Malta Rock Festival 2009

**UPDATE Aug 11 2009**

Honestly, I’m sorry for missing out on the photos of FIRE. I somehow forgot to publish the photos and it slipped my mind. For those that asked, 6 new photos just before the ReBorn section!

INTRO

This was most probably the GREATEST show I ever went to. First of all, there was KISS Forever. Seriously, it’s like watching KISS play, it was AWESOME. Second of all, I managed to take better shots than at the Beer Fest (since this was my second live shoot and I knew what I was expecting).

We went there early (they started letting people in @ 19:30, we were there at 19:00). When we went in, people were sitting on the stairs and chairs so we booked up a place as close as possible to the stage so I would have better access once the bands start playing. Once the bands did start playing, I had a “front-line view” with no heads in front of me to maneuver my camera around. Finally, I was equipped with the 55-200mm lens for close up shots, flash was barely used, and when I did use it I bounced it away from the bands (instead of directly at them like I did in the beer fest). Settings were also preset from notes I had taken from the beer fest. All these resulted in some good photos which (hopefully for you) capture the mood at the show as best as possible.

All-in-all it was a fun shoot, and an awesome show. I had a great time. Hope you enjoy the photos,

Until next time…

ROCK N ROLL ALL NIGHT AND PARTY EVERYDAY!

FEEDING US ROCK

While waiting between band performances I had the chance to take some interesting shots of the equipment. I call this set “Feeding Us Rock” because, well, that’s what all the amps, wires, etc are built for.

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3
Whoops, a bit of a sneak peek here

Part 4

RED LABELS

With a modern sound which evokes the remnants of 1970’s raw rock and roll, combined with a return to grass roots and a sense of pure energy and determination, The Red labels have been described as energetic, raw and one of Irelands most exciting live acts.

- maltarockfestival.com

The first band to hit the stage. Sounds like an Indie/Punk combo. But they were great, good music, fun performance. Enjoyed it.

Indie-Rock Combo

Red Labels – Conor McGivern

ESTRELLA

Based in Scotland, Estrella are a 5-piece Classic Rock band with on-stage impact! Under management for 3 years, Estrella have recently been signed to independent music company SJS. With work on their debut album (due to be released in Summer ’09) and with regular radio, TV and media coverage, this band is one to watch!

- maltarockfestival.com

Apart from the fact that the Summer is almost over (get your facts right MaltaRockFestival.com) this description says it all. Not to mention the great music, the on-stage performance was amazing. These guys knew what they were doing and they knew how to show it.

Mr. Gunn

In The Limelight

Can’t Go Wrong With The Classic Looks And Poses

FIRE

Malta’s no frills rock band! Fire has been consistently active in the music scene since 1998. Releasing their well-received debut album “Ignite” in 2006, they gigged with the well-known rock band Krokus. In 2006 they placed 1st at Oktoberfest Battle of the Bands and performed in the UK during 2007. They will be releasing their second album “Thrill Me” this summer.

- maltarockfestival.com

I forgot to upload these guys’ photos for some reason or another! I’m sorry guys (to all those that sent me requests for these photos)! So here, 6 photos for your enjoyment

REBORN

The winners of the LIDEA Band Challenge 2008 Malta, REBORN will be playing during The Malta Rock Festival and showcase their new songs for their upcoming debut album after gigging in Holland.

- maltarockfestival.com

Thank you for the very in depth look at ReBorn. We appreciate it >_> These guys were a bit too much for my taste but who am I to judge? Sound was good, performance was excellent. And they had a hot chick stand on a metal box and look pretty while baring some flesh. What more could I want?

Crucifixion

ReBorn

Sing With Me Now

Just Stand There And Look Pretty

KISS FOREVER

Finally, KISS played at Midnight (a set of 1hr 45min). There’s not much I can say here. The performance was simply impressive. If I hadn’t known these were a tribute band, I would have thought the real KISS were back! The sound, performance and looks were indistinguishable from the original band.

Here are the best shots.

Ace

Simmons + Frehley

Gene

This Is How We Roll

Criss (drummer) Sings “Beth”

Because We Can Sing AND Play
All KISS members could sing – and so can these guys… something rarely seen in a band.

Bloody Business
One of the things that tagged KISS with the “satanists” tag.

Rocking The Fuck Out
… and enjoying it.

Encore

Boot From Hell

THE BEST FOR LAST

I left my best photo of KISS for last. This is probably my greatest achievement so far. The composition is on the spot, and the timing is precise. This lasted less than a second, I didn’t even have time to “burst” shoot. Fortunately I was ready and my countless years of shooting stuff on game consoles paid off

Heaven’s On Fire

Thanks for reading so far Comments and Critiques VERY MUCH APPRECIATED! See ya!
Contact me on info@amantereale.com