Silverstein

with Devil Wears Prada and a Day to Remember

One of the scariest shows I've ever seen at the Meridian, not necessarily due to the bands but more of the sold out crowd and a stage barrier that was assembled backwards. It's a unique experience when you are in the photo pit and the pit starts closing in on you like that scene from Star Wars in the trash compactor. The crowd pushed the barrier like it was a tackling dummy during a football practice. Then they barrier itself started bowing in towards the stage as the crush of kids pressed forward during Devil Wears Prada's set. I thought for sure it was gonna cave in, I got out during the 2nd song, but not before catching at least 2 crowd surfers myself. They were coming over the barrier so fast security wasn't able to catch them all. Luckily they were mostly young kids weighing in no more than 120 pounds so I was able to catch with one arm and hold my camera with the other.
Between Devil wears Prada and Silverstein we got a couple of stage crew and rebuilt the barricade and then added a couple more of the 5 Star security guys to the pit, and everyone got to survive Silverstein.

Despite them having some lighting for Silverstein, overall I wasn't pleased with the shots I got, too much smoke or too much red lights pick your cliche but I wasn't happy. I was however happy that the 2nd bar was closed this night so I got to stand on the bar and shoot more or less level with band from a distance. One of the few times I can incorporate the audience into the shoot, and I really like that.
satyr
3/9/2008