2011 has indeed been an historical year. The marriage of Prince William and Kate Middleton. Coming out of the coldest winters the U.K. has ever faced. The captures and deaths of vicious leaders Osama Bin Laden and General Gaddafi.
In my world it has been a very big and busy year for me. You will see a list of not just local acts,
but alot more big name acts! Here is my best of 2011!Vibe for Philo - Black Rose - 25th Anniversary - Vicar Street, Dublin - 4th January 2011
The year kicked off amazingly when I got to shoot at the Vibe for Philo 25th Anniversary show down in Dublin. This is an annual event that lands on the day Mr Phil Lynott (Thin Lizzy) passed away. This was my first time at the event and what can I say? The craic was indeed lethal!
Jimmy Coup playing in Gnasher.
Matt Wilson from The Dead Presidents.
Phil Edgar from Sweet Savage.
The legend that is Mr. Eric Bell.
This was indeed a fun moment. Once “Whiskey in a Jar” kicked in, Brian Robertson (ex Thin Lizzy and headliner for the event) took the stage with Philomena Lynott (Phil’s Mother) to join in the singing of Lizzy’s most well known song. Ofcourse the song was left for the crowd to sing!
And the headliner for the event was Brian Robertson and his band, which featured top players like Chris Laney and Nalle Pahlsson (bassist for Therion, who then won the Bass Player of the Year Award). Was sad I didn’t get to see much of Brian as I had a bus to catch (which didn’t end up coming), but as I said, the event was indeed wonderful!
Blazefest - Spring & Airbrake, Belfast - 7th January 2011
Days after the Vibe I was down in the Spring and Airbrake to shoot at the first annual Blazefest! The Blazefest was organised by Darren and Dawn Shields-Pettitt as a thank you to the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children for looking after their son Blaze. A great lineup, a great show and a great cause.
Resurrection kicking off the event.
ForChristSake.
DevilMakesThree
Nine Lies - This band were really interesting, giving a relief from the heaviness of ForChristSake and DevilMakesThree and the oncoming heaviness of the next bands!
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Honey For Christ - Quite tricky to shoot this band as they played with just 2 green lights and some strobes, still didn’t stop me!
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Sinocence up next, who later in the year celebrated their 10th Anniversary!
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Belfast’s finest heavy metal band Sweet Savage headlined the event.
A massive well done to Darren and Dawn for putting on such a great event. Alot of work and promotion was put in and it all paid off!
The Defects + Support - Ma Nelson’s, Belfast - 11th February 2011
Got to shoot Northern Ireland’s leading punk rock band The Defects. Here they are performing down at Ma Nelson’s up the Lisburn road. A big thanks to Indiana McAllister (Bernie) for making this photo what it is!
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SO:NI - Turned up to 11 - The Empire Hall, Belfast - 10th March 2011
Next on the list was down in the Empire for one of the Sounds of Northern Ireland (SO:NI) shows. This featured 2 bands who this year have made a big step outside of the local scene.
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Trucker Diablo, the first of the 2 bands of the night. This year was indeed a big year for them as they not only supported Black Stone Cherry for their Irish shows, but they also hit the big time by performing at the Download Festival in Donnington, England. We also seen a music video for their song “Drink, Beer, Destroy” as well as a version of it for the game Rock Band. Well done to the Trucker lads for their big step!
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This was the next band who had a big year, Million Dollar Reload. This show was their home coming show after just doing a U.K. tour with their record label. The band were also seen supporting many top name acts like Jettblack and The Quireboys, which then led up to them supporting The Darkness down in the Ulster Hall. The debut album was even remastered by their new record label and has been selling very well, especially in Japan! Looking forward to seeing more from the Million Reload Boys next year!
I was indeed left with a big surprise at the end of the night! Upon purchasing the album, I opened it up and noticed my images were featured on the album. Lads, if you are reading this, again thank you so much for letting me be apart of your global success!
Stiff Little Fingers & The Defects - The Ulster Hall, Belfast - 12th March 2011
The next show I got the chance to go and shoot in the finest venue in Northern Ireland, the Ulster Hall. Performing were two of Northern Ireland’s leading punk rock bands, The Defects (who were supporting) and Stiff Little Fingers.
