I shot Carter USM this weekend at Brixton Academy, It’s a venue I have been going to for over twenty years and must have seen over 50 bands there. I have never however been the right side of the barriers with my camera.

The was quite some gig for me. Carter USM were supported by Ned’s Atomic Dustbin and CUD, two of my favorite bands who I have also followed for many, many years. I had three of the best bands in the world on the same bill for the price of one. Pretty much a dream come true in so many ways. I had been getting somewhat excited all week about this one, the anticipation building as what for me, was all my Christmases arriving at once.

Every one of the performers was top drawer and exactly what I was expecting – CUD, their usual funky selves, Carl strutting his stuff as only he can. Ned’s also superb with John Penny still exuding the energy that he had 20 years ago, albeit with shorted hair. Topped off with the amazing Carter USM, Jimbob and Fruitbat produced a superlative set, polished performances and classic songs.

[photoshelter-gallery g_id=”G0000G_DiISidWbM” g_name=”Carter-Cud-Neds” f_show_slidenum=”t” img_title=”casc” pho_credit=”iptc” f_link=”t” f_enable_embed_btn=”t” f_send_to_friend_btn=”t” f_fullscreen=”t” f_show_watermark=”t” f_htmllinks=”t” f_mtrx=”t” fsvis=”t” width=”720″ height=”500″ bgcolor=”#AAAAAA” bgtrans=”t” btype=”old” bcolor=”#CCCCCC” crop=”t” twoup=”t” trans=”xfade” tbs=”4000″ f_ap=”t” linkdest=”c” f_constrain=”f” f_topbar=”f” f_bbar=”f” f_bbarbig=”” f_show_caption=”f” f_smooth=”f” f_up=”f” target=”_self” ]

Full galleries are here

Carter the Unstoppable Sex Machine

Neds Atomic Dustbin

CUD

Photographically this was the most challenging shoot I have done. The lighting was IMMENSE for all three bands, Carter especially. I must admit that I did do a good deal of ‘just taking the shot’ with little thouguth of composition. The musicians move around a lot and the contrast between the lights and people on stage was hard to deal with.

All images were taken with a Canon 70-200 f2.8 IS USM MkII at F2.8. This lens is AWESOME.