Is it just me, or is this band the heir apparent to AC/DC? I have to admit when I saw the over-the-top, rock-star-posturing photos, I almost thought this was a parody. Ah sure, they sound an awful lot like Brian Johnson-era AC/DC
I wanna party with these guys. For real.
I have a feeling Airbourne
Lighting on this one was tough – very low and super saturated color. Of course, that makes it tougher, but more…atmospheric, right? At least that’s how I console myself with tough lighting conditions.
I’m especially fond of this one for some reason – I like the highlight in the glasses, and the flag reflection with the stripes in his jacket. Plus it’s dark and moody compared to some of the super bright shots I get of bands.
Yes, I am really this far behind, as real life has intruded on updating this site as much as I want, but here is a set from Fangs on Fur when they opened for the fabulous Horrorpops in Denver last October. I was having serious dark 80′s flashbacks, both during the set and while going through these photos. And that, my friends, is a good thing.
Fangs on Fur – Images by Diana Price
The Uproar Fest metal crowd – used to dramatic entrances – almost doesn’t notice when Lzzy Hale quietly walks on stage to start the Halestorm set a cappella. As soon as she steps on stage, it’s hard not to think of Pat Benatar, with her shag cut and physical resemblance.
And when she starts to sing, it’s impossible not to think of Benatar. This lady’s got the pipes.
Halestorm opened the main stage for this years Rockstar Energy Drink Uproar Fest, which is a pretty amazing feat, given the band only recorded their first full length album back in 2008. Of course, the road to that first studio record was a bit longer – Lzzy formed the band back in 1998 with her brother, drummer Arejay Hale, when they were in middle school. They paid their dues on their local Pennsylvania circuit, honing their sound and lineup before getting serious about hitting the studios looking for a deal.
Their work paid off – they signed with heavy hitter Atlantic Records and released an EP with them in 2005, and went on the road with Shinedown, Seether, Flyleaf, and Trapt. Their self-titled debut album features the first single, the provocatively titled, “I Get Off.” According to the band’s official website, “On that song,” says Lzzy, “I reach outside of myself and explore sexuality. It also has this crazy metaphor of me getting off on the crowd getting off on me.”
Halestorm – Images by Diana Price
And the crowd most certainly did, proving why this band is rising fast on the charts. Not mention one of the best vocalists on the metal scene today.
Setlist:
* “It’s Not You”
* “What Were You Expecting”
* “Dirty Work”
* “Familiar Taste of Poison”
* “Nothing To Do With Love”
* “I Get Off”
I didn’t even realize when I requested to shoot this show that it was supposed to be their last tour. I find it hard to believe these guys will be able to give this up, with the fire they still have in them, and let me tell you, these guys are in damn good shape for their age. Or ANY age.
I often shoot bands I am lukewarm about or worse, but hey, I’m a child of the 80s, and loved my old school metal. This was one of those shows where I got to be a fangirl as well as a photographer, and I am so glad I got to shoot these guys the last time around.
But I’m still hoping it won’t be the last time around. Only time will tell…
And here it is, hands down the best metal ballad EVER:
Big names, big money, big production…you always know big name acts are going to pimp out the stage for their show, but The Black Eyed Peas upped the ante with a glitter and techno glam love fest at The Palace in Auburn Hills, Michigan March 9.
They set the stage, literally, with a long runway going out into the crowd that lit up like an airway strip as the lights dimmed, and various green light circuit board graphics lit the stage, while the loudspeaker droned out a “checklist” of mechanical preparations for the show. As fans watched the side stages for the Peas to appear, alas, one by one, they were lifted up through the stage via trapdoors in the green mist.
And that was just the tip of the iceberg.
As the band launched into “Let’s Get it Started,” the lights came up, nearly blinding the crowd with the sparkly costuming the quartet was sporting, particularly will.i.am’s silver glitter jacket and Fergie’s silver “My Favorite Martian” dress and leggings. The fashion was as important as the setting, and they worked the runway, strutting out into the screaming fans at The Palace. Then stereo speaker robots danced onto the stage and catwalk in a visual three ring circus.
And oh yeah…they played music, too.
No surprises here — it was the standard hit list, including: Don’t Phunk with my Heart, My Humps, Pump It, Meet Me Halfway, Imma Be, Boom Boom Pow, and I’ve Got a Feeling. And Fergie took a solo turn for three songs. Which is fitting. Even with all the glitz and glam, Fergie is one of the few performers that can upstage even the most theatrical of performances and productions.
