Raymond Ahner

Alternative Tentacles 30th Anniversary Show @ The Great American Music Hall 11/6

 As I stated in my previous post, San Francisco was offering more than a couple of live music options this past Friday night, but when I walked into the Great American Music Hall and heard the Not So Quiet On The Western Front compilation being played on the PA, I knew that I had chosen the right show to cover..

I had started writing a "real" music journalist type review for this show earlier today, but as always, I am way to slammed, and still have 4 shows worth of pictures to edit. So in the meantime, here are a few thoughts on the show.....

Knights Of The New Crusade- Sorry dudes, but after seeing Uncle Scratch's Gospel Revival earlier this week, I just wasn't buyin' your religious shtick. I did dig the chainmail though, and your guitarist totally shreds. And If I may make a suggestion- Find a way to incorporate both the cellist and violinist into more of your live act, because they really added to what seemed to be missing from the previous 25 minute of your set.

Munly and The Lupercalians- The biggest surprise of the evening. I'm still not really sure how I would describe them other than an intense mix of Celtic and Americana style folk that had me pretty much mesmerized for their entire set. 

Ludicra- The new songs just flat out fucking rule. Laurie was her usual woman possessed on vox. Why aren't these guys fucking huge?? One of my favorite local bands.

Jello Biafra And The Guantanamo School Of Medicine- What can I possibly say? I've followed Jello Biafra for over 25 years, and whether it's been with DK, Lard, The Melvins or his new band, he never ceases to amaze me. (See my review of his 50th Birthday show here) To witness Jello perform with such a passion all these years later is pretty mind blowing, and I can't even begin to describe what tremendous respect I have for him. His band also fucking rules, and and one point in the evening I turn to Umlaut and said something to the effect of "Holy shit, Ralph Spight fucking shreds!"

So I know this isn't much of a review, and doesn't even begin to do justice to what an incredibly fun night this was, but right now it's all I got, except for some great pictures....

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Alternative Tentacles 30th Anniversary Show @ The Great American Music Hall 11/6

When I saw that Ludicra was playing with Jello Biafra and The Guantanamo School Of Medicine on the same night as both Devo and Dinosaur Jr., it took me about 30 seconds to decide what show I was going to be at. More about what and an amazing show this was, as well as more pictures of all the bands will be up tomorrow, I promise!!

 

Skinny Puppy @ The Regency Ballroom 11/1

I have probably seen Skinny Puppy about a half dozen times over the years, and it really amazed me that tonight they were still just as chaotic on stage as they were the first time I saw them all those years ago. More pictures coming soon...

Spasmolytic

 

Stone Temple Pilots @ The Fox Theater 10/20

I was never into the Stone Temple Pilots during their heyday of the 1990's. In fact, other than a handful of bands (Lush, God Machine, Jesus And Mary Chain etc..) I never really listened to much of what the alterna-kidz considered cool back then. While most people were singing the praises of Nirvana, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Alice In Chains, STP, and Pearl Jam, I had delved into the worlds of Apocalyptic Folk, Power Electronics, and Death Industrial, and was more likely to put on some Current 93, Death In June, Brighter Death Now, In Slaughter Natives, Con-Dom, or Illusion Of Safety.

So here it is over 15 years later, and although I'm still not really a "fan" I can admit that STP had a few catchy songs, and if nothing else, they put on a pretty good show. I admit that I left The Fox Theater somewhat impressed...

 

 

 

 

Acid King / UFOMAMMUT @ Varnish Fine Art 10/24

It was a bit surreal walking into Varnish Fine Art (which sadly has an appointment with the wrecking ball on Feb.1, 2010) on Saturday evening. Where my wife has hosted monthly San Francisco photographer meet-ups was on this night the scene of a gig poster 'showing" of sorts from both Secret Serpents and Malleus. It was also where Acid King and Ufomammut (who had come all the way from Italy) lay down some serious volume. The entire night was a good vibe of friends, heavy as fvck music, and beer. It was also a nice change of pace from the usual scene...

 

 

 

 

Slipknot @ San Jose State Event Center 10/23

 For me, photographing Slipknot is kind of like walking into my favorite bar during the fall beer season. It's all a bit overwhelming, and I really have no idea where to begin. With 9 masked men covering every inch of the stage, I have found it best to find a prime location in the pit and stay somewhat grounded while the action comes to you. My plan seemed to work again this time.