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The Defects who blew the roof off the Ulster Hall!
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Jake Burns leading the Stiffs to a sold out crowd in the Ulster Hall. Shot this up in the Balcony with my 55-200mm lens.
St Patricks Day with Tinn Lizzy & Worldsend - 17th March 2011
Ah St. Paddy’s day, a day loved by all in Ireland, especially down in Ma Nelson’s who had geared up for a performance from Tinn Lizzy!
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Worldsend provided the support. This band released their debut album “Letters to Lost Souls” this year, and were also faced with the departure of their original drummer, but it never stop the lads from rocking hard! Eddie was even seen performing along with Sweet Savage at a few shows during the year!
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What happens when you mix Sweet Savage, Stormzone and the Hoodoo Rhythm Devils together? You get Tinn Lizzy! There is nothing like the music of Thin Lizzy to be played on St. Patrick’s Day!
Swanee River’s Album Launch - The Empire Hall, Belfast - 19th March 2011
Derry rockers Swanee River, through SO:NI put on their launch for their debut album “Smoking Jacket”.
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The excellent Nasa Assassin were one of the support acts for this event.
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The Swanee boys put on one spectacular show. This year has been busy as well with the lads as they supported The Answer on their Irish tour, as well as taking a trip up to India!
Hey look! My first photoshoot of the year! With punk band No Matter.
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Accept + Wolf - Spring & Airbrake, Belfast - 20th March 2011
Now for some good ole classic heavy metal as Accept hit Belfast for their “Blood of the Nations” tour.
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Swedish metal band Wolf were the support band.
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Metal just isn’t metal without leather, spikes, hair and high pitched notes, and that’s what Accept brought with them with their set that featured songs of old and new!
Now for something a little peaceful from all the rock. Here I was asked to do a shoot for the Lisburn Harmony Ladies Choir that just started up this year, led by Kirsty Orr.
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Another band who have done exceptionally well this year, young metal band Warcrux. This was a shoot to promote their new members, as well as for their EP which was released in the Winter of this year. The lads grew great recognition when they were seen playing at Sinocence’s 10th Anniversary show which happened during the year.
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Pat McManus & Guest - Spring & Airbrake, Belfast - 14th April 2011
Here is a shot of my favourite performing and guitarist Mr. Pat McManus. Rock Radio Northern Ireland hosted a show for Pat for not only his new album, but along with a special guest…
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Pat was joined on stage by Wishbone Ash’s frontman Andy Powell. Armed with a flying V, Pat and Andy performed many classic Wishbone Ash songs for the crowd.
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Redlight @ The Pavillion, Belfast - 16th April 2011
Redlight, one of the first bands I shot professionally made a return to the local gig scene this year, better than ever! This was their first show in awhile performing at one of SO:NI’s shows down in the Pavillion.
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My Passion - Speakeasy Bar, Belfast - 7th May 2011
Worked for Gigape at My Passion’s show down in the Queen’s Student Union. Never before have I seen a band perform covered in gold paint… never will I again ha ha! My Passion put on one great show that even left me amazed!
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I did a photoshoot with Lurgan metal band Downcoil. From wandering around Lurgan, to resting down in the dungeon/basement area of Brownlow House. With a very long shutter speed in use, the results were phenominal! The day left us pondering one of lifes most difficult questions…. What gig?????
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Rockers for Blindness 1 & 2 - Ma Nelson’s, Belfast - 25th May & 18th November 2011
This year I put on two charity concerts down in Ma Nelson’s to help raise money to go to Sightsavers International. Putting the money raised from both the shows together, about £700 was sent to the charity to help the visually impaired in the poorest of countries.
Here is a video of the headline act Crave at the first Rockers for Blindness.
Other acts featured were Exit (who are now The Rising), Midnight Transmission, Smoking Tongue & The Stevie K Band.
Here is a video of Sweet Savage headlining the second Rockers for Blindness.
Other acts featured were Last Known Addiction, Worldsend, Sweet Taste & Warcrux.
