Loyal fans & Neyo at London Indigo.

Wotcha, Pilgrims!

Here’s an obvious question: where would any celebrity, musician or performer be without their fans? Well, nowhere, of course. It’s the fans that make the stars. In many instances, it’s an unholy alliance, but there it is! And so I find myself chatting with some die-hard fans today before Neyo’s Performance at The Indigo, London, thus continuing with my previous blog about fans:

Fan 1: “Excuse me, are you a photographer?” (considering the fan sees me holding 2 cameras and a photo-pass plastered on my shirt!)

Me: “Yeah, I’m a photographer.”

Fan 2: “Wow!! I bet you get to meet and chat to all the celebrities!!”

Me: “No, not really. And besides, of what benefit to my well being would my meeting a ‘celebrity’ do for me?”

Fan 2: “Because you’re a photographer, and I bet you get to meet them back stage and go to the parties!!”

Me: (Sighing) “If I had £5 ever time I heard that assumption….”

Fan 1: “It’s not an assumption…you have a pass!! I wish I had your job!!”

Me: (Trying to change the topic) “I’m guessing you’re a big fan of Neyo’s…”

Fan 1 & 2: “Oh, we love him.. we fancy him!!” (Fan 2 shows me her home-made T- shirt with ‘Neyo’ sewn on)

Me: “Clearly… so, tell me: what would you do if he came up to you?”

Fan 2: “I’d die!! Do you think he’ll take this shirt I made for him?”

Fan 1: ” Do you reckon I can touch him?”

Me: “Unless you’re willing to jump over this barrier, smack down security and finally tussle Neyo to the ground, I’d say your chances are pretty slim.. besides, why would you want to go through all that effort, anyway?”

Fan 1 (With a serious voice): “Because I want to make love to him on the stage!”

Maybe she was kidding or even a bit tipsy, but at that split second, she had a demented look in her eyes of one who just might pull such a stunt off:

Me: “You do realise that you can’t force a person to make love to you. If anything, It’ll constitute as rape. Besides, wouldn’t such an act come across as a bit ‘desperate’ ??”

Fan 1: “But I love him so!!!”

Anyway, here’s a picture of Neyo’s dedicated fans. (Fan 1is Holding the shirt, while fan 2 is obscured by fan 1’s Neyo shirt, but you can see her hand giving the thumbs up!)

Enough of the yak: here are some shots of Neyo on the night:

***All Images Copyrighted © Akin Aworan. All Rights Reserved!***  Published work found here.

Oh, I have to point this out, though. Just a couple of days ago I was at Indigo to cover ‘Return to Forever’, and everything was just fine with regards to entrance and stuff. Yet, for today’s gig, it was metal detectors galore! Speaks volume about how certain types of music is associated with certain stereotypes, although Neyo’s music is harmless stuff..

Red Carpets & Return to Forever Reunion at Indigo

Back at university, I had to study a course module on ‘Fandom’. A fan, by definition, is a person enthusiastic about a specified sport, pastime, or performer; devotee who could scarily be obsessed into worshipping somewhat of a demi-god, preferably as mentioned as above. Don’t get me wrong: we are all fans of one thing or another. I’m a fan of some really good jazz bands and some authors.

But If there’s one thing that I can’t understand and I doubt I ever will, is staying out and braving the elements just to see celebrities on the red carpet, just because I’m a fan. On numerous occasions I’ve walked through Central London and there’s a huge crowd of people waiting just to get a glimpse of a movie star or a ‘wannabe’. Sure, a couple of stars might do the obligatory walk-about like a Royal, (in some, ironic way, they are!) and sign some autographs; pose to the photographers and paparazzi; point to the anonymous somebody in the crowd, wave and smile with a big cheesy grin to boot. The scary thing is: no matter the weather or situation, there’ll always be the undying loyal devotee who will be there, just for a scrap of recognition from a star and hope just to be spoken to, touched or even acknowledged! I mean, honestly: what would you possibly do if a star got chatting to you? Besides, you’d have to deal with their chaperone, their PR agencies.

Speaking of PR, I have to laugh at times of how some them behave within the industry. I really do have to chuckle at times. Every now and then, a musician or performer rolls into town, and as is normally the case, I request for a pass or accreditation. 5 out of 10 times, the pass is normally given, for which I am truly thankful for. However, in many instances you rarely get an acknowledged email with a response as to whether you’ve got a pass or not. Yet, the same PR companies have no qualms at all to ‘invite’ you to come down for a press and photo- call to take pictures of their new client who’s in town, and they need all the press they are going to get, so as show their client what a magnificent job they are doing in raising their profile. Hang on a minute: you want me to come out when it’s convenient for you, but when I request something from you, it’s a struggle? Now you have an idea why this industry can be so fickle at times. But it’s all good.