 

If I had only one complaint about the show it would have to be that their fans just absolutely lost their minds, and the photographers were kicked out of the pit well  before the three song limit, due to bodies flying over the barricade. Although it's happened to me every time I have shot them, I really don't mind, because its pretty cool to see the kids get so into one of their bands. Reminds my of what it was like when I was a young metal kid.

 And although I can't really call myself a fan of their music, I will say that Cory Taylor is an incredible front man, and Slipknot's entire show is an extremely well produced spectacle. And the fact that before the show they met with terminally ill kids for the Make-A-Wish Foundation sealed the deal for me, and the band will always have my utmost respect.

Here are just a few from the show. One day I'll get my shit together and get caught up enough to go through the 5000+ images I've taken in the past couple of months. Also be sure to check out my homies Hard Rock Chick and Umlaut for their take on the show!

 

 

Kylesa / Saviours / Bison @ DNA Lounge 10/2

I am so far behind, and so buried in pictures from shows that I really don't know where to start. But below are a few from Kylesa, Saviours, and Bison (b.c.) at the DNA Lounge on Oct. 2nd. I didn't officially request photo pass for this show, and was trying out a new external flash, so I just shot a few here and there. It was also the second time in 48hrs. that I had witnessed killer sets both Kylesa and Bison (both were on the bill with Landmine Marathon in Arizona). Kolwoon Walled City was also on the bill, but for the second time, I didn't get the chance to shoot them. Saviours ruled as always, and if you have not yet picked up their new album, Accelerated Living, you should, because it's like a Motörhead fueled freight train head straight for your face. Pre-order it here. Also check out Hard Rock Chick for a complete review of the show.

Saviours-We Roam

 

 

 

 

Motörhead @ The Warfield 10/5

The first time I saw Motörhead was Nov. 30th 1985 at the Henry J. Kaiser Convention Center, with Wendy O Williams and a Paul Baloff fronted Exodus opening. Had you told me back then that 23 years and 309 days later that I would not only be photographing the band, but that I would be witnessing what was without a doubt the most kick ass show I've Lemmy and Co. deliver (and I've seen them over a dozen times) I would have said your full of shit. But that exactly what happened this past Monday night at The Warfield.

 

Maybe it was because they opened with Iron Fist (which has always been my favorite Motörhead song) or maybe it was because the set list included "Another Perfect Day", "Over The Top", and "I Got Mine", or maybe it was because it had been over a year since I last saw them live. Whatever the reason, I was just mesmerized for every second of this show, and was blown away by how tight Lemmy, Phil, and Mikkey continue to be.

And although I have shot both Motörhead and The Head Cat (Lemmy's other band) before, I still get chills watching Lemmy through the lens. Due to some computer issues beyond my control I haven't had a chance to go through my pictures from the show just yet, but here are a couple below, and more are on the way. And be sure to pay a visit to Hard Rock Chick for her perspective on the show!

 

Landmine Marathon @ Chasers-Scottsdale, Az. 9/29

Landmine Marathon are without a doubt one of the bands I am most excited about these days. In today's world of crappy Metalcore and poser bands that call there watered down drivel "Metal", Landmine are a total diamond in the rough, and churn out a heaviness unlike anything I have heard in a very long time. Yeah I've heard them compared to Napalm Death, Bolt Thrower, and even Carcass, but they have a sound that totally transcends their Grindcore influences. Listening to them I also hear classic punk ala The Accüsed, Discharge, and even a bit of Septic Death.

 In fact right now I am so stoked on these guys that earlier this week Umlaut and I hoped on a plane to Phoenix and caught their brutal set at Chasers, a small club/bar in Scottsdale, where they were opening for Kylesa. Afterwards we hung out with and got to know them all, and they even agreed to a silly little photo shoot before calling it a night. Not only are they an amazing band, but also some of the coolest, most down to earth people around. You can read all about our less than 24hr adventure here.

The band is set to release their third album, Sovereign Descent in early 2010, (they also have a split 7" w/ The Funeral Pyre that you can purchase here) and hopefully some touring will follow. If you haven't heard them yet, you need to go check them out, now.

 

Saints Of Ruin @ Folsom St. Fair 9/27

Living at what is pretty much Ground Zero for the Folsom Street Fair, I usually don't need to venture out into the sea of leather and latex and can watch the whole day unfold right from my balcony. But this year I decided to go check out Saints Of Ruin, a local band who were playing the stage right around the corner. And being an outdoor show, I couldn't resist bringing a camera along....