ROCK AND ROLL DREAMS CAME TRUE
Photo galleryINTRO AND MONEY RAISED INFO
Thanks all that went and or supported in any way a very special night for me celebrating my 11 years of live music photography at The Oak House Sports and Social on Wednesday 17th October and in the process raising money for two amazing charities.
I can announce that we raised in total at least £750 (this is without the closed collection boxes) and I will announce the final amount raised when the receipts come back, but so pleased that Zoe's Place and The Cinnamon Trust will each receive over £350 so thanks so much all.
THANK YOU'S
Special Thank You's To
The Oak House and in particular Jeff & Sarah for the use of the function room and for looking after us on the night and with the set up.
My fab performers Kristy Gallacher, Steve Walwyn, Martin Cure and Sam Powell for their amazing sets.
My employers Presto Music who sponsored the exhibition.
Everyone who donated prizes to the raffle.
The Napton Music Festival Trust for their special donation to both charities.
My wife Julie for her constant support, helping to put together the prints and along with Clare Plumbley helping with the raffle.
Paul Englefield and Dave Atkinson for photographing for me on the night.
Justin and son for helping with set up and digital presentation.
& everyone else who helped in any way and of course all that came along and gave so generously.
FUTURE PLANS
While this exhibition does not mark the end of my gig photography/review work it does mark slowing down a little and cherry picking shows I cover, of course I will try and support my favourite artists (you know who you are) and events that have been so good to me over the years like The Napton Festival and Cropredy and support some local music charity events.
My semi retirement was of course short lived as the Friday after my big night I was covering one of the best gigs I have had the pleasure of attending when Wildwood Kin played The Zephyr Lounge in Leamington.
Reasons for cutting down are putting time into my dog photographic portrait project "Hounds and Visions" starting early next year, a couple of other possible potential photographic projects and as I found out trying to go through all of my gig photo folders for the exhibition (I failed!) I need to put some time into properly archiving 11 years of my little hobby, also as much as I love the live music stuff it is very time consuming and could do with more dog walks, nice meals out and more time with family (knees a bit dodgy as well!). I May also still put on the occasional small exhibition of my work with a charity angle so watch this space.
MEMORIES
I have loved my 11 years of gig photography and reviewing which began when I took my camera along to the Leamington Peace Festival back in 2008 and have many highlights and fond memories including
Several shows in the pit photographing my beloved Marillion (and Mr. Fish) and Mostly Autumn.
Again in the photo pit finding myself a couple of feet away from my early musical heroes Scott Gorham of Thin Lizzy and Biff Byford of Saxon.
Being invited to join rockers Voodoo Vegas while they were recording their debt album at the famous Rockfield Studios in Monmouth.
Wonderful memories of my years covering The Cambridge Rock Festival and The Napton Festival.
Having a beer with rockers Nazareth in their Assembly dressing room.
Meeting many musicians who have become good friends such as Kristy Gallagher, Steve Walwyn and many many more.
IN CLOSING
Thank you to everyone that has supported me over the years and said nice things about some of my work it has been a wonderful musical adventure, the photos are just a small selection of my 80 images exhibited on the night and at some point I will put a gallery of all 80 on my web site
www.andrewlocksoundsandvisions.co.uk
Also there are a few of my shots of my wonderful musicians in action and yes I was taken the micky out of by several people for not being able to resist taking live music shots at my own exhibition - no hope really !.
I have also used a couple shots of myself by my photographers on the night, Paul Englefield and Dave Atkinson (thanks again guys).
Andrew Lock