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MUSE | NOVA TWINS @ AO ARENA, MANCHESTER

I first photographed Muse in April 2016, at this very arena, (with only 3 of us) but we were positioned way up at the highest point of the arena. It was mainly to capture the stage set and fantastic lighting.

Tonight was a little different with a long catwalk and a pit. Loads of photographers (13) and a little narrow space to walk along on one side only, security lined up in between and a Tour Manager who pushed photographers out of the way to rush to the front when any band member came down the catwalk. At one point I almost toppled over, and to be honest, it wasn't a show I particularly enjoyed shooting - I think more pit etiquette is needed and fewer photographers.

“Two hours of music played at a tendon-breaking pitch, and no let up whatsoever.” you can read MK Bennetts review here:

And finally, support from the superb Nova Twins, so good to see them finally playing arenas, since I photographed them in March 2022 at the Mcr Academy. Well done, hard work and talent go a long way. I thoroughly enjoyed shooting them.

Use of these images in any form without permission is illegal. If you wish to use or license any images please contact [email protected]

All work copyright Melanie Smith/ Mudkiss Photography All Rights Reserved

#muse #nova twins #mudkissphotography #livemusic #livemusicphotography #music #mudkissphotos #live #livephotography #manchester #bands

[kazchao]

Performance at Club Academy Manchester, UK. 10/27/2017

📸 by mudkissphotos

#wednesday 13 #wednesday13UK'17

[mudkissphotography]

LIAM GALLAGHER + JOHN SQUIRES @ O2 APOLLO, MANCHESTER

No one thought it could happen, but Gallagher and Squires headed out on a UK tour to play their new penned album. Mixed reviews followed. I was never much of an indie kid, so I'm not the one to ask if it was any good. I was photographing as the house photographer on this occasion. The pit was rammed with around 17 photographers and videographers from the Gallagher/Squires camp. Lighting was a bit on the challenging side and we only had two songs. So basically it felt like in and out in a flash bang wallop. Support came from Squires son Dillion and Jake Bugg. It was my 2nd time shooting both these guys. I just wish they would move about a bit more.

Use of these images in any form without permission is illegal. If you wish to use or license any images please contact [email protected]

All work copyright Melanie Smith/ Mudkiss Photography All Rights Reserved

#liam gallagher #john squire #mudkissphotography #livemusic #livemusicphotography #music #mudkissphotos #live #livephotography #manchester #band #o2apollomanchester #indiemusic

[mudkissphotography]

THE PRETENDERS @ O2 RITZ, MANCHESTER

I must admit I have never seen the Pretenders, for some reason they passed me by. I did have their first album back in the day and a couple of singles, but I was never a die-hard fan. I do admire Chrissie greatly though, she is a real rock and roll legend.

I had been wanting to photograph Chrissie ever since she made a comeback with her intimate shows and finally, I got to tick another bucket list off the list. As a bonus there was only two photographers in the pit this evening. I stayed until they played a few classics, this is what I was waiting for, I stood sidestage and listened to those incredible tunes played and the years just rolled by. Fantastic!!

“..an intimate gig full of Rock n' Roll classics, both old and new” says MK Bennett

The live review on Louder Than War by Mk Bennett is here

Use of these images in any form without permission is illegal. If you wish to use or license any images please contact [email protected]

All work copyright Melanie Smith/ Mudkiss Photography All Rights Reserved

#chrissie hynde #the pretenders #mudkissphotography #livemusic #livemusicphotography #music #mudkissphotos #live #livephotography #manchester #bands

[mudkissphotography]

DORIAN ELECTRA @ NEW CENTURY, MANCHESTER

Dorian has been on my radar to photograph for a couple of years, I love their style and they are such a vibrant artist. I can't say I know much a great deal about the music, apart from it being electro pop and they have a huge LGBTQ following, which is good enough for me. So bring it on.

