The show must go on...

Depeche Mode is another one of those bands that had me wondering if... they've still got it? I can say that, yes... they do. Despite their recent cancellation of shows, Depeche Mode took the stage last night for a sell-out crowd at the SB Bowl and proved that they aren't too old to rock. From my vantage point, in the photo pit, it was easy to see that the band was getting into a groove and smiling all the while.

We photographers were allowed to shoot 4 songs last night, which is unheard of, and when I caught myself thinking that they were really starting to rock out... poof!... a loud pop stopped the show. Seems they were rocking too hard and blew all the power on the stage. Damn! it was only half way through the 3rd song. Since it took about 15 minutes to get things going again, the photographers were asked to just call it an evening. Bummer, but... there were plenty of shots to be had.

Here's are some including the opening band, Peter Bjorn & John, who delivered an equally as good set...

No Doubt...

Finally got the OK from No Doubt's publicist to post a few images from their recent show at the SB Bowl...

Gotta Lovette...

Lyle Lovette returned, once again, to the SB Bowl... which he says, "If the Flinstone's home of, Bedrock, had a concert venue, this would be it." He and his "Big Band" delivered the goods after a sweet opening set from, Madeleine Peyroux. I too returned somewhere, once again... the soundboard. Below are just a couple of the many shots I took, there's only so much you can do with a 300mm lens from there...

Blazing Haley rides again...

After photographing live music for over 12 years, I've seen A LOT of live music. With that, I can honestly say that Blazing Haley... hands down... puts on one of the best live shows I've ever seen. If you live in the Santa Barbara area and have never seen them play, get your tail down to the Wildcat on Wed., Aug. 5th for their fiesta kick-off show...Don't think twice about it, you never know if you'll get another chance to catch one of their rare, legendary live performances. I'm pretty sure they go on sometime after 10PM. You can thank me later.

The Fray, Jack's Mannequin & Vedera...

Here are some shots from last night at the SB Bowl. I was stuck in the wings using a 300mm lens...