News / Blog - Gigs & Bands News

Well that was a busy night at The Doghouse.

I'm sure that it would be impossible to pack more into one evening than the tutors of the School of Popular Music managed to squeeze into Thursday evening at their Summer Showcase!

There was literally no time to breath between the twelve bands.... yes I did say TWELVE!

So I was kept on my toes trying to make sure I got at least a couple of good pics of every musician and singer. This was not as easy as you might think as the quite small stage was usually packed so the poor drummer (as usual) sometimes gets less attention, sorry. Microphones and music stands add to the obstructions.

There was also an enthusiastic crowd of supporters up close to the stage and proud family trying to video. I did my best not to get in the way but I fear my bald patch will feature a little too often, again sorry!

But ultimately we all had a great time.

I've now completed my comprehensive edit and it is online for you to view here:
CLICK TO VIEW PICS OF THE 2021 SoPM SUMMER SHOWCASE

Well I'm pleased to say that my edit of the Chaos 16 pics is as tidy as the Greenman Chaos crew leave the fields they use on the cliff top at Pleinmont!

I've now added the final couple of Galleries featuring some of the atmosphere together with a competitions gallery with Burnout, chilli eating and lifting pics.

The 2021 Chaos 16 was another one to add to the legendary - you really should have been there list.

So make sure you add it to your 2022 diary as soon as the dates are announced.

In the meantime enjoy my pics (they're nice and tidy) by following this link:
CLICK HERE TO VIEW ALL THE CHAOS 16 PICTURE GALLERIES

After the Covid inflicted cancellation of the 2020 edition of the Greenman organized Chaos Festival the bikes, beers and live music were back on their traditional cliff-top site for 2021.... and back with a vengeance!!

The lineup was restricted to local talent and none the worse for that.

Once again Chaos took its place as a summer highlight in the Guernsey 'to-do' calendar. I've started uploading my pics of the festival and hopefully they will show just how much was packed into the two days!

The atmosphere was fantastic and as always it was a safe and happy place to take a family and socialize. There was no trouble and the Greenman pride themselves in leaving the stunning cliff-top setting and surrounding area in a cleaner state than when they arrived.

My grateful thanks go to all those who put in many, many days of time to bring such a great experience to our shores. Over the years hundreds of young people must have enjoyed their first Festival experience at a Chaos festival... what a great start for them.

So take a look at how the gallery is progressing. I still have a lot of pics to add but this is how it looks so far......
CLICK TO VIEW THE CHAOS 16 GALLERY AS IT PROGRESSES

Well it's safe to say that Guernsey is buzzing again with action and entertainment!

I've had a non-stop weekend but its been fantastic fun in the Sun.

Everything has revolved around taking pics at twelve different events.... so the edit has begun!

Us Guerns have been taking full advantage of our Covid free Island and the variety of entertainments, sports, attractions and scenery available to enjoy in the sun is really something special!

NEVER let it be said that there is NOTHING to do!!

For starters I've added the GVC Frie Baton Long Circuit pics. They can be viewed here:
CLICK TO VIEW PICS OF THE GVC FRIE BATON ROAD RACE

The Guernsey Together Festival owes its existence to the Covid-19 virus.

'Normal' life in 2020 through 2021 was heavily affected and restricted by the outbreak of Covid-19 and as time passed we all yearned for the return to whatever was important to each of us.

For many this meant enjoying live music and the social scene that surrounds it.

So the Guernsey Together Festival was born.

The first Guernsey Together Festival was a sell-out and was blessed with great weather. I was a bit skeptical about how this new festival, which only came about as a 'reaction' to the Covid-19 lock-down, would turn out.

But in the end it was a great success with just a few teething problems. All the line-up was made up of local bands and truly showcased the depth of talent we have here in Guernsey.

But what about 2022? Will there be a need for big name headliners if this festival is to grow and find a permanent place on the calendar?

I've added the first two Galleries featuring the festival atmosphere and the Dance Tent.

Check back later to see the Main Stage bands.
CLICK TO VIEW THE GUERNSEY TOGETHER FESTIVAL GALLERIES

2020 was a year like no other... please don't press replay!

With events of all genres being cancelled around the world there was a period when we feared and expected The Vale Earth Fair would also become a victim of the Covid pandemic.

But Guernsey worked hard to overcome some of the worst effects of the virus and was able to take advantage of our Island situation by closing the borders to all but essential visitors. This enabled us to return to a fairly 'normal' life!