It was my first time photographing at the New Century, Manchester, which was a former music venue in the late 60's and 70's and had such luminaries as Tina Turner and Jimi Hendrick. In the 80's it was all about Acid House parties and the Madchester scene. It actually reminds me of an academy venue, and the ceiling lights are stunning.

So with three songs in the pit, and around 6-7 photographers the show commences, lights, camera, action. Dorian emerged like a ringmaster, from a platform surrounded by a halo of spotlights, beams of green lights and smoke machine. I made the mistake of not taking my 70-200 so could only shoot wide shots, some I had to crop.

Use of these images in any form without permission is illegal. If you wish to use or license any images please contact [email protected]

All work copyright Melanie Smith/ Mudkiss Photography All Rights Reserved

#dorian electra #mudkissphotography #livemusic #livemusicphotography #music #mudkissphotos #live #livephotography #manchester #newcenturymanchester #electropop #genderfluid

[mudkissphotography]

EZRA FURMAN @ O2 RITZ, MANCHESTER

Ezra is a dream shoot, she transcends a certain emotion and passion and her shows are always a happy place. I've shot Ezra around 4 times now and tonight was another stunning show. My favourite image above made me think of a Pre Rahelite, such a gorgeous profile. I was photographing tonight for Academy Music Group and O2 Ritz as their house photographer.

Use of these images in any form without permission is illegal. If you wish to use or license any images please contact [email protected]

All work copyright Melanie Smith/ Mudkiss Photography All Rights Reserved

#ezra furman #mudkissphotos #mudkissphotography melaniesmith photography musicphotography #o2ritz #o2ritzmanchester #gig

[mudkissphotography]

WARGASM @ O2 RITZ, MANCHESTER

And my final gig of the year was an absolute banger - the rock duo Wargasm, featuring on vocals Sam Matlock (son of ex Sex Pistol Glen Matlock and Milky Way on bass). The duo have been going for a couple of years and now started to really make a big noise on the rock/ metal scene, they are selling out shows and amassing a huge fan base. Good luck to them.

Another packed out pit full of photographers, I think around 15. So a challenge to get anything central and with so much movement in not perfect lighting conditions, yet another challenge. For those people who think you just point your camera at the stage and click, they might want to try and do a show like this. Apart from keeping your expensive camera gear safe and yourself (people being pulled out of the front row) you have to manoeuvre around other photographers, then try to capture something reasonable, which can be used to highlight how great the band are. I hope I managed to do this in these shots.

Go and read the review on Louder Than War here:

Use of these images in any form without permission is illegal. If you wish to use or license any images please contact [email protected]

All work copyright Melanie Smith/ Mudkiss Photography All Rights Reserved

#wargasm uk #wargasm #mudkissphotography #livemusic #livemusicphotography #mudkissphotos #o2ritzmanchester #livephotography #manchester #music #live

[mudkissphotography]

ASHNIKKO @ O2 VICTORIA WAREHOUSE, MANCHESTER

Well it's coming up to the final gigs of the year, just one more left to do. Female powerhouse pop-rap artist Ashnikko at the O2 Victoria Warehouse was one I was pretty excited about. I've photographed her a couple of years ago when she came to O2 Ritz, that one may well have been her début in Manchester, but don't quote me?

Tonight I was photographing for the Academy Music Group and the venue, and I was asked to photograph the whole show for the artist on arrival. Pretty pleased about that, having the pit all to myself after about 12 photographers were rammed together in the pit, all trying to get THAT shot. I was pleased with the outcome and I also did a little video reel too, which you can see at the bottom. Lot's of movement, poses, real passion and artistic performance throughout.

Use of these images in any form without permission is illegal. If you wish to use or license any images please contact [email protected]

All work copyright Melanie Smith/ Mudkiss Photography All Rights Reserved

#ashnikko #mudkissphotography #livemusic #livemusicphotography #music #mudkissphotos #live #livephotography #rap music #pop music

[mudkissphotography]

HOT MILK | WITCH FEVER @ MANCHESTER ACADEMY

Finally, I got the chance to photograph the hottest band in Manchester right now. This band are gathering fans by the truckload, selling out all across the UK and beyond. The photo pit was rammed with around 9 photographers and 6 security people, so ducking and diving and weaving between everyone was a challenge, add to that the frenzied performance and challenging lights, its surprising I got anything. However, I did and came out buzzing, what a blast that was.