The tag-line “The most eagerly anticipated…” is such a desecrated term these days that it’s bestowed on anything and anyone. Yet, if there’s ever a band that said tag-line should rightly be attributed to, it’s yesterday’s performance of ‘Return to Forever’ at the Indigo o2 Yesterday. The legendary line up of Chick Corea, Stanley Clarke, Al Di Meola & Lenny White was a gig that brought crowds out. Amazing, amazing gig. Anyway, pictures from the night:

(**All Images copyright © Akin Aworan. All rights reserved**)

***just found out one of the images was published.. whoohoo..

“Touch Wood!!” and The Feeling….

Knocking on wood, and the spoken expression “knock on wood” or “touch wood” are used to express a desire to avoid “tempting fate” after making some boast or speaking of one’s own death. (Wikipedia Definition)

If there’s one superstition that I always have to laugh at, it’s the need for people to say “Touch wood!” Have you ever found yourself chatting to someone and the next minute, in a bid not to jinx themselves depending on what’s being discussed, say “Touch wood!”?  What’s even more funny is that even with no wood around, they proceed to tap their head as a replacement. I find it hilarious. There was this time that I was having a friend moan to me about something or the other, (I forget!) and because she didn’t want to ‘curse‘ the situation any more than what she was already in, she began to simultaneously tap not just the table with her hand and her feet on the chair,  but she was also rapping her head on a wooden beam. She even began muttering  “Touch Wood! Touch wood!!” like it was a mantra to the ‘Tree god’.  Maybe I was trying to be funny or facetious, or just being me, but I just said in a deadpan voice: “Girl, you can touch all the rain forest in the Amazon, it’s not going to solve the problem!” It kind of brought her to her senses…just for a couple of seconds, then she resumed her trance of mantra-muttering.

Anyway, here are a couple of shots from yesterday’s gig at Somerset House. The Feeling is not really my cup of tea, but I did think it was nice of them to have a loyal fan come up on stage and propose to his girlfriend:

Oh, here’s a guy who is worth looking out for: the name is Nick Harrison and he was yesterday’s support act:

‘We are Scientists’ and Forgiveness…

“And forgive us our trespasses, (offenses, transgressions, mistakes) as we forgive those who trespass against us..” Matthew 6.12

One of the hardest things that we can encounter on a daily basis is the decision to forgive. When someone does something to tick us off and we find ourselves either hating or forgiving, I honestly believe that because we’re hurting, we start to pile up some anger within and then it grows into a real hatred. Now, let’s be honest: It’s hard to forgive. Oh, my God! Every single one of us have had situations where we face decisions as to whether to forgive or not. It’s hard, but by the Grace of God, it is possible. It’s easier said than done,

I had a situation yesterday while covering ‘We are Scientists’. Some youngster deliberately threw some beer smack on me yesterday, while I was in the middle of changing camera lenses in the pit. Thankfully, no real damage took place, but anyone would be pretty miffed by that. Now, having stuff chucked at you in the pit is a daily occurrence at most live music gigs, but all it takes is the projectile aimed the wrong way hitting and causing some serious damage to your health, equipment or hygiene.I was that close in sending a well versed Yoruba curse. (There’s a huge difference between swear-words and curses, trust me!) Then it dawned on me: there would be nothing I can do. Whom would I accuse from a crowd that were all suspects? Being angry about it was just going to make me more ticked off and just stress me out. And sending a curse would just not be becoming. I did have to have a bath yesterday night: I smelt like dregs. Then again, it could have been the dregs chucked at me yesterday.

Anyway, Pictures from the night:

‘We are Scientists’:

I had high expectations for the warm up act. With a name like ‘Fight like Apes’, you’d think they’d deliver. Boy, was I disappointed. Half way through the set, I had to put my gear down because I didn’t know what to make of this band. Even the crowd seemed unresponsive. Oh, well; all the best to them:

‘Fight Like Apes’:

Death Cab for Cuties at Koko, London

I woke up early this morning and put the tv on and caught this story on BBC:

Nigerian ‘Football agents’

I ent to cover ‘Death Cab for Cuties’ (weird name!) at Koko yesterday, and may I just say for the record: they were the most visually boring group to take pictures of live.  The music was amazing, but to take the pictures? Nah.. didn’t work for me.  I did like ‘Das Pop’s performance, though:

Das Pop:

Picture Updates of from Barbican Gigs

Wotcha, Pilgrim.

Not that I’ve not wanted to blog, but I’ve been so busy that by the time I get home, I fall asleep while working. Lord, I need a holiday.

Anyway, here are some shots of gigs I’ve covered in the past week:

King Solomon Burke at the Barbican.

Zakir Hussain on tabla

Glastonbury 2008 Day 3-Recap

Thus concludes another year at Glastonbury, and may I just say that had it rained all over the weekend, it would have been the last Glastonbury for me. Then again, they’d probably have been famous last words.

Right now, I am tired and have to get myself sorted out. However, on the 3rd day at Glastonbury I did learn and observe the following:

Because you write for one of the national tabloids doesn’t automatically guarantee you exclusivity to certain areas, no matter how much you blag. ☺

If you armed every person that came down to the festival (excluding all those under 13) we’d have a full-fledged army to invade a country. Then again, with what’s going on in Iraq, probably not a good idea.

Call me conservative, but having Amy Winehouse perform, with her present condition and all, was not the best move at all.

