News / Blog - Gigs & Bands News

The School of Popular Music Jersey continues to grow and emulate the success of the original School of Popular Music Guernsey.

I've just returned from the 'Other Isle' after photographing their Easter School Gig at Chambers.

The whole place was buzzing with the enthusiasm and confidence of the young performers. It was clear that 'The Stage' was the natural environment for many of the talented students!

I'm always a bit in awe of how quickly the students learn new songs and then perform on stage after just a few days of practice!

My photos of all the bands are now online here:
CLICK TO VIEW THE SoPM JERSEY 2024 EASTER SCHOOL GIG

Variety in your work life keeps everything fresh and interesting. That is certainly my aim when choosing the assignments to put in my diary.

The long Easter break offered a really diverse mix for me. Indoor, outdoor. Fast action, slow and moody calm, clean and very dusty, daytime and evening, young and old.... you get the picture (I hope)!

One event was the School of Popular Music Guernsey Easter School Gig at the Doghouse. I always look forward to this one.

This years seemed to be especially busy and a massive challenge for me to get anywhere near the 'action' on stage as there was an eager audience of youngsters packed up close and not wanting to miss a moment of the performances!

The enthusiasm and support was fantastic.

I did manage a few photos and if you want a feel of what SoPM offer take a look at this gallery:
CLICK TO VIEW THE SoPM GUERNSEY EASTER GIG

On Saturday night we were able to enjoy a live performance of Guernsey's alt-grunge Band Tantale at St James Guernsey. They played their most recent Album 'Where Nothing Ends' in full.

Tantale left nothing in the locker when planning this gig. They were supported by The Bare Minimum, Flexagon and the GLC - The Guernsey Laser Company. The stage also used projected images to enhance the experience.

The result was an incredible show that showcased what talent the Island is blessed with across all aspects of live music.... including great sound, imaginative graphics and stage design. Amazing and memorable stuff!

I revelled in the music and the Lasers made me a bit trigger happy too!

If you want see a taste of what you missed when you decided to stay at home on Saturday night (shame on you)..... give the link below a click:
CLICK TO VIEW PPHOTOS OF TANTALE AT ST JAMES

A HUGE well done to St James Guernsey for organizing the two nights of the Decibel Weekender. Gig goers were treated to a great line-up of bands including many top visiting artists.

The venue has been busy over the last couple of years working on the performance space. Clearly a big investment has been made in state of the art sound systems and the acoustics are sorted with new curtains. And to top it off there is new lighting..... just to keep the photographers happy you understand!!

Keep an eye on the St James diary for the next events... there are many!

I did my bit and took a few photos of both nights. Click the link if you are interested:
CLICK TO VIEW THE 2024 ST JAMES DECIBEL WEEKENDER PHOTOS

After the first two nights of Battle the Guernsey School of Popular Music relaxed a little for their 'Music for Everyone' event on the Sunday afternoon.

In some ways I think this could be my favourite event of the three. The format sees one or two students on stage within a band made up of SoPM Tutors. This way solo musicians and singers get a chance to experience what it is like to be in a band.

Then, as a bonus for the audience, after the performance the students take part in a short interview where we learn a little about their passions for music.

I really enjoy the format and so do the students judging by the smiles.

My photos of the event are now online on my new website. Follow the link to view them:
CLICK TO VIEW THE 2023 MUSIC FOR EVERYONE EVENT

Day two of the Guernsey School of Popular Music's 2023 'triple-header' at Beau Sejour saw the 'longer established' musicians get their turn to go into battle.

Titled as the 2023 Corporate Battle of the Bands the competition was tough for the honour of lifting the trophy.

The five bands showcased a mix-up of some recognisable faces together with a host of 'first-timers'. It would be easy to expect little from such an arrangement but as in previous years the standard of performances was really impressive.

At the end of the night there were plenty of smiles to be seen... even on the losers faces. A testament of just how much fun had been had by all.

My Galleries of photos are on my new website and they can be viewed by clicking this link:
CLICK HERE TO VIEW PHOTOS OF THE 2023 BATTLE OF THE CORPORATE BANDS

This was the first of a 'three-header' covering the latest Guernsey School of Popular Music's events at Beau Sejour.

Once again I had the chance to photograph the Under 18's Bands as they went into battle for the coveted BotB trophy.

What a pleasure it is to see such young talent coming through the SoPM training. It really is a credit to the tutors for developing such skills. But there is more to it than just that as the students also showed a high level of 'professionalism' in the way they presented themselves in front of a full Beau Sejour theatre.

Well done to all those who were involved.

My Gallery of photos are now uploaded on my new website. This link will take you there:
CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE 2023 U18's BATTLE OF THE BANDS

I've just noticed that as well as being slow I'm also late with my coverage of the 2023 Vale Earth Fair.