Check out the live review and more photos here on Louder Than War.

Another Manchester band, who have been on the scene for a number of years now were supporting - Witch Fever. Front person Amy wasn't too well and had a sick bucket ready in the wings just in case, but they didn't disappoint and I'm sure made a few fans tonight.

Use of these images in any form without permission is illegal. If you wish to use or license any images please contact [email protected]

All work copyright Melanie Smith/ Mudkiss Photography All Rights Reserved

#witch fever #hot milk #mudkissphotography #livemusic #livemusicphotography #music #mudkissphotos #live #livephotography #manchesteracademy

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THE LAST DINNER PARTY | PICTURE PARLOUR @ MCR ACADEMY

One of the most talked about bands of the year, arrived in Manchester, The Last Dinner Party, alongside the superb Picture Parlour (who I'd shot in Warrington earlier this year and was blown away by them). The crowd were dressed to kill and buzzing for this double delight, and neither band disappointed. A couple of photographers, not 9 like last time and if I am being picky I would have liked a bit more white light.

I can't wait to see them again...hurry back to the North.

“Manchester’s Academy 2 plays host to two of the most exciting up-and-coming bands of 2023” - Read the review by Cazz Blase

Katherine Parlour, lead singer with Picture Parlour possesses a really unique vocal, so distinctive, think Chrissie Hynde, Patti Smith, yet is her own person. I really want to hear more from them, they are going to be big I am certain - watch this space!.

Use of these images in any form without permission is illegal. If you wish to use or license any images please contact [email protected]

All work copyright Melanie Smith/ Mudkiss Photography All Rights Reserved

#mudkissphotography #livemusic #livemusicphotography #music #mudkissphotos #livephotography #manchester #bands #live #the last dinner party #picture parlour #divine feminine #femalebands

[mudkissphotography]

THE FLAMING LIPS @ O2 APOLLO, MANCHESTER

The Flaming Lips performed their Yoshimi album in full, so it was another crazy time with The Lips. I think this is the 4th time for me and it never gets boring. Quite a few of us were in the pit tonight, for the first few songs, all apart from one he was in his bubble. Then we could shoot from anywhere in the venue, so it was up to the top floor and try and capture the psychedelic vibes, with lasers (which were difficult). Trying to get a focus on his face inside the bubble was challenging too, but I managed a couple which I was pleased about.

Read the live review on Louder Than War here: by Nigel Carr

Use of these images in any form without permission is illegal. If you wish to use or license any images please contact [email protected]

All work copyright Melanie Smith/ Mudkiss Photography All Rights Reserved

#the flaming lips #waynecoyne #mudkissphotography #livemusic #livemusicphotography #mudkissphotos #live #livephotography #music #wayne coyne

[mudkissphotography]

NEIGHBOURHOOD WEEKENDER, WARRINGTON 2023

I haven't done a music festival since 2019, it became too hard to carry my camera gear around all day and walking around. However I have always said you need to be physically fit to work at a festival, and since Sept 2021 I have been in training. So, I thought I'd give it another go before I said never again. I racked up 17 miles on my Fitbit over the two days.

It was hard and demanding on the back and legs but I made it through the two days and I'm still here to tell the tale.

Here are a selection of my favourite photographs from the weekend.

My favourite artists of the weekend to photograph were Self Esteem, Picture Parlour, Joy Hotel, Stone, CMAT and Anne Marie.

“..yet another wide variety of fabulous and exciting artists.”

Read the review here by Claire Glover on Louder Than War.