There is a deeper meaning to the term, ‘Power Trip’

Saying ‘please’ & ‘Thank you’ can make all the difference at times.

Without a shadow of doubt, this has been the best Glastonbury festival that I have been to. Yes, it has had it’s challenges and ups * downs, but it’s been fun all the way. I’d like to take this moment to thank the following people for making the experience worth it:

Terry (thanks for the lift!)

The press team at the Jazz Stage: Simon, Lois, Peter, Derek, Mo & Wozz ( I owe you dinner, Woz!).

The guys at the Goan Fish Curry Stand.

The lovely security girls situated at the Jazz Stage. (Yes, there were actually some nice security personnel for a change!)

Koichi-San (I had the nerve to tell him that he looked like Mr. Miyagi. Talk about stereotyping!!)

Here are some highlight shots of the performance from the day:

Leonard Cohen:

Manu Chao:

King Solomon Burke:

Eddy Grant:

Billy Cobham:

Before I sign this blog off, may I just take a moment to say how I truly feel about this piece of set flower design that was supposed to depict ‘green’, but ended up being abane to my visual creativity on the Jazz Stage:

Die, die, a thousand deaths, ye devilish contraption of distraction!! May you be uprooted and not ‘germinate’ for the next year! May whoever thought you up initially have the bright idea of having this ‘kitsch’ say to him/herself: “Oh, this crap that I have created might just actually be a major problem for the camera crews and photographers from shooting the acts! I know: I’ll get rid of them!!”

You’d honestly hope that’s what he/she’s thinking…

Glastonbury 2008 Day 2 -Recap

Yesterday was the 2nd day of Glastonbury 2008, and let me introduce you for a second to the world of the Press tent. The way the photographers and the journalists interact is amazing. It all starts with how early you manage to snag a spare area to work over the weekend. It’s a bit like watching Wildlife documentaries: as certain animals mark their territory by urinating a certain patch, it’s not far off from how the media-pack behaves. I’m telling you, anthropologists would have field day here. (No pun intended!) Each area is marked off with gaffer tape and names emblazoned. Gear strewn everywhere, egos peaked to the high heavens. Yet, everyone is like little kids when they gather around for the morning papers, scouring to see if their work’s published. All in all, it’s good fun, if you know the game.

A couple of things I have come to realise in the number of years that I’ve been coming to Glastonbury:

1. Back Stage is over-rated.
2. If you’re a ‘celebrity’, and wander around the area where the press tent is, you only have yourself to blame if you’re snapped. That’s why there’s the ‘VVIP’ section for you guys.
3. They say that chocolate releases endorphins and all that happy feeling. I say that, with the sun coming out and baking the mud solid, good music pumping in the air, and an all round feel good factor, everyone is on a high.
4. Stay at the Jazz Stage: egos are parked outside, and you can actually get to interact with the musicians if you wanted to.

Speaking of meeting with musicians, I got chatting with rock photographer legend Jill Furmanovsky. A lovely and talented lady indeed. She promised me a picture with her later on.

Anyway, It’s day 3 today. Dark clouds are looming and I have to be out and about in 10 minutes. In the meantime, picture round up from yesterday’s amazing artists:

Eric Bibb:

Buddy Guy:

Manu Chao:

The Ranconteurs:

Duffy:

Mahmoud Ahmed (Ethiopiques):

Glastonbury Day 1 -Recap

Well, yesterday was Day 1 of Glastonbury 2008, and let’s face it, it was always going to be a mud-fest. True to tradition, it’s been slosh and more slosh. I overheard one of the production guys saying that he’d been here for more than a week earlier and ended up having a sun burn. But, the moment punters came through the gate on Wednesday, the weather took a turn for the worse. “Bad Karma!” he reckoned. Personally, I just believe that you can’t predict God’s handiwork. And yet, I can’t help but wonder if God really, really hates Glastonbury music fest.

Anyway, I’ve set myself up in one of the production tents at the jazz world because, let’s face it, I’m not having hazard pay for slipping in the mud or destroying my gear. Besides, what ought to take 15 minutes to one stage could take a whole 1hour. Anyway, here are shots from each act:

Lupe Fiasco:

Estelle:

Candi Stanton:

Jimmy Cliff:


Fun Lovin’ Criminals:

Soha:

Alabama 3:

Phantom Limb:

Speaking of pictures, I honestly believe that the person who designed the appearance for the Jazz Stage needs to go back to design school. Jeez! As if shooting up against a high stage is challenging enough, having those awful plastic flower things all over the place obscuring the act is just a nuisance and half. I did bring this issue up last year and was told that my concern would be looked into. And here we still are.. hah!:

Off to Glastonbury & MC5 & Primal Scream Pictures

Morning, Pilgrims.

Just making final preparations for 4 days of music and hectic work at Glastonbury 2008.  Despite the forecast of rain, I think it’s going to be a good year.  So, before I leave and keep you posted about the trials of Glastonbury, here’s a couple of pictures taken at the Primal Fear/MC5 gig at Royal Festival hall a couple of days ago:

MC5:

Primal Scream: