Simple Minds
Words from a fan in the pit
Wednesday morning arrives, something still niggling in my plum size brain......"do I or don't I?"
Lots of reasons why I can't shoot Simple Minds, should I leave it till next time?
These doubts lasted about ten minutes before I decided this was gonna happen. After shooting them in 2013, I contacted them and attempted to arrange a pass, to my surprise I was accepted within 24 hours and not long after, Manchester Rocks had a press pass and we were all set. Shooting at the Apollo can either be awesome or sometimes soul destroying. If the concert is all seated then photographers are moved well away from the stage and the pics become one dimensional. I was informed this was an all seater so any excitement was all about seeing my idols on stage for the fifth time.
Friday comes, finished from boring the hell out of my work colleagues about Simple Minds, I drop my cherubs off at my Dad's and head for the Apollo.
When I arrived at the venue, I picked up my Photo Pass and go in, to my joy there are no seats downstairs.......there's a photo pit!!!!!!! For probably the first time this year, my adrenaline spikes........I'm shooting Simple Minds and there's a pit..........and no support.
I never do reviews when I photograph a gig for 2 reasons....
#1 - I can't write;
#2 - I tunnel vision when I'm in the pit, I'd rather do one job well than two half arsed.
This time was no exception, I couldn't tell you much about the first three songs apart from what I saw through the lens.
When I'm shooting lately, I like to bring the crowd into it, Simple Minds fans are always lively before and during a gig.
After shooting the three songs, I headed up to the back of the Apollo listening to "The American" and took my position near the bar.
The fans at the back were lively and loud during "Waterfront" and "Don't You (Forget About Me)" as they approached the fifteen minute interval.
When Simple Minds return back on stage without Jim Kerr, Sarah Brown sings 'White Hot Day," "Book of Brilliant Things" and "East At Easter."
Lots of reasons why I can't shoot Simple Minds, should I leave it till next time?
These doubts lasted about ten minutes before I decided this was gonna happen. After shooting them in 2013, I contacted them and attempted to arrange a pass, to my surprise I was accepted within 24 hours and not long after, Manchester Rocks had a press pass and we were all set. Shooting at the Apollo can either be awesome or sometimes soul destroying. If the concert is all seated then photographers are moved well away from the stage and the pics become one dimensional. I was informed this was an all seater so any excitement was all about seeing my idols on stage for the fifth time.
Friday comes, finished from boring the hell out of my work colleagues about Simple Minds, I drop my cherubs off at my Dad's and head for the Apollo.
When I arrived at the venue, I picked up my Photo Pass and go in, to my joy there are no seats downstairs.......there's a photo pit!!!!!!! For probably the first time this year, my adrenaline spikes........I'm shooting Simple Minds and there's a pit..........and no support.
I never do reviews when I photograph a gig for 2 reasons....
#1 - I can't write;
#2 - I tunnel vision when I'm in the pit, I'd rather do one job well than two half arsed.
This time was no exception, I couldn't tell you much about the first three songs apart from what I saw through the lens.
When I'm shooting lately, I like to bring the crowd into it, Simple Minds fans are always lively before and during a gig.
After shooting the three songs, I headed up to the back of the Apollo listening to "The American" and took my position near the bar.
The fans at the back were lively and loud during "Waterfront" and "Don't You (Forget About Me)" as they approached the fifteen minute interval.
When Simple Minds return back on stage without Jim Kerr, Sarah Brown sings 'White Hot Day," "Book of Brilliant Things" and "East At Easter."
When Jim enters the stage again, they perform one of my favourites, "Once Upon A Time," the title track of one of the best albums of the Eighties.
Followed by "All The Things She Said" and a cracking title tune from their new album "Big Music." "Sanctify Yourself" finishes and the band leaves before an encore. I have to leave, as I go past security I say: "no I'm not thick, I have to go home."
Followed by "All The Things She Said" and a cracking title tune from their new album "Big Music." "Sanctify Yourself" finishes and the band leaves before an encore. I have to leave, as I go past security I say: "no I'm not thick, I have to go home."
I don't pretend to know much about music but I know what I like. Every time I see Simple Minds I come away without a voice and wishing I was Charlie Burchill playing his sweet tunes to an always emphatic crowd. But as I'm as talented at music as an asthmatic cart horse, photographing them is just as exciting.
I remember Jim Kerr saying "I'm knackered already"...........me too, chasing you up and down the very big Apollo pit.
Words & Photography by Philip Goddard
Here is what some fans I chatted to thought of them on the tour so far:
"You know it's been an awesome gig when you turn to leave, drenched in sweat, and your legs have turned to jelly! Massive thanks to the crew for the long hours and making it all happen! SM are my drug of choice, please never stop!"
Bobby, Manchester
"I was at the Llandudno gig a few weeks back now, been to many gigs in my lifetime but none have stayed in my mind for this length of time. Still waking up singing Liason or Hunter and the hunted. The atmosphere was tremendous. The crowd loved every second. Jim waved back at me. Goosebumps I'll say. My daughter also loved the gig, it was a very special night and I am Still buzzing"
Colette, Manchester
I remember Jim Kerr saying "I'm knackered already"...........me too, chasing you up and down the very big Apollo pit.
Words & Photography by Philip Goddard
Here is what some fans I chatted to thought of them on the tour so far:
"You know it's been an awesome gig when you turn to leave, drenched in sweat, and your legs have turned to jelly! Massive thanks to the crew for the long hours and making it all happen! SM are my drug of choice, please never stop!"
Bobby, Manchester
"I was at the Llandudno gig a few weeks back now, been to many gigs in my lifetime but none have stayed in my mind for this length of time. Still waking up singing Liason or Hunter and the hunted. The atmosphere was tremendous. The crowd loved every second. Jim waved back at me. Goosebumps I'll say. My daughter also loved the gig, it was a very special night and I am Still buzzing"
Colette, Manchester