A big thank you to everyone who made these events what they are. To all the bands, to all the sound and light crew, to all the bar staff, and most of all to all the crowd who showed up!
Sunflower Fest Launch - Love & Death Inc, Belfast - 3rd June 2011
Took some shots at the Sunflower Festival Belfast Launch party down in Love & Death. This was to be the 2nd annual event of the festival, which I sadly didn’t get going to! The fesitval even got a nomination for the Northern Ireland Music Awards 2011 for “Best Festival”. There was alot of work put into the festival, and well done to Michael, Vanessa and all the team for putting on another successful one.
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Journey @ The Odyssey Arena, Belfast - 12th June 2011
Man I tell ya, you can’t imagine how happy I was when Gigape confirmed with me that I was accepted into shooting Journey down in the Odyssey Arena! My dream was to be able to get into a show of the venue and to see this dream come alive was just magical, especially with one of my favourite bands. As soon as “Seperate Ways” kicked in I didn’t feel like a photographer, I felt like a fan with a fancy camera, singing away to a classic song along with Ramsey Cardy and Bernie McAllister! Breath taking.
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Here is a shot from a photoshoot I did with my very good friends Midnight Transmission. Original bass player Woodsie had just come back to the band so the guys were getting set for a big year. The lads were seen supporting English punk band The Stranglers when they came to Belfast. Unfortunately the band split ways with their guitarist Dan Schumann, who went on to join Voodoo Dog. This hasn’t stopped the MT lads from raising the roof off the venues they play in!
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PAY*OLA @ The Diamond Rock Club, Ahoghill - 3rd July 2011
We were all thrilled to see the return of PAY*OLA. The band took a short break due to their guitarist recovering from a head injury. What better place to make a return than the Diamond Rock Club, especially when a BBQ was happening! The lads let rip into some old classics as well as some new material from their next E.P.!
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Amy Grant @ The Waterfront Hall, Belfast - 16th July 2011
The Queen of Christian Contemporary music Amy Grant hit the U.K. with a intimate acoustic tour. Very peaceful music and such a beautiful voice from a very talented woman.
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Belfast Taste & Music Festival - Botanic Gardens, Belfast - 6th August 2011
The annual Belfast Taste & Music Festival made its return to the Botanic Gardens in Belfast. This however was the only day me and my girlfriend went down to it as it featured Sweet Savage and the finest Queen tribute act Flash Harry.
Sweet Savage put on one great show which features songs off their new album which were played for the first time as well as special guest appearances from Rob Rooster (Red Hot Roosters), Chris Logan (The Rising) and Kelly Wilson (Speedo’s daughter).
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Here is a shot of the lads getting ready to hit the stage along with Ray’s orange cordial.
Flash Harry then hit the stage after Savage, performing many classic Queen numbers for the responsive crowd. Harry ofcourse showed everyone how to properly do a Freddie Mercury tribute, with the right movies and the right voice!
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Hilden Beer Festival - Hilden Brewery, Lisburn - 26th August 2011
So, 20 days after the food festival it was time for a wee drink (not by me ofcourse) with the annual Hilden Brewery’s Beer Festival, a weekend event which featured top acts. This was the only day I went to, along with my girlfriend and friends.
Kicking off the night were Last Known Addiction. Last Known Addiction have had an eventful year after releasing their debut album “One Left Standing” with their former singer. This was their first show with their brand new singer (who departed months after joining) Matt Fitzsimons. With the new singer the LKA lads sounded better than ever whilst throwing in a couple of covers.
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This photo was featured along with an advertisement for LKA’s debut album in the December edition of Molten Magazine.
The Nasa Assassin boys were up next and completely tore the place apart! Even a few broken ribs couldn’t stop the Watcher from doing what he does best!
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The Doghouse Ska Band headlined the event on this night was an act who never fails to put on a good show, performing classic numbers to which gets everyone up dancing and singing!
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And the celebrations continued on into the night, looking good Michael!
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Tigertailz - The Diamond Rock Club, Ahoghill - 10th September 2011
Nothing like abit of Welsh glam metal, especially a week after your birthday! Tigertailz made their return to the Diamond Rock Club, featuring an original lineup (minus Pepsi ofcourse). Alot of hairspray was used!
