Dillinger Escape Plan - Terminal 5 - Nov. 19th 2011

I've been seeing Dillinger Escape Plan since I was in high school and I still don't know why. I don't particularly like the music. They aren't personal friends. And they sure as shit don't turn the lights up high enough to shoot any decent photos. I've always felt I'm not cool enough to be one of their fans. There many never be a good answer. But they do put on a somewhat interesting stage show.

Keep checking my Flickr.  Papa has to pay the bills!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/69141595@N05/

Red Fang - Terminal 5 New York, NY - Nov. 19, 2011

One of hardest shots for me to get is the drummer. They're usually set to the back of the stage and have a drum set acting as a barrier between then and audience. As well as standing in the photo pit puts you at an even tighter angle assume the stage itself isn't blocking them from you. So when there is a band with the drummer up front it's great to get some really different shots. I find it easier to get in focus on the drummer than anyone else because they aren't going to be running around the stage.

Check out some more images from the show on my Flickr! http://www.flickr.com/photos/69141595@N05/

Mastodon - Terminal 5 - Nov. 19, 2011

Mastodon has been one of those bands I've been followed for a long time. In 2003, before Leviathan had been release they were playing in Youngstown, opening up for Clutch at Naybingyi. My friend Justin and I got there and were denied entrance as it was 18+ only and the 300 capacity venue was sold out. He and I sat across the street to listen to two or three songs from Mastodon before we wandered off.

I regret that I was unable to get any descent shots of drummer Brann Dailor. He is great behind that set and an amazing creative force for the group.

At this time it's aparent that I need to up date my gear. A new camera, faster and longer lenses. There are points were you have to make a leap and take what you're doing seriously or resign yourself to hobbyism. At this point I want to take this work seriously. Even if I don't take myself as such.

Tombs - CMJ Rock the Boat - October 22, 2011

These are the last of the photos from the boat show. It was a completely original venue to me. If you weren't into the band playing you could sit on the deck and watch the Manhattan and Brooklyn skyline pass by. At one point we even circled the Statue of Liberty. The place did lack a proper stage so it you weren't in the first 3 rows your view was boned. That press of the crowd to cycle forward and the rock of the boat also meant you were constantly getting pushed around.

I have a lot more photos on Flickr! http://www.flickr.com/photos/69141595@N05/

Psychic Limb - CMJ Boat Show - October 22, 2011

Want to see bigger versions of these or images that aren't as good as the crap here?! Check out my Flickr! http://www.flickr.com/photos/69141595@N05/

Kvelertak

  

This is Kvelertak. They're from Norway and all of their lyrics are in their native tongue. Unfortunately all their luggage was lost as they came into the country. Along with it any copies of their first album. Prosthetic Records is supposed to be picking them up for U.S. distribution I've heard.

Metallica at Yankee Stadium

This is the culmination of The Big Four show I shot last month. Just under 42,000 people were in attendance. Metallica has never been high on my list of bands but it had been a long time since seeing something on this scale. In fact I'd never seen a show in a stadium. There were fireworks, lazers, explosions!

I got to meet Randy Blythe back stage when he noticed my Skeletonwitch shirt and the wrestler Triple H was there.

Big thanks goes out to my manager at the time who let me work a half day because Metallica is her favorite band ever. Thanks Adrianne!

Slayer at The Big 4

I get comments about how I look like Kerry King about once every 6 months. That's probably the best celebrity look alike I can think of. It still seems weird that Tom Araya is wearing a Cristal soccer jersey. But when you've made some of the most metal albums in history you've earned the right to wear what you'd like.

Before Slayer went on stage the press were stationed in the Yankee's press room. Sitting there was Araya doing an interview, just feet away. The only thing more surreal was then realizing that the two tweens sitting next to me were actually his kids.

I regret that I was unable to get any shots of Dave Lombardo however I have some negatives from a show he did with Fantomas in 2004 floating in my parents' house.