Use of these images in any form without permission is illegal. If you wish to use or license any images please contact [email protected]

All work copyright Melanie Smith/ Mudkiss Photography All Rights Reserved

#mudkissphotography #livemusic #livemusicphotography #music #mudkissphotos #live #livephotography #neighbourhood weekender #bands #popmusic #festival #victoriaparkwarrington

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VILLE VALO: VV NEON TOUR @ O2 RITZ, MANCHESTER

Ville Valo was the lead singer with the now-disbanded band HIM (his infernal majesty) they played what they dubbed love metal. I was a bit of a fan of some of their stuff and did manage to shoot on their last tour at Manchester Academy in 2017. And here we are again as Ville embarked on his first solo UK show, on his VV Neon Tour.

Appearing centre stage for most of the set, under his trademark of atmospheric, vampiric, blue lighting, in which he managed to mesmerise the fawning fans at the front of the stage for the whole of the set.

You can read MK Bennetts review on Louder Than War here:

Use of these images in any form without permission is illegal. If you wish to use or license any images please contact [email protected]

All work copyright Melanie Smith/ Mudkiss Photography All Rights Reserved

#ville valo #VVNeon #livereview #live #livemusic #gothrock #love metal #heartagram #his infernal majesty #mudkissphotos #mudkissphotography melaniesmith photography musicphotography

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THE ENEMY @ O2 RITZ, MANCHESTER

I must admit I know nothing about this indie band, but I didn't need to know as I wasn't reviewing, therefor my job is just to take the photos and go home. It was a sold-out show and I was shooting for academy Music Group and O2 Ritz. There were just two of us in the photo pit and it had moments of good lighting which worked well for this shot below of the singer. I think this photo captures the energy of the show. I wore my mac with a hood up as I was pre-warned it was a beer-throwing type of gig, luckily I didn't get wet, nor did my camera on this occasion.

As you can see from the crowd shot the audience are a little excited to be there. I received a lovely message later from the bands Instagram asking to share an image with credit. Now you don't get that often.

Use of these images in any form without permission is illegal. If you wish to use or license any images please contact [email protected]

All work copyright Melanie Smith/ Mudkiss Photography All Rights Reserved

#the enemy #o2ritzmanchester #band #indie rock #livephotography #musicians #livemusicphotography #mudkissphotography #gig #livemusic #mudkissphotos #liveperformer #music

[mudkissphotography]

STARCRAWLER @ VICTORIA PARK WARRINGTON

The fantastic LA band Starcrawler took to the stage in Warrington, supporting MCR - a stone's throw from my hometown. I've shot them once before in the smaller academy a few years back - but was a pleasant change to catch them in the daylight on a huge stage. Arrow de Wilde is such a great performer, backed by Henri Cash guitarist who I always thought reminded me of Johnny Thunders. Warrington certainly loved them as did I. Check out their new album coming soon...

Use of these images in any form without permission is illegal. If you wish to use or license any images please contact [email protected]

All work copyright Melanie Smith/ Mudkiss Photography All Rights Reserved

#starcrawler #mudkissphotography #livemusicphotography #livemusic #gig #music #mudkissphotos #liveperformer #arrow de wilde

[mudkissphotography]

CASSYETTE @ MANCHESTER ACADEMY 3

First time seeing/photographing Cassyette, but its likely not the last time. This is someone who is really ramping it up and creating a storm on the live music scene.

The small pit was rammed to the max with at least 10 photographers, which is the most I have ever seen at this venue. The audience were pretty hyped up for it and dressed to kill in all manner of individual styles. I mainly used my wide angle lens (which doesn't get out much) which served me perfectly well for those extra-wide shots.

When I came out the first thing which struck me as a comparison was Pink! and low and behold Robin mentions this in his great review below.

You can read the review by Robin Boardman here at Louder Than War

Use of these images in any form without permission is illegal. If you wish to use or license any images please contact [email protected]

All work copyright Melanie Smith/ Mudkiss Photography All Rights Reserved

#cassyette #mudkissphotography #livemusicphotography #livemusic #gig #music #mudkissphotos #liveperformer #manchesteracademy #louderthanwar