Getting Loaded with Duff McKagan

Of course, I didn't ACTUALLY get loaded with the legendary bass player from Velvet Revolver and Guns N Roses, no no no, thankfully he gave all that up. In fact, Duff's other band is called Loaded and I interviewed them on Friday last for the November issue of Powerplay Magazine. After the interview, whilst keeping the many, many Duff fans (and possible stalkers) at bay outside, I managed to grab this band shot.

I really like the shot, especially as my flashgun failed on me completely just as I tried to take the first shot! Friday was the second time I've interviewed Duff, and he remembered me this time around which was very cool considering how many journalists he must meet, and just the fact that he's Duff McKagan. Last time around I grabbed some portraits of him, my favourite being this one.

All in all, another great experience for me, and the thought that one of lifelong musical heroes recognised me was pretty massive really! Now if only I could arrange a chat with a few more of them - anyone have the numbers for Messers Slash, Hetfield, Iommi, Cornell, Perry, Page??

Keith Caputo, the Agony uncle

Last Thursday I was back at a very empty Birmingham Academy 2 to watch pint-sized Life of Agony singer Keith Caputo on his solo tour. I was shooting and reviewing the show for Birmingham Live and that should all go up soon, although I think we're due to launch the BRAND NEW site any time now, so it may take a while longer than normal. Anyway, support was provided by Brum singer/songwriter Lee Rogers, and he did an excellent job. He has a great voice, and would be well worth going to watch if you get chance.

Then it was onto the main man, Mr Caputo. He is quite a mysterious character in general, and was equally enigmatic on stage - which only really made him more captivating. He has a great vocal range, and his solo material is also very diverse, making for an interesting set.

His band, The Sad Eyed Ladies, are three talented Dutch musicians, and helped in building an atmospheric sound that built and built as the set went on.

The rest of the set was great - one of those ones you can enjoy without actually knowing any of the songs played. I'm really pleased with some of the shots I ended up with, especially given how bad the lighting was and the fact that, surprisingly for this venue, flash was not allowed. Not to worry though, I got the shots I needed and it's another "name" for my portfolio, which is nice.

3 Stone Gods and a Happy Welshman

So, it was back to the Barfly last Saturday for another great night of rock. This time it was a gig organised by Emma Scott of Kerrang! Radio fame featuring four awesome bands, which I was reviewing for Birmingham Live. You can read my review here. First up it was Telford-based NewBreed, who put on a good show despite being a very late addition to the bill. They're making a name for themselves in the USA at the moment so keep an eye out for the name in the future.

Second on the bill were local boys The First Seven, who were probably the find of the night. They combined pop-rock stylings with some heavy grooves and experimental jammed parts that, all mixed together, worked really well. A great vocalist as well. Another name to keep an eye out for.

Next up were the excellent Them Is Me, featuring two former members of Reef. This was the second time this summer that I'd been able to catch the group live, and they've already improved so much in between shows. Well worth checking out.

I was also lucky enough to bump into Gary and Jack (the two who were in Reef) before the show, and they kindly agreed to have their pic taken - cheers guys!

Just in case you're curious, no they don't do any Reef numbers - and with good reason too. Their self-titled, debut album is more than strong enough to provide them with enough songs, and by the sounds of the new number aired here - the future is just as bright for Them Is Me.

And so onto the headliners - the

Stone Gods, featuring Dan Hawkins and Richie Edwards who were both part of The Darkness until its unfortunate demise a couple of years ago. This was the first time I'd even heard a Stone Gods song, and I have to say that I was very impressed. Their AC/DC-esque sound will certainly go down well when they support Airbourne this November.

The Stone Gods performance was already going to be something of a special show given that the gig was a one-off, but it was made even more special at the last minute. Due to the departure of original Gods drummer Ed Graham, the vacant drum stool was filled, for one night only, by former

Stereophonics stickman, and general top bloke, Stuart Cable. As you can see here, he had a blast.

The only down point of the gig was that, due to the curfew imposed by the Barfly, we were limited to just 45 minutes from our headliners. Hopefully they'll be able to come back soon and play for much longer.

So there you have it, another night of top notch music for me to shoot. This music photography business is rather good fun!

The Mighty Meshuggah

For some reason unknown to me, my helpful website has deleted all my text for this entry, and I can't remember what I wrote. So here's a much shorter version! I was shooting the Swedish legends Meshuggah for the November issue of Powerplay Magazine, and they were wholly awesome! Support came from Bristol five-piece Trigger the Bloodshed, who were OK, but really struggled to win the crowd over.

Here's the best Meshuggah pics - enjoy!

These two are my favourites of the lot: