Oct
08
When your invited to shoot an act at The Tyne Theatre and Opera House in Newcastle it’s an easy answer – “yes please”. When there are 10 acts performing it’s even better. Geordie magician Chris Cross organised another fantastic show this year with well over 4 hours of entertainment from singers, magicians, burlesque and Martyn Crofts from Britains Got Talent and geordie legend Bobby Pattinson also making an unexpected appearance. Star Shots were there to capture the show.
See all of the photographs from the show by clicking here
PLEASE NOTE – All images are Copyright © 2017 – Please do not use any images without permission and/or purchasing a license.
Oct
02
This was my 2nd visit to Whitley Bay Playhouse, the first being to see the Temperance Movement and I loved the atmosphere and general hospitality of this great venue. When I spotted local band Ultimate Bowie where playing there I managed to get permission to shoot the show, and what a show.
Now to save writing a full review i decided to steal one and who better to review the show than Geordie Waters, top local drummer, here’s his thoughts :-
“Well….what can I say about last night, in Whitley Bay…at the Ultimate Bowie show.
I’ve seen a lot of brilliant artist’s,performing wonderful music over the years, but Ed Blaney’s performance and portrayal of David Bowie’s music and personae was mind blowing. I’m a Bowie fan…right back from Starman, on Top of the Pops, in the early 70’s, and Ed completely owned the gig, last night. No cheese, or messing about…just full on quality, with the band kicking into the Ziggy start of the set with the passion of the Spiders….a top set of seasoned players, who were a million miles ahead of just ” a backing band ”. We were third row, centre, and the pa sound was just perfect….big, strong, warm, balanced….a great job done by Smoulty and the chaps.
But….Blaney?? What a voice…Eyes shut…it WAS Bowie singing….eyes open…all the mannerisms….all the moves…all the COOL. And….delivered with a respect and dignity, deserving to a great…lost…artist, from a guy who is obviously a long-term fan. Just a brilliant night….gig….show, and if you like Bowie music…you’ve got to see this.
Last words…..it’s the first time….in a long time….that I’ve watched a drummer, and thought…”you lucky bastaad” 
playing those songs…..and….as a drummer, he is a lovely player.
We’ll be back again….. Gxx”
So back to the photos – click here to see them all
PLEASE NOTE – All images are Copyright © 2017 – Please do not use any images without permission and/or purchasing a license.
Sep
18
The Shitkickers Ball sounds like a bit of a strange event but all you need to know is that it’s a charity event held yearly at The Cluny in Newcastle to raise money for St Oswald’s Hospice – that’s good enough for me !
So 4 top bands and a host of crew gave up their time to play to a packed out Cluny and I was there to capture the action. Hope the photos do the bands justice – all gave 100%.
First band – H.E.D – A band from Ashington who have been on the scene for many years, have a load of albums of original material that could compete with some of the world’s top bands. See them at Ronington next year! For now see the photos here.
Second band – The Pistoleros – a band with a huge local following that blow you away with their polished virtuoso covers of rock and pop songs that you rarely hear performed today along with some classic rock standards. Another band that you can see at Ronington next year. See the photos here.
Third Band – STAN – A band i’ve seen many times since my introduction as sound engineer for them at a gig at Bubbles. STAN continue to excite every audience they perform for with their self penned power pop anthems and heart wrenching ballads. Songs you won’t know but feel you know and have an instant attraction to. There’s a bit of a theme here but this is another band who have kindly agreed to play at Ronington next year. See the photographs here.
Finally – Groovetrain – are the premier Soul and R’n’B outfit of the area who’ll knock you out with their imaginative arrangements of classic numbers. A band I have worked with several time shooting videos in both the studio and live in Stockton and Kendal, an amazing band of highly professional musicians. See the photos here.
PLEASE NOTE – All images are Copyright © 2017 – Please do not use any images without permission and/or purchasing a license.
Sep
09
This is the event that I look most forward to shooting every year. This is the event where you meet up with old friends and leave with new friends. When the weather is nice and the booked bands are all bands you want to see it makes for another unforgettable weekend. I took way too many photos and therefore I’ve posted way too many photos but I know the band’s like to see them as it’s often the highlight of their year too. Click on the links to see each album.
Friday
Saturday
Phil Campbell and the Bastard Sons
Jul
30
Always been a fan of this band so when they are playing in your home town and it’s in a proper theatre with the full lighting and pyro show you know you have to be there to capture the action. A fantastic night was had by all who were there and what a great venue for live music. Enjoy the photos.
See the full set of images here
Jul
10
Another highlight in my calendar is Corbridge Festival and when the weather is as good as it was on Saturday it makes for an even better day. 24 acts across the 2 main stages and countless more in a 3rd smaller tent makes the event a musical spectacular from kick off on Friday night through to late on Saturday evening. I hope the photographs do the event justice.
PLEASE NOTE – All images are Copyright © 2017 – Please do not use any images without permission and/or purchasing a license.
See the rest of the band images by clicking on the links below :-
PLEASE NOTE – All images are Copyright © 2017 – Please do not use any images without permission and/or purchasing a license.
Jul
04
Monday night gig at The Cluny in Newcastle, unless it was something special then most would give this gig a miss after a weekend of drinking but when it’s Russ Tippins making a rare band appearance then you just know the place will be full and a guaranteed memorable night would be had by all. First up The Tom Atkinson band followed by the main event. Guest vocals by the fab Jen Normandale finished the evening off in style.
PLEASE NOTE – All images are Copyright © 2017 – Please do not use any images without permission and/or purchasing a license.
See the rest of the images by clicking here
Jul
01
Street photography is something I don’t do enough of and i’ve no idea why as I love it ! Saturday 1st July 2017, sun was shining and so of I went. Captured some of the lovely old and new architecture around Newcastle city centre and some of the people walking the streets. Hope you like the results.
PLEASE NOTE – All images are Copyright © 2017 – Please do not use any images without permission and/or purchasing a license.
See the rest of the images by clicking here
May
05
I was invited to see Uli Jon Roth last night at South Shields Unionist Club and jumped to the chance. As a massive Scorpions fan and with the prospect of hearing a load of Tokyo Tapes tracks played by the master guitarist Uli, I knew it was going to be a great night. The club was packed with fans and after a great set by local band The Force, we were treated to a show to remember.
Click here to see the full set from Uli.
Click here to see photos from The Force’s set.
May
04
Last year was my first time at Crookfest and it was a fantastic day out. I was invited back to take photographs again and jumped to the chance. The main thing about festivals is the variety of acts that are there to entertain the public and this year we had 3 different stages at Crookfest, all very well supported throughout the day by music fans out for a drink and to be entertained. The photographs hopefully capture the atmosphere and the enjoyment had by both the visitors and the bands.
Click here to see all of the photos !