Desmond Dekker is Dead

Very sad news. Desmond Dekker has died of a heart attack aged 64. His last gig was at here in Leeds on May 11.

A legend. R.I.P.

Chas 'n' Dave

Would you 'Adam and Eve' it?! Those crafty cockneys have made their way up North for a gig in Leeds. I had a quick Ruby and downed a couple of Britneys. After a quick Jimmy I made my way up the Apples for a Butchers at the duo. They did more Rabbiting than playing but were great entertainment. As my Pie is overseas I made my way home and had to make do with a Tommy.

Wetherby Races

Creative racing photography is largely down to luck. Pick the angle, lying in the sodden ground, camera less than an inch from the fence (and potentially the galloping horses), waiting for the cavalry. They travel at 40 mph and, presuming they are about 6 feet from the lens, they will pass through the viewfinder in about a quarter of a second! It is a case of 'rapid fire' and hope for the best. And you only get one chance every 30 minutes.

Orson

Awesome. Orson.

Very photogenic band - charasmatic, expressionate and flamboyant. Good music too!

The Sunshine Underground

Special gig tonight, despite a relatively small tunout. Playing their first 'proper' gig, the band came across as very honest and genuine and there was a real party atmosphere. Expect big things from them.

Yes Boss

I need a faster lens! Simply loosing too many shots trying to cope at around 1/15th second....(didn't know what else to say about this act)

'Dirty Pretty Things'

All gigs stink of weed; it just varies in amount and strength. Took a while to come across it last night but someone had the super smelly skunk out with them. I just hung around the area until the music sounded better.

The Rakes

Another sell out gig for The Met. Great atmosphere. Crap lighting.

John Martyn

Although photographing was allowed throughout the gig at The Irish Centre - there seemed little point as the lighting didnt change and he didnt move. A lot mellower and 'midle of the road' than I was expecting but The Guinness was exceptional!

Desmond Dekker

Top show! Top showman! (He had a belt buckle which scrolled his name in flourescant blue letters.... ). An enthusiastic crowd complete with skinheads and rude-boys! Contender for gig of the year....