• Geoff
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Topic: Manchester Apollo - Apologies

Please accept our apologies( from Ian that's Icon on here, Christine that's Tripsy on here and myself) despite having thousands of pounds worth of camera gear and all the approved passes we were told in no uncertain terms that we were only alowed to take pictures from the pit and after that we had to leave our camera gear with the management. As we were all in the front row having been there since 4 pm we naturally decided to hand over our cameras and stay where we were. Some vids and stills were still captured, but sadly they will not be the whole show. Hope Chris and Ian managed to get some on their compacts. I'll post a bit on You Tube tomorrow. We weren't going to let the goons spoil our night, but I have to say the security at the Apollo in Manchester was way over the top and the same story was evident for Warren and the crew who also had a nightmare with them throughout the days set up.

Hopefully we can get some decent images in Newcastle and Glasgow - they are all seated, so may too be restricted.

The show was superb. Just how Joe manages to raise the bar each time is well beyond my comprehension. Sell out 3000 crowd just lapped it up. I don't think I was imagining it, but Bogies drumming has also transcended to another level. Just check him out this tour - absolutely brilliant! Carmine and Rick were as solid as ever with Rick being more in the mix than previously - Nice one Warren.

I heard from Joe that there is a surprise in store for Newcastle - now who's in town (the uk) the mind boggles, could it be another Joe?

Geoff O

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2 Reply by Geoff (edited by Geoff 2010-10-16 03:58:16)

  • Geoff
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Re: Manchester Apollo - Apologies

Here are what I did manage to get on the night, the concert ones were using Sue's Canon compact and the rest, well, they are maybe a different slant on the concert but some great memories for those that hung around after the show. Joe was his usual friendly and accomodating self - which is what sets him apart and above other "stars".

http://www.flickr.com/photos/12559573@N … 049130007/

Click on slideshow and then go full screen for best viewing!

I might have something completely different after Newcastle, if things go to plan!

Geoff O

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Re: Manchester Apollo - Apologies

Geoff - you got it just about right - and Warren's frustration was pretty evident when we were chatting with him after the gig. As I said, it's about 30 years since I was last at the Manchester Apollo, and I'll be in no rush to return.

Plenty of positives though - great show - a signed setlist - good company, and it looks like I've got some decent concert shots with my new compact which I'll upload later.

Shame you never got a shot of the guy who came up to shake my hand while I was stood next to Joe - that moment was priceless!  lol

Ian

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  • Geoff
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Re: Manchester Apollo - Apologies

Yeh that was a super moment. Wish we had that on Video, what a classic!

Geoff O

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  • Geoff
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Re: Manchester Apollo - Apologies

Sue says "je suis un rock star"

Geoff O

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Re: Manchester Apollo - Apologies

Well as Geoff said, the big boys camera ended up with the jobsworths last night, but I had no problems snapping away with my compact and I'm pretty pleased with what I got - especially as it's new and I'd never used it at a gig before.

Here's a link to my set on Flickr. http://www.flickr.com/photos/42034502@N … 0671/show/

Enjoy!

Ian

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Re: Manchester Apollo - Apologies

...some crackin captures of Joe in there Ian!... you must be a bit gutted you have not the same shots in better quality!... next time Bud`!  wink

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Re: Manchester Apollo - Apologies

After seeing the quality of video and stills from the compacts used, I can see them being confiscated next. Pro gear is becoming an unnecessary indulgence. Great shots folks!
Rick

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Re: Manchester Apollo - Apologies

RickB wrote:

After seeing the quality of video and stills from the compacts used, I can see them being confiscated next. Pro gear is becoming an unnecessary indulgence. Great shots folks!
Rick

Thanks Rick.
Dont think they can really consider confiscating compacts these days as they'd end up with more than 2,000 phones on their hands  hmm

Try sorting that one out  lol

Ian

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Re: Manchester Apollo - Apologies

Great shots both of you, despite the jobsworths. I think Rick has a point though. It's probably not worth the hassle taking pro equipment. The compacts did a great job.
The Apollo is a terrific venue and I'm sure you will agree that, despite the hassles, it was a night to remember.

Tripsy smile

11 Reply by Rocket (edited by Rocket 2010-10-17 10:21:43)

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Re: Manchester Apollo - Apologies

What's the deal with "3 songs and out"???? Is that some kind of pseudo-policy nationwide or what? And then they take you cameras and make you take a hat check type receipt??? Weird to me.   

Rock ON & Keep the Faith,
Rocket

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  • Geoff
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Re: Manchester Apollo - Apologies

Rocket wrote:

What's the deal with "3 songs and out"???? Is that some kind of pseudo-policy nationwide or what? And then they take you cameras and make you take a hat check type receipt??? Weird to me.   

Rock ON & Keep the Faith,
Rocket

I can understand that Rocket, most venues, artists (and concert goers) wouldn't be too pleased if there was a host of photograhers dashing backwards and forwards along the front of the stage throughout the full set, I fully appreciate that. It's just that at this particular venue, the security staff claim to be protecting the interests of the "proffessional photographer", by restricting camera use firstly by saying if you have a camera with a removable lens, then it's a "proffessional camera" and that must be used in the pit for the first three numbers, then out you go - from the venue! If you then want to rejoin the audience, you have to surrender your gear until after the show. Our position was at the front of a 2,500 standing auditorium, there was no chance of getting back to that position if we had vacated it to shoot from the pit, so it seemed better to just accept it and enjoy the show. Despite agreeing that compact cameras are OK, they then proceeded to tell people not to use them too - even with a photopass. Anyway, that's the end of it now. Time to move on..... to Glasgow.

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Re: Manchester Apollo - Apologies

Rocket wrote:

What's the deal with "3 songs and out"???? Is that some kind of pseudo-policy nationwide or what? And then they take you cameras and make you take a hat check type receipt??? Weird to me.

It's not universal but it is extremely common, particularly at rock concerts.  Pro photographers, or those using pro equipment, usually get allowed to shoot the first two, three or maybe four songs, then they have to leave the photo pit (if there is one) and sometimes the whole venue.  Over the years I've heard many reasons and excuses for this, including:-

  • It's unfair on people who've paid to be at the front to have somebody with a big camera standing in front of them all night snapping away.

  • The band or artist doesn't like to be photographed later in their set, when they are all sweaty and not looking their best.

  • Its a health and safety issue - if the crowd get rowdy later in the set the security don't want to be responsible for the safety of the photographers between the crowd and the stage.

  • The band or artist has some elements in their show that they want to remain a surprise for their audience and don't want the surprise blown by having pictures published everywhere.

In fact, in my opinion only the first reason has any relevance nowadays for most artists (and especially for Joe), and even that wouldn't be an issue if the photographers behaved themselves and showed consideration for the audience, but a very small percentage always seem to spoil it for the majority.

Exceptions to this general rule are a few photographers working directly for a band or artist, or maybe their promoter, who are sometimes allowed to shoot the whole show.  It takes a while to build this relationship, though, and to prove that the resulting photos are worthwhile and that there is no detrimental impact on audience enjoyment.  I've been fortunate to have that relationship with a number of bands, including Journey, Thunder and The Union, but sadly not yet with Joe.

So for the time being I'll content myself with '3 songs and out'.

Marty

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Re: Manchester Apollo - Apologies

Great pictures and vids from everyone - there has been so much stuff lately I feel like I can't keep up with it all!  It is much appreciated as we wait our turn over here.

I've only run into the three and out thing once (and I hope never again!)  They actually made me stand almost at the back of the theater (even though I had up front seats and a photo pass - talk about frustrating!)  It is so great that Joe does not mind picture taking - just wish that some of these venues would feel the same.  I have never (knowingly) gotten in any ones way when taking pictures, and a professional camera with a viewfinder is much less intrusive and annoying to the neighbors than a camera with a view screen held up above the head!  When we were at RAH all the photographers were told to stay low so as to not get in anyones way - and they did.  Even the cameramen stayed scrunched down the whole show - don't know how they did that!

Sandy

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15 Reply by wartypig (edited by wartypig 2010-10-21 08:07:45)

  • Registered: 2010-10-16
  • Posts: 49

Re: Manchester Apollo - Apologies

martymoffatt wrote:
Rocket wrote:

What's the deal with "3 songs and out"???? Is that some kind of pseudo-policy nationwide or what? And then they take you cameras and make you take a hat check type receipt??? Weird to me.

It's not universal but it is extremely common, particularly at rock concerts.  Pro photographers, or those using pro equipment, usually get allowed to shoot the first two, three or maybe four songs, then they have to leave the photo pit (if there is one) and sometimes the whole venue.  Over the years I've heard many reasons and excuses for this, including:-

  • It's unfair on people who've paid to be at the front to have somebody with a big camera standing in front of them all night snapping away.

  • The band or artist doesn't like to be photographed later in their set, when they are all sweaty and not looking their best.

  • Its a health and safety issue - if the crowd get rowdy later in the set the security don't want to be responsible for the safety of the photographers between the crowd and the stage.

  • The band or artist has some elements in their show that they want to remain a surprise for their audience and don't want the surprise blown by having pictures published everywhere.

In fact, in my opinion only the first reason has any relevance nowadays for most artists (and especially for Joe), and even that wouldn't be an issue if the photographers behaved themselves and showed consideration for the audience, but a very small percentage always seem to spoil it for the majority.

Exceptions to this general rule are a few photographers working directly for a band or artist, or maybe their promoter, who are sometimes allowed to shoot the whole show.  It takes a while to build this relationship, though, and to prove that the resulting photos are worthwhile and that there is no detrimental impact on audience enjoyment.  I've been fortunate to have that relationship with a number of bands, including Journey, Thunder and The Union, but sadly not yet with Joe.

So for the time being I'll content myself with '3 songs and out'.

Marty

Spot on sir .

16 Reply by Pete The Cabby (edited by Pete The Cabby 2010-10-26 00:17:56)

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Re: Manchester Apollo - Apologies

...funny thing...was reading the Manchester Gazette someone left in the cab... story in there about police hunting a thief that nicked the curtains out of the Apollo!?.... could`nt have been... narrrgh!... must a been a security guard or summit!?  hmm








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