In fact I actually added VEF Galleries to the new website a few weeks ago but failed to add links to them... bad,bad boy!!

Somehow there have still been thousands of views! How does that work, eh?

But better late than never... I hope. So here's a link if you are interested. So far there are about TWENTY GALLERIES!!
CLICK TO VIEW MY 2023 VALE EARTH FAIR PHOTOS

As the festival fever fades I've been editing a few more Vraiceaters pics.

So far the bands include Back in Vraic, Guerns N' Roses, Maiden Guernsey, Spectre and Steve Against the Machine.

That's quite a lineup I think you'll agree.... and there are a few more to come.

Click this link to view the Galleries:
CLICK TO VIEW THE VRAICFEST

We all know that time flies. Certainly as I get older whole decades seem to pass with the blink of an eyelid!

And it is the passage of time and the continued progress with technology that has made me think that I needed a new project.

The Internet has become the dominant resource for a photographer to present his work to interested people. Tagged on the back of that is the opportunity to sell a few pics. Even a photographer needs to eat and buy beer!

So I'm announcing here that this website won't be where my new work is uploaded in the future. I have a new website under development... more on that later.

But the good news is all the Photos, Blogs and Information that features here will remain just as it is. I have built this massive record of Guernsey life... Sports, Motorsports, Gigs, Bands and Social Life and I'm keen for it to still be available. This 'old' website is now thirteen years old and has accrued nearly 50 MILLION picture views!

However with the improvement of mobile phone screens, faster download speeds and expectations of how photos display I will be uploading all new work to a new website. It still carries a title that regulars will be familiar with... TALLPICTURES.com

This is a major project for me as I hope to carry some of the old Galleries across too, but that all depends on time. Yes time gets a mention again!

I wonder what the next blink of the eye brings?

TAKE A LOOK AT THE NEW WEBSITE HERE:
CLICK TO VIEW THE NEW TALLPICTURES WEBSITE

The highly talented and polished Sleeper headlined an evening of live music at St James on Saturday night.

This gig was a master class in how to captivate an audience with quality, personality and great songs.

Well done Sleeper, we loved you. And thank you St James for bringing them over for us to enjoy.

I took a few pics of the gig and they are now online here:
CLICK TO VIEW SLEEPER PLAYING AT ST JAMES

What does summer mean for you?

Well one of the favourite things for me is that with the sun comes the Festival season 🍺🎪🥁

Sadly my diary doesn't include Download Festival like my grandson's ( lucky *****) but there are still the 2023 Chaos and Vale Earth Fairs for me!

We've also already enjoyed the 2023 Guernsey Together Festival.

The weather stayed dry for the GTF and whilst it wasn't 'blazing hot' the festival field was buzzing with relaxed and happy folk. There is something special about a festival as most people seem to chill and have more time to chat. Great therapy away from the weekday rush and pressures!

I've just uploaded my pics from day 2 of GTF 2023. Check them out and remember to book Chaos and VEF for your own dose of Festival therapy!

This is a link to the 2023 GTF Galleries:
CLICK TO VIEW THE GUERNSEY TOGETHER GALLERIES

The Guernsey Together Festival in 2023 took the bold step to add a second day to what was a successful formula. Did it work?

Well I have to say that my own opinion is that it did. Many aspects of the running of the Festival had been tweaked and improved using the experience gained from the first two events and the size of the crowd for both days seemed to echo my feelings.

It's great that Guernsey now has another established popular music Festival. It sits next to and compliments the Chaos Festival and of course the Vale Earth Fair.

Let's hope that the planning for the 2024 Festival will begin soon... but we'll allow the organizers a few moments to get their breath back first!

I've just completed the edit of Day-1 and the pics can be viewed by clicking the link.

Now the edit of Day-2 begins....
CLICK TO VIEW THE 2023 GUERNSEY TOGETHER FESTIVAL

As time passes and memories fade Guernsey's Liberation Day celebrations have changed. And for 2023, May the 9th felt more like a traditional Bank Holiday.

Parishes took different approaches to how they would mark the day. Some made an effort, others didn't.

St Andrews left the entertainment to The Last Post and that is where I headed. A tradition has been established by the Pub to promote a lineup of live acts on May 9th and this has proved to be a popular draw for music lovers.

The 2023 edition featured some of the recent new local favorites.

It was a shame the weather was dull and at times damp but the hardcore of the local music scene are not easily put off!

I've added a small gallery featuring some of the performances:
CLICK TO VIEW THE 2023 LIBERATION DAY BANDS

I popped over to Jersey to photograph the School of Popular Music Easter Elementary Gig at Chambers followed the next day by the students Busking in St Helier.

Whilst this was a new venture for the Jersey branch of SoPM it was soon clear to me that the ethos and ambitions are exactly like the longer established Guernsey School. The teaching is led by a talented and enthusiastic team who encourage the students to try hard and fulfill their ambitions.

There was the same excitement in the young performers and they all felt a great sense of achievement after performing on a 'real' stage and then out on the streets of St Helier.

I can highly recommend SoPM to all parents. You will see your children's confidence grow and it is a great way for them to make new friends and develop new skills.

This Gallery features some of the performances:
CLICK TO VIEW THE NEW SoPM JERSEY EASTER EVENTS

With a few minutes to spare I had the opportunity to pop in to the 2023 Thirst Music School Battle of the School Bands at Beau Sejour.

My time and access was limited and I only saw the second half of the show... but I was lucky to catch the winners!

Lots of young talent was on show!

I've added a few pics to this new Gallery. Just click the link to view them:
CLICK TO VIEW THE 2023 BATTLE OF THE SCHOOL BANDS

The 2022 School of Popular Music Christmas Showcase was a busy night packed full of Live Music and young talent.

Once again SoPM treated their students to the opportunity to play at one of Guernsey's most famous live music venues on a stage that many music legends have stood. There have been a lot... but how about Elton John and Wilko Johnson for starters!

The SoPM team did an amazing job organising fourteen bands (I lost count of how many musicians!). That adds up to a LOT of change overs!

I was really impressed by the standard of talent on show. But also the 'professional' attitude that has been instilled into the youngsters. They were ready on time for the switches, they got straight on with the 'job', they worked through occasional issues with equipment and clearly loved their moment in the spotlight.

All together the resulting show was a great tribute to the work the tutors have done with their young proteges.

These Galleries showcase all the acts...
CLICK TO VIEW THE SoPM 2022 CHRISTMAS SHOWCASE

Christmas must be just around the corner again as the Guernsey School of Popular Music has just produced its annual Christmas Concert!

This event features some of the youngest students as they start their musical journeys. The 2022 concert was held in front of a packed audience of families and friends at Vale Church Hall.

There were smiles all around and the seasonal smell of Mince pies and mulled wine.

It usually takes a bit of an effort for me to get into the Christmas spirit (I know I'm a miserable old git) but seeing all the young beaming faces of the performers has started the magic working!

Enjoy this gallery which features some of the performances...
CLICK TO VIEW THE 2022 SoPM CHRISTMAS CONCERT

OK, a simple question, but one that would take a week to try and answer.... and I certainly don’t have the time to do that!

And the question is... ‘What makes a great photo?’

I said it was a simple question. Just five words!

Of course if you are thinking about trying to answer you will soon realize that there are endless variations/situations/subjects/intentions/preferences etc. etc. etc. that make capturing every photo different from the next.

So, did I say a ‘simple’ question? You now see that it is far from that.

But perhaps I should explain why I was faced with this quandary. Today it was reported that the legendary rock guitarist Wilko Johnson has died.

I have been fortunate to photograph Wilko on several occasions so I thought I would look through my pics of his performances to post a couple as a tribute. As I looked at the gallery I kept finding pics that I really liked. I began to pat myself on the back for doing such a great job... until it dawned on me why so many of the pics had a bit of extra ‘magic’ when compared to my other gig photography.

It was nothing to do with me. It was ALL to do with Wilko Johnson!

My part in taking the pics was simply to ‘record’ what was in front of me. It is proof that if a photographer is ‘assisted’ by having a distinctive and dynamic character as a subject the job is half done before it starts!

I have amazing memories of Wilko’s performances. He dominated the stage and entranced the audience to the extent that you didn’t want to blink in case you missed something!

What a legend. One of the true greats. RIP Wilko. Thanks for the memories.

If you fancy looking at some of the Wilko magic this is a link to a Gallery:
CLICK HERE TO VIEW PICS OF WILKO JOHNSON

Like many 'old school' photographers I started my career shooting on black & white film.

Now more than five decades later I find that my 'first love' has stayed with me throughout life. It seems that there always remains a place in our heart for the 'first one'.

So having completed the edit of the 46th Guernsey Chess Festival (in colour) I allowed myself to indulge in a little nostalgia by selecting a few of the images to develop into black & white.

I have to admit that I loved the exercise and I could so easily give up on colour for the clarity, focus and purity that a mono-tone image produces.

Seeing these images has re-awakened the young photographer in me... from fifty-three years ago. You can expect more B&W pics from me in the future...

Take a look at this small edit of Black & White Chess pics. I hope they grab your attention as much as they do for me:
CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE BLACK & WHITE CHESS EDIT