Mike Watt + Missingmen : Rhythm Room / Phoenix, AZ
Mar 7, 2010 Concert Photography
When I was told Mike Watt was coming to play in Phoenix I was stoked. The Minutemen (Watt’s pioneering punk trio – I hope I didn’t really have to say that…) were a huge influence on me. (Sadly, The Minutemen came to an abrupt end when singer/guitarist D. Boone died in a car accident leaving Watt in a state of depression for years.) Their landmark record “Double Nickels on the Dime” set a new tone for music of that era. Conversely, when I was told Mike Watt was coming to town I had some apprehension.
What if Watt, now 52, didn’t live up to my expectations as a punk hero to me. Would it be another experience like when I saw Lou Reed at The Marquee Theater in Tempe? or would it be more along the lines of when I saw Paul Westerberg a couple of years ago? (Lou was aweful Paul ruled.)
Before the show I went to the ATM to grab some cash just in case some libations were warranted. As I made my way through the crowd, I saw a guy standing next to the ATM listening to the opening band LITE (awesome instrumental group from Japan – check them out.)
Holy shit – it was Mike Watt. I wanted to tell him how long I’ve been a fan and how my friend Weep would make everyone listen to The Minutemen until we agreed they were the best thing ever. How I saw the movie “We Jam Econo” and felt his pain because we lost our best mate Weep in a car accident and there was a certain sort of synergy in the situations.
But I didn’t say anything like that…
We went outside and exchanged a sentence or two and this is how it went – GRT: “Mike we are psyched to have you back in Phoenix.” MW: “Thanks I appreciate it, it’s been a while.” GRT: “Growing up in Warren, NJ -we all wore out more than one copy of Double Nickels.” MW: (Raising a fist to the air) “D. Boone!“
I just walked away because he could have been yelling “Weepee” just the same…
Mike Watt + The Missingmen were amazing. (Click here for a link for a show review in The Phoenix New Times.)
Photo Notes: The Rhythm Room is a tough place for a photographer. Anyone can bring a camera into the venue (which is very cool) so I have to deal with a lot of catch flash and others with less than perfect photo etiquette. The lights are good at times and terrible at other times for photos – but that’s just all part of the game.
Tags: arizona photogarpher, arizona photography, concert photo, Concert Photography, D. Boone, live music photo, Mike watt, minutemen, phoenix az, phoenix music, professional photographer, san pedro, We Jam Econo
Photo 365 Update : January
Feb 21, 2010 Family, Friends, Photography Discussion
As previously posted I am committed to a Photo 365 project (link to past video post.) Many people have been posting their photos daily, so I thought it’s time I posted how my project is going.
Photo 365 Obeservations
- I am really uncomfortable in front of the camera and I am trying to make myself relax
- Most photos are taken at the same time every day – early morning. I think it’s funny I am not wearing a wider variety of clothes
- I have a good side. One of my eyes reacts strangely to light and is photographed as being lazy
- I need to shave and get haircuts more often
Other Photo 365 Notes
- Daily self portraits are not as easy as I thought it would be. There are times when I just don’t feel like taking my photograph
- I had marks in a closet for my tripod but I have since abandoned the tripod method. I needed the tripod for a landscape photo shoot and it’s easier just holding the camera in front of me
- I was planning on sharing this project at the end of the year but I changed my mind and decided to post the photos monthly
Photo 365 Resources
How is your Photo 365 going? Have you experienced any unforeseen difficulties? Please take a moment and share with a link to your project – (This is a good time to show off your work!)
Tags: Arizona photographer, arizona photography, az photographer, daily photo, Greg Taylor, GRT2, photo 365, photo 365 project, photo blog, photo discusssion, photoblog, Photography Discussion, self portraits, tempe, tempe photographer, tempe photography
