Social Distortion Concert Review

It’s Sunday night, May 6, 2012, and there’s a sea of black-clad rockers crammed into a muddy Stubb’s Amphitheatre, drinking Lone Star Beer and clamoring to see Social Distortion, one of American punk rock’s last standing bands.

Formed in 1979 when the charismatic lead singer was just 17, the band known to legions of fans as simply Social D, has been together in some form or fashion for almost four decades.   I’ve seen several shows since my first in the mid- 1990s.  Ness, once known as much for his on- and off- stage brawling and battles with drug addiction as for his music, has, by all accounts, mellowed with age; Social Distortion, however, has not.

Social Distortion by Christopher Durst

In an obvious homage to fellow artist Adam “MCA” Yaunch’s recent passing, the band takes the stage to “No Sleep Til Brooklyn.”  As one would expect in a musically diverse town such as Austin, the crowd goes wild at the first beats of the song, and stays with Ness and his boys through every measure as they proceed to jam through a hit-heavy set which includes, “Ball and Chain”, “Sick Boys”, “Machine Gun Blues”, their cover of Johnny Cash’s “Ring of Fire”, and my personal favorite, “The Story of my Life”.

Ness, a master at working the crowd, artfully mixes in newer material from the bands 2011 release Hard Times and Nursery Rhymes, including “Bakersfield”, a song much more akin to something written by The Man in Black than Black Flag.

The set, perhaps more than in past shows I’ve seen, really seems to showcase Ness’ love of Outlaw Country, Southern Rock and Blues.  In the crowd, perhaps because this IS Texas, after all, the cowboy boots outnumber the Doc Martins, and there are more pearl snap shirts than either mohawks or leather jackets.   However, we have come here to ROCK and Social D delivers, their guitars chugging in a train-like rhythm behind Ness’ vocals about the folly of youth, impulsiveness, and the inevitable struggle for maturity.

Social Distortion by Christopher Durst

To see more images of Social Distortion please visit, Christopher Durst. There is an entire concert photography album of Social D on tour.
Written by Robyn Powell

Counting Crows Concert Photography

Thought you guys might like this shot. This is a photo of Adam Duritz performing with the Counting Crows during SXSW in Austin, Texas this year. During preproduction for a documentary that I’m featured in, I was granted full access to the pit throughout the bands set; it feels good having the pit to yourself!

Speaking of the documentary! You can learn more about this project by visiting the film’s Kickstarter page. Come along with us and experience the overall journey!

Fire Relief Concert Photos

The Fire Relief Concert was absolutely incredible with an all-star lineup consisting of Christopher Cross, Terri Hendrix, Avett Brothers, Eric Johnson, Joe Satriani, Randy Rogers Band, Asleep at the Wheel, Lyle Lovett, Shawn Colvin, the Texas Tornados, Willie Nelson, the Dixie Chicks, George Strait and other special guests. The concert helped to raise over $500,000 for the victims of the Central Texas wildfires.

To see more images of the concert please visit Christopher Durst.

Fire Relief Concert by Christopher Durst

Live Incubus Concert Photos by Christopher Durst

Photos from the ‘If Not Now, When?’ Incubus Tour

I recently had the pleasure of photographing Incubus while on their ‘If Not Now, When?’ tour. It has been years since I last attended an Incubus concert. True to form, the guys put on an amazing show. Their concerts are always incredibly electric and memorable. The band continues to have a strong and visible connection with their fans.

Currently touring with Incubus as their supporting act is another great band named, Young the Giant. These guys are full of energy and have a great sound to back up their rock star moves. That being said, this is definitely a tour you should check out.

I have already posted a few live Incubus concert photos on my facebook profile but will be posting more on my concert photography website in the next few days.

Live Concert Photos by Christopher Durst

Tour Documentary Photography

Tour photography is hands down one of the coolest jobs ever created. In my opinion, it is THE most exciting medium of photography. The perks are simply incredible…

For years, I’ve studied the careers and lives of the industry’s most iconic music photographers like Jim Marshall, Robert Knight and Mick Rock. These greats, among others, are the founding fathers of tour photography. For generations their exceptional imagery has given life and voice to the iconic rock stars of our past, their performances, and the concert goers that witnessed them.

As a music photographer that specializes in tour documentary photography, I can’t help but to thank my peers for the development and creation of our industry. I have immense pride, admiration and respect for each and every one of them.

A Day to Remember by Christopher Durst

Willie Nelson Photographs

Willie Nelson Photography, Photographs and Photos

Thought I would share this photograph of Willie Nelson with everyone. This is hands down one of my most cherished photographs in my entire collection.

