKS (on average) FIVE PICTURES WERE VIEWED.

Meaning EVERY TWELVE SECONDS A PICTURE IS VIEWED.... and of course peak viewing would be much higher as this is just an average. WOW! ...... here I go again :-)

Looking ahead I have much more modest ambitions. I really can't see any possibility of improving on 2,000,000 annual viewings so I will consider that doing the same again as a job well done :-)

If you find a few minutes now and then to pop along here to check-out the latest updates I will be a happy man.
Thanks
Andrew
READ ABOUT THE FIRST MILLION
READ ABOUT THE SECOND MILLION

RentOClean were given the roll of headliners at last weekends Tantale Album launch.

This was a good move as once Tantale had played their set there was always a risk that the night might fall a little flat.

If I had to name one band playing on the local scene at the moment to trust with keeping the party going RentOClean would be top of the list.

The 2012 Battle of the Bands winners did the job.... party on!!
New pictures of RentOClean are now on-line:
VIEW PICTURES OF RENTOCLEAN

It's now quite a few years ago that I had a revelation. I had a pint in my hand (I was in a pub) so nothing unusual there then :-)

I was listening to a Band - again nothing different there either. I have followed live music since a young teenager. Lets say a good few decades!

What struck me as I downed the second pint was that I was missing a trick here.

As already stated, I watch a lot of gigs. I am also a professional photographer. There had to be a place that these two interests could meet. So it was there that my exhaustive coverage of all things musical began. Since that awakening I have developed a huge portfolio of pictures that record 'the moment in time'.

I think many of us enjoy looking back through old photographs from our youth. They trigger many memories of past times. Who knows, maybe my pics will evoke similar feelings in a decades time?

I am always thrilled by the interest shown in my work and have had the privilege of hanging a selection of framed live music prints in the legendary Fermain Tavern.

So what started me on this ramble?

Well I have just photographed Tantale's launch of their first Album 'The Known Elements'. The party was at The Fermain Tavern, where else? And it was packed out!

So, if you have stuck with me till here, I will explain where I am going with this.

We all have moments and experiences that mean something special to us as individuals. Many, many pictures are taken to help us recall those happy times. But the problem with live music (particulaly when the songs are originals) is that when the performance is over.... it is gone. If you are like me, by the time your head hits the pillow your recollection is of the great vibes of a gig but the songs pass on.

This is why I really love it when a Band makes a record (literally) of some of their work. We have an opportunity to then re-play the songs, to take in the finer points, to listen to the lyrics. Tantale have produced a terrific new Album which can only swell their fan-base and writes another musical chapter into our memory.

Hopefully my pictures will play a small part in the chronicaling of our music scene. Pictures of the Album launch party are now on-line:
TANTALE'S ALBUM LAUNCH PARTY