Sugababes & VV Brown @ MSN Xclusives
October 10, 2009
On a balmy September evening MSN took over London’s trendy Movida nightclub. Why you might ask? Because we felt like it… because we can, or because this night was to play host to four exclusive performances far from the prying eyes of the general public and tabloid’s flash-bulbs.
The bill was lined with the cream of up-and-coming talent; indie noiseniks ‘The Maccabees’, the retro-stomp of ‘VV Brown’, freestyling electro from ‘Frankmusik’ and a super-sexy, sassy performance by the ‘Sugababes’. Little did we realise this night would be memorable for another reason, the Sugababes promptly split up a few days later, so Xclusives marked the last performance in their (then) current lineup.
David Ford @ Bloomsbury Theatre, London. 05/09/2009
September 6, 2009
David Ford @ Bloomsbury Theatre
It was with some trepidation that I entered the lofty expanse of the Bloomsbury Theatre on this cold autumnal Saturday night. Over the years, Ford’s music has provided me with a suitcase full of memories and his lonely laments offer a somewhat rose-tinted, kaleidoscopic soundtrack to my life. ‘To Hell With The World’, a song which unahamedly made me weep like a baby at the heavenly Union Chapel gig, only a year shy, failed to upset my steady camera hand. ‘Song For The Road’, a song too which drags me right back to my formulative London years, only served to remind me that Mr Ford’s songwriting trancends love – these are anthems for life.
Performing to an almost sell-out crowd (no mean feat considering the gig had zero promotion), performing songs from his beloved back-catalogue and using the space as a soundboard for songs from the as-yet untitled third album. The one-two suckerpunch of ‘Requiem’ and ‘Call To Arms’ was masteful, ‘Surfing Guantanamo Bay’ is a snarling, rockier Ford, like kicking your woman in the teeth after one too many sambucas. Raw and edgy.
Now, I can’t count the number of times I’ve seen ‘State Of The Union’, but tonight’s rendition could have been the first time. It was an amazing and effortless performance…
The closing moments will forever be etched in my memory. As the lights rose on the stage for the last time, Ford treated us to a stripped down, acoustic and vulnerable ‘Til The Day’, his band left to pack away instruments that lay scattered, like empty shells, depleted, after a great war. Ford left the stage to a standing ovation, leaving us all wondering just why the hell this man isn’t bigger.
Matt out x
David Ford @ Bloomsbury Theatre
David Ford @ Bloomsbury Theatre
David Ford @ Bloomsbury Theatre
David Ford @ Bloomsbury Theatre
Work in progress…
August 25, 2009
So, I’ve been sitting on my hands long enough. It was about time I gave my photography website an overhaul. Here are the fruits of my labour.
Splash page
Portfolio page
Matt x
Bodies of Work @ Wilmington Arms
January 10, 2009
Fantastic synth pop band with dashingly good-looks and toe tapping tunes.
Delirium Tremens photoshoot
January 5, 2009
The beautiful Karis and Nick posed for my lens on a cold January evening in London’s East End, we forsake all creature comforts for our art…
Delirium Tremens @ 33 Portland Place
December 12, 2008
Folk-noir darlings ‘Delirium Tremens’ were invited specially to play the infamous 33 Portland Place in London. Tickets were changing hands at an eye-watering £100 per head.
The High Society @ KOKO
December 7, 2008
The High Society played their biggest gig to date at Camden’s legendary KOKO venue. We hung out during sound-check and did a pre-show shoot before a gaggle of indie kids poured through the doors. Here are the photos from the shoot, and live shots taken from the side of the stage.
David Ford @ Union Chapel
October 5, 2008
David Ford’s biggest show in the UK for 2008 saw him perform to a sell-out crowd at London’s beautiful Union Chapel. The atmosphere was truly electric. These shots were taken running up the vestibule area.
David Ford @ Under Solo
September 28, 2008
We gathered in the small confines of Under Solo for a very intimate solo gig. I was so close I could have touched him.
Ash (1977 anniversary show) @ Roundhouse
September 5, 2008
This was a pretty historic show for Ash and their fans alike. The seminal album of their career and a sound that defined the 1990’s for me. I was fortunate enough to bag a photo-pass for this one and my god it was worth it for the shots I took home. The atmosphere was electrifying, band and fans clearly up for a good time. The Dark Lord (flanked by Stormtroppers) even put in a guest appearance for christ sake! People will be talking about this night for years to come. 1977 came and went, next up a smattering of b-sides, before the big finish and some of their biggest hits.