The Vale Earth Collective soon saw a unique opportunity to organize one of the very few Music Festivals to take place in 2020... IN THE WORLD!!!

But this amazing achievement needed some new thinking. Instead of the usual visiting headline acts the 2020 Vale Earth Fair was going to have to look within our Island for all the acts.

Over the years this Festival has grown to offer five different stages - both big and small - so you'd imagine that it was going to be a challenge to find fifty+ acts in the small Island of Guernsey... but no.

Everyone here who enjoys the live music scene during a normal year knows that there is a massive depth of local talent playing week in, week out. So the acts were booked and we were lined up for a very special (Internationally) music festival.

Perhaps the one unanswered question was 'would the locals turn out to support a festival without the visiting headline acts?'

But there was no need for the worry as when the day started in bright sun the punters turned up in huge numbers and they appreciated how lucky they were to be able to enjoy meeting friends, having a drink and listening to the talented lineups on each stage.

In the end the 2020 VEF turned out to be a special vintage. Well done to all those who made it happen. Thank you.

Now you may be wondering why my coverage of the 2020 VEF has only just been added to the galleries? Well, that's a long story so will have to wait for another Blog!

You can view the Gallery by following this link:
CLICK HERE TO VIEW PICS OF THE 2020 VALE EARTH FAIR

Whatever 'your thing' is it is likely that some of your best memories have been made whilst participating in an event, sport or endeavor.

As you will see if you spend a few moments (could easily run to hours!) scanning my picture galleries I have photographed hundreds and hundreds of different occasions.

I'm grateful that I've been able to sell many of my pics featured in the galleries and many sales are of traditional prints... always a good choice, and the bigger the better if you want to enjoy the detail.

But the modern world seems to favour the Digital version of an image. This does make sense of course as you can load the pic onto your phone and you can carry it with you everywhere.

But I want to try and tempt you if you are considering buying a couple of pics. Maybe you should consider selecting a few favorites and let me design a Framed Montage for you.

The end result - after you OK my design - is an impressive image that will hang on the wall to remind you of that 'special moment'. You will see extra detail in your Montage and everyone else can see it too.

If I've tempted you there is an easy process to ordering your very own custom designed Montage.

When you see a pic that you would like in your montage just select it using the option in the Buy Now button below each pic. Make sure that you choose your preferred 'Main' picture first then simply use the 'add to Montage' button to build the Montage.

The most successful and popular designs usually include five or nine pics but I'll try any design you favour. After I make a design you will be emailed a proof for you to OK.

So next time you are thinking about buying a couple of pics remember to consider ordering a Montage. The end result could be much more memorable!

If you need a little inspiration follow this link to see some of my previous Montage designs:
CLICK TO VIEW SOME PREVIOUS MONTAGE DESIGNS

As we keep our fingers crossed that in (maybe) two weeks time life can return to a ‘New Normal’ in Guernsey I can reveal what some of you have been doing during Lockdown v2 together with a special offer on my pictures.

Firstly I’d like to thank those of you who have been visiting my website as it has logged millions of new picture views since January! The running total now exceeds 31 MILLION!

The way I analyze this is to reckon that surfing the web has helped fill a few of your empty hours... it has certainly worked for me! We all know that the novelty of being free of the 9 to 5 job soon wears off!

I also think that some of the visitors have wanted to reminisce about the good times... when life went along unrestricted. A stroll through my picture galleries reveals so many of your enjoyable moments playing Sports and attending Gigs and social events that maybe the pics have helped ease some of your Lockdown frustrations?

So as a thank you for the massive interest in my work I’ve decided to (prematurely) celebrate the better times ahead by offering new discounts on the sales of multiple items from my galleries... Anything from 10% to 25% OFF!

The offer is for Framed Prints, Bevel Mounted Prints, Standard Prints and Digital Files. If you place any order online the discount is automatically deducted as you complete the sale in the Shopping Cart.

So THANKS AGAIN for the continued interest in my work. I'll see you again as soon as we are released!

The Eighties Experience at Beau Sejour didn't hold back from giving the audience what they were hoping for... a fantastic evening of entertainment.

Everything from the layout of the stage, the excellent sound and lighting to a brilliant video running throughout the Fade2Grey set enhanced the experience for the punters.

It was clear in the video that the guys had used the Covid19 lock-down to raid the charity shop clothing rails for many changes of outfits.... or maybe this was just an insight into what they already had in their wardrobes?? Nick looked particularly good in that red dress!

