News / Blog - Gigs & Bands News

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
track not found
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

The Independent Venue Week is a great initiative aimed at supporting and promoting independent live music venues across the UK.

The hope is that the trend of these unique places closing can be slowed and halted. This is an important goal which any scholar of the history of popular music would tell you.

Small venues have been the making of almost every major act to emerge on to the scene for decades. Without these 'seed beds' where young artists and musicians can meet, network and develop their personalities and performances the future of modern music would be stunted.

So it was fantastic to see the support given by musicians and gig supporters to the Guernsey edition of the Independent Venue Week at St James.

I photographed three of the bands who performed, The Tarantulips, Stone Cold Fiction and the headliners Beach Riot.

Follow these links to view my pics:
CLICK TO VIEW PICS OF BEACH RIOT

CLICK TO VIEW PICS OF STONE COLD FICTION

CLICK TO VIEW PICS OF THE TARANTULIPS

The boys from 'up north' brought their 'Grunge from the Vale' to St Peter Port on Saturday night.

The Fermain Tavern was the venue where Coastal Fire Department sonically abused our ears when they turned if up to eleven on the dial making anywhere within four meters of the stage carry a health warning!

With support from Bobby Battle's 'Terrible Stuntman' and From Darkness the crowd where rewarded for making the effort to climb the hill out of town.

I've added pics of the three bands to the website. Follow these links:
CLICK TO VIEW PICS OF COASTAL FIRE DEPARTMENT
CLICK TO VIEW PICS OF TERRIBLE STUNTMAN
CLICK TO VIEW PICS OF FROM DARKNESS

The School of Popular Music's annual Christmas Concert is always full of seasonal good cheer and anticipation of what is to come.... both Christmas Day and the ongoing development of the young talent.

The relaxed atmosphere which is shared by students, SoPM tutors, family and friends is often the first time the younger performers stand on stage in front of a room full of people.

It is a credit to them and their tutors that they always rise to the occasion and produce many memorable performances.

I've photographed the concerts many times and there have always been 'stand-out' young people who I'm sure will already feature during next years many SoPM events. I think that the SoPM's modern teaching structure is fantastic at building confidence within the youngsters as there seems to be a healthy balance between the required formal practice and discipline which is combined with having a 'target' set on future events where new abilities can be showcased.

You can view my latest pics of the School of Popular Music's 2019 Christmas Concert by following this link:
CLICK TO VIEW THE SoPM 2019 CHRISTMAS CONCERT

One of the more enjoyable Press assignments of 2019 was being sent to photograph the Accent Language School singing Christmas carols in Market Square.

I was getting into seasonal good spirits whilst driving down to town but this was soon tempered when I saw that I literally had only torchlight to work with!

In the end I was quite pleased with the results.

Click the link to view the Gallery:
CLICK TO VIEW THE ACCENT LANGUAGE SCHOOL CHRISTMAS CAROL SINGING

Christmas must be on the way as it's time for the School of Popular Music Christmas Gig. Once again the students were given a whole evening to fill at The Doghouse. The entertainment was none-stop with some real quality on show.

The familiar format started with the solo acts leading on to the bands. This was the sixth year that I have photographed the Xmas gig and as always it's great to see how each performer has developed over the years.

The opportunity to sing and play their chosen instrument at a live venue that offers professional sound techs, lighting and an audience is a special and memorable thing for the young talent. Some, I'm sure, will go on to make a life and living within the music business. Others will enjoy the moment and they'll have fond memories of this time forever.

So thank you SoPM. I'm now officially feeling the festive vibes... well just a bit!
CLICK TO VIEW PICS OF THE SoPM 2019 CHRISTMAS GIG

I confess that I've spent 'silly' money over the decades on HiFi systems.

I still have a set of Celestion Studio Monitors that stand at over half my own height! Sadly they are now relegated to stands for our lounge lights!

I'm now a firm convert to the Sonos system of speakers... in every room... and Spotify. My days of reading HiFi magazines are gone and I've 'sold out' to technology and a single system. Maybe my old HiFi mags would not be impressed with my investment but there are real benefits.

The streaming of music has enhanced my enjoyment of a wider range of music. I'm definitely the winner. Maybe I'll expand on the bonus I now enjoy from using this technology in another Blog.

But, and it's a BIG but. There is no system that can replicate a top live performance... and I was reminded of this last weekend.

I attended a gig at St James in Guernsey which had three very popular local bands on the bill. Indeed these bands would have been enough of a draw to entice a good turnout.

However there was a promise that the headliners would put on a rather special performance to top the night.

And that is what happened. Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs were immense. Heavy, charismatic and memorable. Indeed they were the perfect example of how live music has to be enjoyed 'in the moment' and shared together as an unrepeatable (no two live performances are ever the same) experience.

Sure the musicians will often comment after a show that they weren't a tight as they wanted or some other error had crept into the show. But the crowd rarely even notice this.

The fidelity of the sound might not match my old Studio Monitors but that is quite irrelevant. The memory taken away is much more powerful and references a far more complete experience.

So I hope you have taken from this ramble that I remain a committed follower of live music and when I experience a powerful performance like the Pigs x7 at St James it can't get much better!

Their support was from Track Not Found, Brunt and Teaspoonriverneck. You can view pics of Pigs x7 and those bands here:
CLICK TO VIEW PICS OF PIGS x7
CLICK TO VIEW PICS OF TEASPOONRIVERNECK
CLICK TO VIEW PICS OF BRUNT
CLICK TO VIEW PICS OF TRACK NOT FOUND

The soon to be closed Guernsey Aquarium was the venue for a one-off pop-up gig organized by the Vale Earth Fair Collective.

The granite tunnel challenged the bands and sound techs as well as the photographers. Massive natural echo and near darkness means that this space would never work as a permanent live performance spot but it really ticked the box for wacky, weird and memorable.

I caught the performances by Kiya Ashton, Patrick Devaney aka. Citizen X and Brunt.

The act that seemed most at home in the cavernous tunnel was Citizen X who's electronic sounds some how seemed to benefit from the acoustics.

Thanks VEF, you gave us another 'should have been there' moment.

These pics show some of the atmosphere....
CLICK TO VIEW PICS OF THE AQUARIUM POP-UP GIG