So, it seemed no one had any idea who was supporting Bad Religion last night in Birmingham, nothing on the internet or anywhere! And that's because the band themselves didn't know about the show til about 30 minutes before it happened. They are called Templeton Pek. Seeing as they only found out they were doing the show so close to doors opening, I think they put on a great performance. (Also, their new single 'Barriers' is available on their website for free download, just click here to download now.)
After TP got off the stage the tech guys started setting up for bad religion, and I guessed it was going to be a long wait as there was only one support band and then BR who were headlining. So I went to talk to Neal Mitchell (Bassist/Vocalist from TP) and asked him if I could take a few shots of his band (view photos from that shoot). Bad religion takes to the stage, unfortunately I missed the first song while taking photos, but as soon as I got there and was ready to shoot they went straight in to playing Sinister Rouge which has always been one of my favorite songs by them. They really got the crowd going with that song, so energetic and catchy, everyone was singing along to it. They played a long set of 27 songs and that includes a cover song 'Unite and Win' by Sham 69. I could of watched these guys for way longer than that, even after 30 years live they're still as lively and energetic as ever, and didn't disappoint in the slightest.
Being able to photograph AND see these guys live in one night was pretty great for me, I can't even remember how long I've wanted to see them for and the night turned out even better than I thought! I knew to expect a great gig, I've never heard anything bad about any of their shows, and what I've seen on youtube is good, but to be there seeing them for the first time and to take photos on their 30 year live anniversary tour was a great experience and I'm happy I got to be a part of it.
As soon as the show finished I expected to just leave the venue and go home, but I thought I'd stick around for a while and see if I could meet the band. There wasn't many people waiting by their tour bus after the show, they had probably already gone and left before I got there though. I waited for a bit, then finally I met drummer Brooks Wackerman! He was a really nice guy, very easy and fun to talk to and we got a few photos. Then a little while Later I met Vocalist Greg Graffin and he joined in on the photo shoot! I stayed with them for a while so I got to meet almost all of the band and got some nice portrait shots, which are now on my flickr account if you want to check them out. I'll never forget that night, was so much fun being able to hang out with a band I have been in to for years and have them appreciate my photos.Bad Religion - It all started in 1980 til now, let's hope they carry on touring for a lot longer!
Their new CD 'The Dissent Of Man' will be released August 28th and is now available to pre-order here. Go order your copy now!
Setlist from the show:Do What You Want
Overture/Sinister Rouge
We're Only Gonna Die
Recipe For Hate
Flat Earth Society
Atomic Garden
Before You Die
A Walk
Germs Of Perfection
New Dark Ages
Requiem For Dissent
Along The Way
Suffer
How Much Is Enough?
Generator
No Direction
Fuck Armageddon... This Is Hell
No Control
I Want To Conquer The World
Unite And Win (Sham 69 cover)
Infected
Man With A Mission
21st Century (Digital Boy)
American Jesus
Sorrow
Los Angeles Is Burning
So have any of you seen Bad Religion on this tour? Feel free to leave comments below.
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