To modify a famous phrase from the Francis Ford Coppola movie, Apocalypse Now, “I love the smell of Fug in the evening”.
Fear not, this is not an X-rated blog. Read on.
Fug is the damp, musky, smoky, stuffy and foggy (from fog machines) atmosphere found in a concert hall, pub or theatre, etc.
Whenever I am in the midst of my familiar friend Fug, I know I’ll be hanging out with luminary, talented, fun rock star company in the green room moments later.
When you look against the spotlights, you’ll see galaxies of big specks of dust floating in the air. Gaze at the dust galaxies the next time you go watch a concert, play or opera.
As a known rock photographer, I appreciate the fact that I can go early (3pm) to hang out and bask in the comforting Fug of a Concert Hall – witnessing the setting up process of sound equipment or appreciating the intricacies of a soundcheck.
I treasure and photograph the solitary moments of roaming the vast but cosy concert hall, – front of stage, back stage and on the stage; going into areas only where I’m allowed. This privilege is only possible after I collected the Access All Areas pass from the artist’s tour manager.
I share the following intimate images of the fug scenes that happen just before and during a misty concert.
You can almost feel, smell, see and taste the musky Fug in the air.
The Empty, Awaiting Stage (above image).
The Crucial Sound Board (above image). Some say it’s the best seat in the concert hall.
I prefer to be watching and shooting the performance right ON the stage proper, in incognito-mode behind the curtains. Thank you very much!
Empty Seats (above image).
Danny S, Debbie Gibson’s tour manager (above image). An appreciative and fun shot of Danny in the seats after soundcheck is over. Some free time before the concert starts. Thanks, Danny, for the AAA+ privilege!
The Heavy Metal involved in the Staging of a successful Concert (above image).
The Sonic Lightsabers (Microphones) of a famous Quintet (above image).
Chris Wolstenholme of Muse (above image).
Maximum misty situation, sound the Fug Horn!
Bat For Lashes (above image).
Neil Tennant of Pet Shop Boys (above image).
The Aftermath of an exhilarating Flaming Lips concert (above image).
The Load-Out (above image). Check out Jackson Browne’s song of the same name, dedicated to the hard work, focus and dedication of Concert Roadies.
For forty years (and counting), I’ve learned to appreciate (and photograph) the inviting cosiness of Fug! So should you!
Enjoy the Show!