Kim Hooker, getting upclose, personal and cheeky with the lens!
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Metal As F… - Auntie Annies, Belfast - 14th September 2011
Some local heavy metal down in Auntie Annies! The amps were cranked way past 11 for this one!
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Warcrux were one of the bands performing, along with September Cross and By Any Means.
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Sinocence headlined the event.
A Rock Night to Remember - Spring & Airbrake, Belfast - 24th September 2011
To me personally, this was the biggest show I have and ever will have shot at! ARN2R was a night in tribute to two local musicians, Trev Flemming of Sweet Savage who passed away in 2010 and Tommy McManus of The Mama’s Boys who passed away in 1993. So along with the Stevie K Band and Million Dollar Reload, Sweet Savage and the Pat McManus band put on a show like no other, with a few surprise guests!
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Sadly, I didn’t get any images of the Stevie K band, but the band with their new guitarist sounded great. Here is a shot of Million Dollar Reload, all set and ready to rock especially when they had such a busy time coming up!
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Sweet Savage put on probably one of the best sets I’ve seen of them do. The guys were rocking hard for their lost guitarist T-Bone, along with many special guests.
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Original drummer Davey Bates drummed for “Take No Prisoners”, a song which hasn’t been performed in a long time.
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Eddie Currie of Worldsend jumped on the vocals for “Queen’s Vengence”.
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Former Sweet Savage guitarist Simon McBride came on stage to performing “Eye Of The Storm”.
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Mr. Rob Rooster (Red Hot Roosters) jamming away with the lads for the classic redenition of “Whiskey In A Jar”.
The Pat McManus band performed as always one amazing set, which then led up to what people were really waiting for, and that was a special guest appearance from ex Mama’s Boys frontman and bass player John McManus. Yes, The Mama’s Boys were back on stage for the first time in years performing old classics that crowd had not forgotten. Was breath taking to have been able to capture this moment of rock history!
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Brothers in Arms.
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John showing the Belfast crowd that he still has it!
Blaze Tribute Night - Spring & Airbrake, Belfast -1st October 2011
Following up from the first Blazefest, Darren and Dawn put on a concert to keep the Blazefest feeling alive until the upcoming second one. This night featured 2 original acts, Broken Skyz and Midnight Transmission, as well as 2 tribute acts, AC?DC and Tinn Lizzy.
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Broken Skyz, a young supergroup featuring the kids of local rockers Speedo Wilson (Sweet Savage), Gordon Alexander and Andy Strong (Resurrection). These kids put on one amazing performance and brought alot of life to the venue!
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The Midnight Transmission lads performing their Facebook victory performance, t’was indeed messy! Shortly after this show Dan went away from the band.
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AC?DC hit the stage like T.N.T! Jonty and his bagpipes joined in their performance for the song “It’s A Long Way To The Top”.
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What better way to finish the night than to have the music of Thin Lizzy performed by the Tinn Lzzy lads!
Another brilliant night by the Blaze folks!
The Answer - The Diamond Rock Club, Ahoghill - 5th October 2011
The finest thing to come out of Downpatrick, The Answer, on their intimate U.K tour, with Derry rockers Swanee River. The lads made their way up to The Diamond in Ahoghill to put on a floor shakingly brilliant show!
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Corman Neeson getting intimate with the Ahoghill crowd during the song “Preach’n”.
Enter Shikari - Mandela Hall, Belfast - 11th October 2011
I have Mark Ashby of Paradise City to thank for getting me in to shoot at this show. The music really wasn’t my cup of tea, but was worth capturing. Some light show Enter Shikari managed to pack into the Mandela Hall. This shot was taken up in the balcony.
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SO:NI Presents Rocktober Fest - The Empire Hall, Belfast - 20th October 2011
A great hard rock gig happening down in the Empire featuring Cross Eyed Mary (missed), Ajenda and Million Dollar Reload (headlined). Special guests for the night were one of my favourite local metal bands, the excellent Stormzone! Stormzone have had an exciting year with a new guitarist, a new album, and supporting Stryper (lucky…).