Every music photographer dreams of photography iconic musicians, I’m certainly no exception. That being said, I try to capture artists in a unique and different way, a way that tells a story. I hope you enjoy my music photography.

Willie Nelson, live in concert in Austin, Texas at his infamous 4th of July Picnic. A true music photographers dream…

To view more of my work please visit my website at www.christopherdurst.com.

Willie Nelson by Christopher Durst

Social Distortion Band Photography

Band Photography, Photographer and Photos

Social Distortion is by far one of my most favorite bands to photograph. As a music photographer, there is nothing better than photographing a band that has edge, history and a little bit of social rebellion.

Here’s a photo that I took while on tour in early, June 2011. To see more Social Distortion band photos please visit my Fan Page. Over 50 color and black & white Social D band photos…

To see more band photography by Christopher Durst please visit www.christopherdurst.com.

Social Distortion by Christopher Durst

Life on the Road by Christopher Durst

The last few weeks have been crazy to say the least! I’ve had the opportunity to photograph some of the most uniquely talented artists in the industry. From Los Angeles to New York, London to Milan, I have photographed everyone from Jane’s Addiction and Social Distortion to Justin Bieber and Lady Gaga, not to mention some of my personal favorites like Jason Aldean, Merle Haggard, Seasick Steve and Willie Nelson.

Living the life of a concert photographer is an absolute dream come true. The industry has its ups and downs but for the most part it’s a nonstop party 24 hours a day. There’s just something about being on the road that resonates so heavily within me. I guess it’s the freedom you feel, that nomadic mentality, it’s being in a different city and experiencing something new every single night; it’s my life…and I love it!

I’m frequently asked if I ever get burnt-out, without hesitation my answer is always and emphatically, NO! I absolutely LOVE what I do. I mean let’s get real, I get paid to travel around the world and take photos of famous musicians. What’s there to get burnt-out on?! I chose this life for a reason, because I love it.

I’ve witnessed some pretty comical things during my travels! It’s the craziest thing, everyone just loses their minds on tour. It’s like being kids all over again but with absolutely NO restrictions whatsoever (queue ‘Schools out for Summer’). I’ve seen artists highway surf on their buses, I’ve seen moms and daughters do things together that they shouldn’t…it’s as real as it gets, it’s what stories are made of, it’s how musicians metamorphose into iconic rock stars.

When I’m not traveling I spend the majority of my time in Austin, Texas where I’m surrounded by a loving circle of beautifully talented friends and family. Spending time with them inspires me and reminds me of who I am. I absolutely love and adore each and every one of them. That being said, it only takes a few days off the road before I start developing the itch to tour again.

Photography facts about me…
1. I only use Canon products
2. I developed my own proprietary software
3. I travel roughly 220 days a year
4. I specialize in concert photography & tour documentary
5. I have photographed over 50 platinum selling artists
6. I have been published 36 times in 2011
7. I work with 14 publications worldwide
8. I will document 3 different tours this summer
9. Willie Nelson is my favorite musician to photograph
10. Jim Marshall, Robert Knight and Bob Gruen are my idols

One thing I’d like to mention is the lack of comradery between photographers in our industry. I have been witness to many altercations between photogs over the years. Though the industry has become extremely competitive, it isn’t justification to be rude and obnoxious to your colleagues. My advice to anyone seeking a career in music photography is to always remain kind. Love your peers and respect the icons that helped build and shape this industry. Be humble and have integrity and you will prosper.

I’d like to take this opportunity to thank each and every person that follows my work…THANK YOU, it means the world to me!

Christopher

Jane's Addiction Live in Concert

A Tribute to Jim Marshall

Please take a moment to view this tribute. Jim Marshall was arguably the most celebrated music photographer that ever lived. He captured the true essence of music’s most iconic musicians including Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, The Doors, Elvis, The Rolling Stones, Willie Nelson, and so many more. My only hope is that I can leave behind a legacy as profound as Jim Marshall’s.

R.I.P. Jim Marshall…

Classic Photo of Leon Russell & Willie Nelson

Look at Willie Nelson! Every once in a while you come across a photo that just blows you away…well, I just got blown away. Check out this great pic of Leon Russell & Willie Nelson by iconic music photographer Jim Marshall! This has got to be one of the greatest photos I have seen in a long time. Willie’s t-shirt says it all…Shotgun Willie! Look at Leon Russell, tell me this guy wasn’t ‘experimenting’ at the time of this shot…look at that dazed smile on his face.

All around this is just a classic photo of two iconic musicians. I hope you enjoy! Click on the image to see the original gallery…so much more to see!

Leon Russell & Willie Nelson: Photo by Jim Marshall