Kaiser Chiefs

No pass for this one - an open air gig in Leeds - but I did find that climbing on top of the hospital gave a direct, albeit distant and obstructed view of the stage. Although I'm not a fan of their music I end up singing along whenever I hear it - 'Oh my God I can't believe it!'

"Harvey Nicks, darling"

After weeks of only photographing gigs, it was a refreshing change to spend a few hours in 'Harvey Nichols' for a fashion/reportage shoot. The featured article was about the 'personal shopping' experience, when you are generally pampered and encouraged to part with large wads of cash. Included is an hour with the beautican and your very own sales assistant. When they're charging £3,000 per dress, it's the very least you should have!

Gary Numan

Its a shame his music is so bad because he is a very good showman....

KUBB

Considering some of the bands that have 'sold out' the 1200 capacity arena, it is something of a mystery why 'Kubb' only attracted a couple of hundred tickets. Powerful and sensitive, Scouse/Caribbean front man Harry Collier led a commanding peformance to a select audience in Leeds. With a number of festivals on this years agenda - if you haven't already heard of "Kubb", you will have done by the end of the summer.

Fear Factory

Not the lighting tech's fault, the instructions were for 'dark and mysterious'. The band were very good. But you couldn't see them.

'We Are Scientists'

A bit embarrasing this one. Not for them. For me. After arriving at the stage without my memory card, when I got back and started shooting, I realised it was almost full from the previous gig so I had to delete it - including the pics I had just taken. Whilst I was doing this, leaning against the audience barrier I was grabbed and yanked away by one of the security, only to realise he was saving me from a 'crowd surfer' who was about to land on my head. I'm sure the gig was very good but I left after the next song.

iForward, Russia!

I never listen to Radio 1. Not since Chris Moyles shamelessly mocked the death of 'Best Mate' - and I was only listening to him because he's from Leeds and it seemed like the right thing to do. So, when I put the radio on tonight, because I was editing images on the PC and didnt want to play mp3's at the same time, it was a suprise to hear Steve Lamacq announce 'iForward Russia!' as the best new band on the scene. At the same time I was busy trying to sharpen up their energetic, 'cant-stand-still' lead singer on my laptop. Two days ago I had never heard of them but had been advised by another photographer that they were on the cusp and it was a good time to catch them before they were wrapped up in managerial cotton wool. A few minutes before they came on I asked one of their production team when they were going to start. 'When they're ready', came his cocky, 'I'm with the band' reply. Well, they're here and they're definately ready.... http://www.forwardrussia.com/

Corinne Bailey Rae

...did you hear the one about the church choir trained, Led Zeppelin influenced, classical violin playing, jazz, blues and soul singing Leeds lass? Well, here she is! Corinne Bailey Rae enthralled a sold out arena in her Yorkshire hometown on Saturday night. Not suprisingly, her music is 'a little bit of everything' but 'atmospheric and soulful' throughout. With a silky smooth yet powerful voice, the irony may lie in her signature tune, 'Like A Star', as she is surely destined to become one.