Frenzy vs Jacko

On Sunday, I was in Northampton for the Bank Holiday 'Frenzy vs Jacko' all-dayer at the King Billy pub (all the acts had to do a Michael Jackson cover).  I used to be a regular in this pub, but this was the first time I'd been back since moving away over 10 years ago.  It hasn't changed at all - same décor, same furniture and fittings, just a new sign above the entrance.  And..., the same music - Mötley Crüe playing as I walked in took me back a few years.

The 'stage' is a corner of the pub, lit by spotlights from several angles .  They were throwing really harsh coloured light into proceedings, so black and white was the only option for most of the images.  The shooting angles were limited as well, due to having an uncovered window to one side of the stage area (it was daytime), and a mirror.  So, about 'normal' for a pub gig then.

The first band I shot were The Exit Palace, an alternative rock band from Corby.  I checked with the guitarist beforehand that they were okay with me taking photos, and practically got my hand bitten off.  No issues there then.  Their only request was that I got some shots of the drummer, as it was his first gig with the band.

The Bophins were their usual energetic selves.  Tim O'Neill, the guitarist, went for his customary wander around the bar area.  Tim Walden, the bass player, proved to be a bit difficult to shoot thanks to the window and a speaker stack, and Silvie on drums was a bit too far away for the 50mm lens.  I also tried standing on a chair at the side of the stage to get some different angles, but wasn't particularly happy with the results.

50mm f/1.4 @ ISO 1600, f2.0, 1/160s

50mm f/1.4 @ ISO 3200, f/1.4, 1/125s

Next up was an unnamed band (apparently now named 'The Band With No Name'), made up of members of other acts on the bill, playing rockabilly.  After reviewing some of the shots of the Bophins, I switched to the 85mm lens to get some tighter shots.  However, with movement restricted by the audience, and a double bass taking centre stage, I probably would have been better off sticking with the 50mm.  That said, the 50mm lens wouldn't have got me the shot of the drummer that I like...

The original plan had been to stay a bit later and shoot more of the bands.  But, with friends having to leave earlier than expected, and things running well behind schedule, I decided to call it a day.  Overall, I'm reasonably happy with the results, but plenty more practice is still needed.