FYF too – Bonus pics of Kid Dynamite, Descendents, OFF!, and more…
OFF! at FYF 2011
One of my favorite photographers is Glen E. Friedman. I was lucky enough to meet him at a few book signings and correspond with him when Giant Robot mag ran a series of articles on Asian-American skaters from the Dogtown days. Friedman’s first proper book was called Fuck You Heroes, and it’s a hardcover that all of you should own. It captures his crisp but natural images from crucial points in counterculture from skateboarding to punk rock to rap, and features heavyweights like Alva, Adams, Black Flag, Minor Threat, Bad Brains, Beastie Boys, and Public Enemy. Not only was he there to witness and capture the energy, but he also vocally espouses the P.M.A., veganism, and other worthy beliefs and causes. Yes. So I was stoked when released his next book with outtake and ancillary images called Fuck You Too. I would never compare my skills to Friedman’s, but in that spirit, here are some extra pics from last weekend’s FYF that are too good to let rot on the hard drive (and might earn me points toward another photo pass next year). A little commentary, too.
Steven McDonald of OFF! at FYF
OFF! is an instant hit decades in the making. If you add up the members’ years of experience of playing kick-ass punk rock ‘n’ roll (Black Flag, Circle Jerks, Redd Kross, Rocket From The Crypt, Earthless, Clikatat Ikatowi, 411, Burning Brides…) the total might approach 100 years–and it shows in a good way.
Japandroids at FYF 2011
This pic of Japandroids is a little blown out, but it accurately conveys how hot it was.
Cults at FYF 2011
I’m pretty sure I shot this right when Cults was stepping onstage. So natural!
Kid Dynamite at FYF 2011
Actually, Kid Dynamite is the reason why I’m supplementing the first FYF post. Someone inquired if I had additional images of the Philly punks, and I happen to have a load. Singer Jason Shevchuk was up against the barricade for most of the set, and I couldn’t help but shoot a ton of pics because my angle was so good.
Kid Dynamite at FYF 2011
The train, the setting sun, and everything added up to some rad shots. And it didn’t hurt that the hardcore band’s songs are powerful and the crowd was super into it.
Kid Dynamite at FYF 2011
Guided by Voices was true indie rock royalty.
Guided By Voices at FYF 2011
Getting to see one of my all-time favorite bands from so close was a big deal to me. Was stoked to see the Descendents twice this year.
Descendents at FYF 2011
Check out all those fancy cameras in the pit. I used a little Lumix GF1 with no flash or zoom and sang along the entire time.
Descendents at FYF 2011
No good pics of Bill, though, since he was on the exact opposite side of the drum kit. Bummer.
Descendents at FYF 2011
Death From Above 1979′s faces are blurry in this pic, but their hair looks great.
Death from Above 1979 at FYF 2011
Photographers were kicked out after the first three songs or so, but I never went into a VIP tents, media lounge, or anything like that. I entered the crowd like everyone else. Look at all the dust we breathed. It was probably like smoking a pack of cigarettes in a day or living in China for a week.
FYF 2011
See you next year!