Babyshambles:Glasgow Barrowlands, 14th February

Well, after a little bit of drama, finally got to shoot Babyshambles. I had arranged my pass through EMI, for the mags – I was down for the 13th, but I guess the date must have been some part of the problem, because when I got there I wasn’t on the g-list – it turned out that the tour manager had put me down for the 14th, but the lady at EMI went out of her way to help – so I made the gig on the 14th.
The Barrowlands, is a fantastic venue, no matter what band is playing, if they play the Barrowlands there seems to be a much better atmosphere, thats my opinion anyway. I missed the first supporting band, but shot some of the second. The 3 song rule was enforced for them too which surprised me actually, but no worries.
Anyway the gig was sold out and the capacity is 1800(I think) so it is always fairly intimate, and thee acoustics are always good in the big old ballroom. Strangely, as I was waiting, Devonte Hynes of Lightspeed Champion was standing nearby in the crowd – didnt ask for a photograph though, I am sure he didnt want to be bothered(he is playing at King Tut’s tomorrow night btw). I met a girl who was at my School in the photo pit, her boyfriend was in the supporting band, so she was photographing the gig.
Eventually, Babyshambles appeared. The stage had a few props, making it look like a living room with tall ornate lamps and a hat stand, it was slightly surreal. I wish I could remember the names of the first three songs.. Anyway, everything went fine, I shot about 400 photos. The lighting was not fantastic, really, the staged was bathed in red for the second song and blue for the first – but I think I got the shots I need.
The crowd was pretty hyped, drinks and clothes were flying everywhere, eventually after 7 or so songs, someone threw some sort of book, which Pete picked up, looked at, then walked off stage and Mik shouting ‘Well done Dickhead!’ into the mike. Nevertheless they were back after a short while, and played a great set. ‘Killamangiro’, ‘Time for heroes’ and ‘Fuck Forever’ got a really great reaction. Mik also played his version of ‘I Wish, which I think is on the B side of ‘Delivery’(I think), ‘For Lovers’ also got a great reaction.
The smoking ban was flouted, which was a bit surprising really, though the guy next to me did get kicked out, I think he was smoking weed though. Some guy stole Pete’s hat, but got wrecked by security – I spotted a guy with a bloody broken nose not long after, dont know if it was related. There was also a drunk guy knocking about his girlfriend, which wasnt cool – security didnt pick him up though.
But yeah! Fantastic gig!
Click the Photo to view the gallery – I have loads more to go through so I might update later (PS- dont steal my photos, they are my property! or I’ll come after you, no but seriously ask first)