Masters of the 80's Electro music scene Fade2Grey went the extra mile for this performance as they played their set in front of that impressive video backdrop which elevated the performance to be worthy of a bigger 'stadium'.... Footes Lane here we come next time!!!?

Take a look a my Galleries to see what I mean:
CLICK TO VIEW PICS OF THE 2020 EIGHTIES EXPERIENCE

Following on from the 'Guernsey Together' Retro Festival at the Peninsular Hotel the 'Retro Tour' headed into St Peter Port and took over the old Flower Market for three more days of fun.

This venue has lots of character and offered a perfect backdrop to the Retro showcase.

The guys behind the Retro format have developed a massive following and seem to have identified a sector within the Guernsey music scene that wasn't being offered.

I find it fascinating and enjoyable to see such a wide mix of people renewing their love of live music and letting their hair (maybe a wig!) down.

Clearly there is room for a bit of nostalgia in our modern world and Guernsey folk prove once again that we know how to party.

These galleries show just a little of the fun and action at the 2020 Flower Market Retro Festival....
CLICK TO VIEW PICS OF THE 2020 FLOWER MARKET RETRO FESTIVAL

I photographed another great new live music event organized by the Guernsey School of Popular Music yesterday evening.

This was the first Corporate Battle of the Bands and it was held on the big stage at Beau Sejour... and the acts certainly stepped up to the mark.

Five bands were given three songs to impress the judges panel and they covered a wide variety of musical genres with each producing a memorable performance.

But the evening was more than that. There was a fantastic and supportive atmosphere in the theater as the battle commenced. The audience enthusiastically got behind every band making the evening full of high energy!

Well done to all the bands from Butterfield, MSG, Ravenscroft, Garenne and Carey Olsen.

In the tradition of these things there could only be one winner and this year it was the Garenne band who picked up the trophy.

I've added these galleries featuring the evenings highlights....
CLICK TO VIEW PICS OF THE 2020 CORPORATE BATTLE OF THE BANDS

The three day Guernsey Together Retro Festival was held at the Peninsular Hotel... and Guernsey came out to party!

On Friday night there was a mix of ska and mod covers from the Rough Tones and High Voltage. The headliners on the night were Matt Bonneville & the Cage Shakers.

I was able to capture some of the atmosphere on the busy Friday night. Take a look a the Gallery here:
CLICK TO VIEW PICS OF THE GUERNSEY TOGETHER RETRO FESTIVAL

Guernsey folk enjoyed a relaxed Sunday in St Peter Port at the latest Arts Seafront Sunday.... and there was beer on tap too!

With Guernsey being Covid 19 free the Island is able to organize all the social events that were planned... this is possibly unique throughout the world!

Islanders were keen to take advantage of this privilege and they packed the St Peter Port seafront. They were entertained by a host of Arts & Craft stands, live music and other performances. They were never far from being able to buy a cider, gin or beer and there was a wide selection of food on offer.

The Seafront Sundays can now be regarded as a Guernsey fixture. Next up will be the RSPCA and Motorsport Seafront Sundays which also draw huge crowds.

This Gallery displays a few of the Arts Sunday live performances and some of the atmosphere...
CLICK TO VIEW THE 2020 ARTS SEAFRONT SUNDAY

I have a habit of repeating myself sometimes. You might have noticed!

But (for one more time) I'm going to say how much I enjoy photographing the School of Popular Music events. And there have now been plenty of them!

The atmosphere is always friendly, supportive and surprising. The surprise comes from the stream of new young musical talent developed each year out of the SoPM courses.

This years vintage Summer Party at The Fermain Tavern was packed with students, families and friends... and me.

It was a busy night with ten bands taking to the stage. I tried to photograph all the performances and they are now online here:
CLICK TO VIEW PICS OF THE 2020 SoPM SUMMER PARTY

Following the Friday night gig at St James many of the same punters were out for a second time on Saturday.

They were joined by many followers of the headlining band Buffalo Huddleston. Indeed the venue was sold out with a capacity crowd.

Once again, like the night before the spirits were high and the intention was clearly to party. Luckily Buffalo Huddleston led from the front with a set that got everyone into the zone.

I've photographed this band many times over the years... the fact that their galleries on this website showcase over 500 pics proves the point!!

The gigs that I've seen them play include small pubs and big festivals but I reckon Saturday's effort was up there with the best of them judging from the reaction of the crowd.

You can view my pics of Buffalo Huddleston - their history through the ages - by following this link:
CLICK TO VIEW PICS OF BUFFALO HUDDLESTON

It was great to be able to get out again to a live music gig today at St James.

The lineup featured two bands and no vocals between them... now that's an unusual lineup!

However this didn't stop SkySkrapers and Brunt being entertaining!

Newcomers SkySkrapers supported the established headliners Brunt with a solid set in front of a crowd that was trying to remember what it was like to go to a live gig!

The same can be said about the photographer after his extended lockdown!

In the end it all came back to me and 'muscle memory' also played its part enabling me to shoot in the low light.

I took a few pics. The first new picture Gallery featuring SkySkrapers is here:
CLICK TO VIEW PICS OF SKYSKRAPERS

The Brunt pics have also been added to their own Gallery here:
CLICK TO VIEW PICS OF BRUNT

I can't help but look forward to the coming summertime.

Whilst we are bogged down at the moment with the Coronavirus issues we have to remain positive and optimistic that by the time summer arrives life will return to normal. All fingers crossed!

This year, after being starved of the social scene (hopefully) there will be a pent-up desire to party and enjoy the live music and festival season. Locally the Vale Earth Fair and the Greenman Chaos Festival will have a role to play in uplifting our spirits.

But all that is to come. I've been catching up with some editing and for now you can browse through my pics of last years Vale Earth Fair.

Follow the link below to view the latest updates which include:

The Cor Damme Lars
Karl Phillips & The Rejects
RentOClean
The Sacred Hearts
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Baron Denden and the IL Sound System
and BlackTopTales
CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE LATEST VEF 2019 UPDATES

With so much happening in the world at the moment and the seemingly endless wet weather it is easy to be distracted and maybe a little downhearted.

This is why I've turned back to some of the more uplifting memories from last year to bring a little sun and good cheer to my working day.

I also have to face the near endless task of catching up with the interrupted edits that are sitting on the hard drives waiting for attention.

There's no more uplifting edit awaiting than the wonderful Vale Earth Fair.... 2019 edition.

The VEF is certainly one of my highlights of any year... but it always leaves a huge edit in its path... probably as a few real ales makes me a bit trigger happy!

However in these changeable and dismal times (damn Coronavirus) it has been a pleasure to browse through my memories. I've started updating the 2019 VEF Galleries and first bands up are The Electric Shakes, The Recks, The King Blues and Festival headliners Neville Staple Band.
CLICK TO VIEW THE FIRST UPDATES TI THE 2019 VEF GALLERY

I fear that I'll probably never quite catch up with the backlog of editing from last year.... but I'll keep trying.

Last year wasn't quite a 'normal' one. There were quite a few distractions taking large chunks out of my work time. By far the most demanding was overseeing the modernization of our new home. This is now nearing completion but I think I was a bit naive regarding how much chasing and management would be required in getting the 'trades' to complete their work.

However we have now settled into the new place and the move has worked out brilliantly. We have renewed everything from ceilings, heating, electrics and networking to 65" TV's, flooring, driveway.... well just about everything! Oh, and I mustn't forget the great new kitchen too!

Whilst all that was underway I found myself emergency medivaced to the UK after Doctors found blood clots on my brain and I had a mild stroke. Thankfully the outcome has been much better than first feared and I've nearly made a full recovery.

So that's the excuses for the missed edits!

But I continue with the catch-up. This link takes you to a missed Autocross Banger event from last March. More will follow:
CLICK TO VIEW THE AUTOCROSS CATCH-UP

On the face of it you probably wouldn't go out of your way to see a Terrible Stuntman. Would you?

However if that is the name of Big Bobby Battle's latest band that should be enough to tickle your interest.

Unfortunately not many people saw it that way on Saturday when Terrible Stuntman headlined a gig at The Fermain Tavern organized by Havoc Events.

The lineup was strong and the variety of acts should of had something for everyone but sadly the audience numbers were small. First act on stage was The Crowband. Next up were Kings adding a more Pop influenced sound. Lifejacket then laid down some heavier tones.

Then it was left to the Terrible Stuntman to bring things to a close. It will be fun following the development of this project during the year. I think the potential is already showing.

By the way I love the band name Bobby... somehow it's just a perfect for fit you, ha ha :-)

I've added pics of three of the bands to my Galleries. Sorry I didn't see the Crowband due to an earlier assignment.
CLICK TO VIEW PICS OF TERRIBLE STUNTMAN
CLICK TO VIEW PICS OF LIFEJACKET
CLICK TO VIEW PICS OF KINGS