Papa Roach and Nothing More, Exeter Great Hall. First time photographing at this venue on behalf of Vulture Hound and I was immediately struck by the theatre like quality to the venue.
Upon arriving to the show, I instantly noticed how accommodating the security and venue staff were being towards me, this helped me ground myself nicely to the venue and figure out where I had to be and when.
I want to quickly give a shout out to my fellow togs who I had the pleasure of sharing the photo pit with. Firstly, Grace Chapman-Duke who is a fellow female photographer who I worked with at last years Burn It Down Festival in Torquay, Grace has a real talent for capturing those moments other togs wouldn't notice, she's a good egg. Secondly, Rob Wilkins (Celtography) who is a brilliant photographer who approaches all those he meets with a charming nature and a happy face that I've seen next to me at quite a few South West venues. Thirdly, Steve (MusoMuso) who I've not actually worked with before, so it was brilliant to put a face to a name especially when its someone who's got serious talent behind them. Finally, Hannah O'Brian who is the owner of Exeter Uncovered which is a unique magazine showing of the best of music Exeter has to offer. What Hannah is doing for the local music scene is crucially important and I support her in everything she does and might or not might not be discussing a collaboration soon!
Nothing More opened up the stage with hauntingly beautiful stage production, singer Jonny started the gig atop what can only be described as a 10+ ft ladder with an air raid siren on the top of it. This entrance made the wait (of no support) worth while and let the crowd know what they were in for. A rig like this was brilliant to see in a slightly smaller venue and kept the show interesting and unique. Jonny simply didn't stop moving throughout the show using every inch of the stage to engage as much of the crowd as possible. He was challenging to photograph due so, but I liked the challenge, but Jonny didn't over shadow the rest of the band in the slightest way. The whole band worked incredibly well together interacting with each other and the crowd. Nothing was lost from taking songs from album to live show especially when it came to things like the backing vocals and other elements (Jonnys amazing drumming rig). Nothing More are like no other band I've photographed and I was very impressed to say the least.
Papa Roach know their crowd, opening up with "Last Resort" which set the crowd on fire. which as a tog I was hoping for, so I was able to photograph the legendary single. Singer Jacoby Shaddix can only be described as a crowd master, he didn't stop during the whole set which was amazing to witness...does he actually age?! Papa Roach kept the crowd hungry for more from beginning to end, mixing their newer tracks like "Elevate" with the powerhouse classics like "Between Angels and Insects". I appreciated Papa Roach decided to do this as it kept each fan happy no matter what era you're into. The lighting team did a brilliant job throughout the show, the stage was bring and happy, rotating colours and mental strobing which opposed some of the heavier songs but it was good to see the band didn't want to do the usual kind of lighting when it comes to rock and metal shows.
In an era where we need champions to talk about mental health, Papa Roach as always can be relied on to set an example. Covering "Firestarter" by the Prodigy following a heart felt tribute to Keith Flint.
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