Bloc Party Live at Olympia
12 April 2009 – Tonight was one of my most exciting live shoots to date as I got to take photographs of Bloc Party. Not only are they one of my favourite bands but I had also not yet seen them live. Normally when this is the case, the band just plays alright and I have a good time, tonight however was different, they were incredible. I have a new found respect for these guys and now want to support them more then ever.
The show was at they London Olympia Royal Hall in Kensington and the venue was super. The set was not my favourite to photograph as the stage was super high so it becomes my main aim to just concentrate on making sure I don’t end up with a bunch of photographs looking up at chins. It is definitely a lot nicer for the rest of the crowd as they can at least get a bit of a view. Anyway, I made my way through the super big crowd to the front of the stage and then waited for the show to start. I need to make it extremely clear that when it did start, I was dumbstruck by the presence of front man Kele because he seemed so BIG and his presence and voice immediately made me feel comfortable and a million memories shot through my mind.
I also want to add that for some reason, I have never really known what to expect from their live show because I had always heard a lot of bad press about the guys and in my head I guess I was expecting something completely opposite to what I witnessed. The band seemed to be one of the most humble I have ever seen on stage constantly thanking the crowd for their support over the years and for the memories and experiences they have shared playing live shows in London. Kele also came out at encore dressed in a bunny suit which was really cool considering it was Easter.
All in all, I had one of my most favourite live experiences to date and I cannot wait to see these guys again. I shot quite a few photographs and have randomly posted 15 and I think they came out quite cool. I will scan through the rest when I have logged them and post a few more here if I get a chance. If you haven’t heard of these guys before (which would be mad but I am sure it is possible) please do yourself a favour and pick up one of their albums. I highly recommend it.
Lastly, I hope you are all well and that you had a super Easter. Marcus
WOW, I really hope they come to SA, I would love to see them. one of my favorite bands eva..And your write up has made me want to see them even more :)