I have great admiration for the photographers who earn their living taking photos at concerts. I am also very jealous as it is something I would love to have more opportunities to do. It is the combination of two of my most favourite things.
Michael Jackson at the Glasgow Apollo in 1979
CONCERTS AT HAMPDEN PARK
I have been very lucky in that I have, on a number of occasions, had the opportunity to take photos at concerts taking place at Hampden Park, Scotland's National Stadium. Having this access does not guarantee getting great images, but I am happy with what I have taken. The access that promoters varies greatly. Sometimes you get into the pit near the stage, other times you are miles away. The main reason in taking these photos is that we are then able to use them on social media after the event and to promote the stadium as a concert venue.
I have taken photos at Bruce Springsteen, AC/DC, Beyonce, Ed Sheeran, Bon Jovi, Coldplay, U2 and Robbie Williams. Highlight of all of these has to be that my images of Bruce Springsteen's concert in 2016 were used on the Boss's official website.
Susto is real
Susto are a terrific band from Charleston SC. I met them at Celtic Connections 2018. The lead singer was support act to Sam Outlaw at Oran Mor in Glasgow. I got chatting to one of the other members of the band and he happened to mention they were playing the following night at the Charles Rennie Mackintosh Church in Maryhill. After purchasing a copy of their LP (& I'm Fine Today - and mighty fine it is too) I boldly asked if I could take photos at the gig. As they knew no one in the city they said I could go on their "guest list"... okay I was their guest list.
The church is a lovely wee venue but it was really tough lighting wise. But I was happy to give it a go. All good experience.
And the band were amazing too... so win win.
Rhiannon Giddens at the old fruitmarket glasgow
Rhiannon Giddens is probably the best artist i have ever had the witness to see live. I say probably only because Alison Krauss is sensational and Bruce Springsteen is the best showman I have ever seen. Having said that Ms Giddens is the whole package. I have been fortunate enough to have seen her twice. Once at this show in Glasgow and then in Edinburgh in 2017 just after the launch of her album Freedom Highway. I had tickets to see her in November last year and I got the dates mixed up and missed it. Which was absolutely heart breaking.
The event in Glasgow was part of Celtic Connections so I knew there was little chance of taking my big lens so I just had a 50mm lens on my camera and was lucky enough to be sitting at the front. Although not ideal I got a couple of photos plus I took a couple after the show when Iain and I hung on to meet the great lady. Still makes me happy thinking of that night.
Signed souvenirs and picks (plectrums) are another of my "things". I guess I was a magpie in a previous life.
I was particularly pleased with this one as it was used on her Facebook at the end of the tour.
ian donaldson at websters theatre
Ian Donaldson and I were in the same class in at school. He was the coolest guy in our year... probably the whole school. Both of us went on to study art and design, but Ian also pursued his passion of music. He always had a band. I remember going to see his band, 8 Miles High I think, the MacDonald Hotel at Eastwood Toll when I was still at school. They did a regular wee Sunday afternoon gig for a while. They did amazing covers.
During his college days Ian took the band thing to a new level and became a regular on the Glasgow punk scene with his band Skroo. He went on to form H2O and they had relative success in the early 80s. The boy from Govan done good as they say.
We reconnected a few years ago through Facebook. It turned out he was writing a book and I gave him a hand putting some stuff together. The book was subsequently published and was well received. He was also recording a studio album.
Fast forward to February 2018 and the the album From Stars We Came was launched at two sold out gigs in Webster's over in the West End. Another converted church venue. It was a bitter cold night as I remember. I asked Ian if I could take some photos. No problem. Another challenging venue lighting wise but it's all good experience. I just found a wee unobtrusive seat near the side and took all these photos from there. A cracking gig by Mr Donaldson soon got everyone warmed up. He showed up that night with a cracking band and some great tunes.
The support that night came from Redwood Ridge. Another awesome band. They lead singer Jess has a cracking voice.
southern fried festival, perth 2018
I went to see Graham Nash at Perth's Southern Fried Festival and as it turned out The Wandering Hearts were playing at the Salutation Inn later that night. So I popped the camera in the bag and took it with me hoping to get some photos.
I was never going to get away with taking photos of the Nash gig, but when I went to the Salutation I spoke to the acts and asked if I could perhaps take a few shots during their set and they couldn't have been nicer.
The first act was a young Canadian girl Meaghan Blanchard. Oh my what a lovely voice. And such beautiful songs. My photos aren't particularly inspiring. Just nice wee record shots of the show. Same really with The Wanderin' Hearts. I was pretty much rooted to the same spot for both. Although I did take a wee wander up to the back to get a different view. Both acts were really super.