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Volbeat + Black Spiders - Spring & Airbrake, Belfast - 23rd October 2011
Big thanks to Mark Dean for getting me into this one! These 2 bands were originally meant to come to Belfast a year before hand, however there was a cancellation, so the 2 of them made their return.
I was excited to see Black Spiders again after seeing them in 2010 supporting Airbourne. As always they put on hectic show!
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I was looking forward to seeing Volbeat, hadn’t really listened to them before, I only knew they supported Metallica when they came to Belfast. The Volbeat lads put on a rocking set with a very Metallica like sound.
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Hotter than Hell - The Empire Hall, Belfast - 29th October 2011
Europe’s number one KISS Tribute act Hotter Then Hell with their Halloween Show, along with Million Dollar Reload supporting. Really enjoyed these guys after seeing them for the first time last year and was thrilled to have been working for them again this year, only this time with face paints!
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Now, who said a photographer can’t get his facepainted? Here is my with my good friend Glenn (the drummer), Patrizio (the guitarist) and Phil!
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Belfast Rocks with The Answer & Therapy + LaFaro Supporting - The Ulster Hall, Belfast - 4th November 2011
A very important week this was for Belfast as the MTV European Music Awards was set to take place in the Odyssey Arena on the 6th. So during the week Belfast City Council and many promotors put on the Belfast Music Week, with a show happening each night, as well as the Northern Ireland Music Awards, ran by AU Magazine and the Oh Yeah Centre. This was the only night I got into and it was a real treat featuring two of Belfast’s finest rock acts Therapy? and The Answer.
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Young local band LaFaro opened up the night.
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Andy Cairns letting rip into some old school metal!
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The Answer rounded off the night, completely blowing the roof off the Ulster Hall!
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Therapy? even came to join The Answer for a cover of the famous Belfast punk anthem “Alternative Ulster”!
My last photoshoot of the year with the excellent In Elegance. Shot these guys twice this year and had a blast with them, through the many locations and costume changes!
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Here is a shot from the first shoot during the year. Ahhh my fisheye, how I miss it.
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An image of them from the 2nd photoshoot! Way on up July’s Entry!
My Images Featured In
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Million Dollar Reload’s album “Anthems Of A Degeneration”.
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Last Known Addiction’s debut album “One Left Standing”.
An image I took of the band was featured in an advertisement for this album in Molten Magazine.
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Warcrux’s debut self entitled E.P.
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Swanee River’s debut album “Smoking Jacket”.
Other Concerts
There was a great number of concerts I went to that I didn’t work at, but they still helped make the year great. These are featured in video format.
My first Flash Harry show, only this show wasn’t dedicated to Queen. For the first time Flash Harry did a show that featured songs by famous Irish artists like Thin Lizzy, Van Morrison and Gary Moore. Here is the band with Speedo performing a couple of Gary Moore tunes.
Here was Kerry’s Christmas (2010) (as well as mine from myself), the wonderful Taylor Swift hit the Odyssey with a breath taking performance!
Thin Lizzy got back on the go, featuring new members, one member being Belfast’s own Ricky Warwick from The Almighty. This was them performing at the Odyssey Arena.
Now this, this has to have been THE greatest act I have seen, the legend that is Mr. Alice Cooper who brought his act of shock and horror to the Odyssey Arena.
Thin Lizzy and Alice Cooper performed on the same night along with the main act Def Leppard. As much as I love Def Leppard, it was hard for them to top the performance Cooper put on before hand!
Me and Kerry hit the RDS to see Bon Jovi! One absolutely spectacular show from the BonMeister!
Iron Maiden made their way back over to Belfast after not playing here for many years. Was indeed have finally been able to see these guys at long last!
God has indeed been very good to me this year and I am thankful for his glory and mercy! I am thankful for all the friends I have made and the support I have recieved over the year. You all have made this year been one big year for me and I thank you so much!
I am looking forward to what 2012 has in store for not just myself, but for the whole world. I pray you all have one amazing year and may God richly bless you all!
Enjoy this selection!
Authors: Marc Leach
Read More: http://marcleachphotography.tumblr.com/post/14822802972