Still-live: Rock Photographer Robert Massie
If a picture speaks a thousand words, then Robert Massie’s work
could recite War and Peace. His ability to capture a poignant
moment comes not from simply an artistic vision – as concert photography
is far from an exact science – but rather his perseverance and
dedication each night to get just that one shot.
So to properly look back on such an eventful year in music, we
asked Robert to take us behind the lens, and share his personal
favorite shots of 2003.
Click on an image to enlarge.
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25. John Bell, Widespread PanicOne of my favorite performers, caught up in an “unexpected moment of bliss.” I think that JB had fun playing acoustic sets this summer, and this was a moment that really typified his mood during the sit-down sessions. |
24. Warren Haynes, Rebirth of the MuleHaynes is the hardest working man in show business, and Gov’t Mule has finally been reborn. I love the mystery this photo seems to convey, a great example of how to make low light levels still work. |
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23. DJ LogicI simply love this shot. ‘Nuff said. |
22. Sam BushSam Bush weaves reggae, rock, and soul into his bluegrass pursuits and it’s truly a pleasure to photograph this mandolin master taking the crowd to school. |
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21. Stanton Moore, GalacticIt’s hard for short photographers to see, let alone shoot drummers. Stanton is one bad ass on the skins, and I was really happy with this action shot of him looking thrilled to be rocking Galactic’s audience during their Winter Tour. |
20. Eric Lanese, Ekoostik HookahProof positive that the golden rule at Hookah shows is to always expect the unexpected. For their encore this spring, Lanese came out to sing lead on “Life During Wartime” dressed in this hilarious getup, complete with his huge “talking head.” |
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19. DJ Z-TripNo one mixes records like Z-Trip does. It’s always a bit difficult to get good shots of DJ’s at festivals, but my lens was long enough to catch Z during a booty-shaking wax throw down in the June heat. |
18. Cyro Baptista’s Beat the DonkeyCurtain calls always make for a good opportunity to get a group shot, but it’s very rare to catch more personality in a group that this one. Cyro was very kind to me each time I saw him this summer, and hreally loved this shot. |
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17. Les ClaypoolCaught in the middle of one of his stomping sessions, the Col. looks like he’s completely absorbed in the groove. Taken at this year’s phenomenal MidX Music Festival in West Virginia. |
16. Marc Roberge, Of A RevolutionEverfine Records puts on one hell of a show every year at the “Feeling Better than Everfine” festival. OAR commanded the crowd, and Marc seemed to be having a great time belting out tales of heartache and poker. |
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15. Ephram Towns, Dirty Dozen Brass BandET sweats a lot on stage, but I honestly never considered using it as a focal point. This was one of those times where an artist looks away right when I’m about to shoot, but the abstraction actually makes the shot what it is. |
14. GuestAthens, OH’s own Guest invited me to photograph the filming of their DVD at Columbus’s Newport Music Hall. This is my favorite group/cover shot of the year and it totally showcased their lighting rigs. |
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13. Drew Emmitt, Leftover SalmonLeftover Salmon’s own mandolin master, Drew Emmitt, gives my lens a compelling look during a spring show at Cleveland’s Odeon. |
12. Houseman, GalacticDuring a riveting version of “Saturday Night Special,” Houseman assures the audience that “peace” is better than guns and whiskey. The pattern on his suit made it pretty easy to focus. |
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11. Keller WilliamsCaught in full sway, Keller’s personality and performance style really come across well in this shot. I think this was during “Standing on the Moon” at this year’s Allgood Festival. And, yes, he does move that much. |
10. Eric Gould, ParticleSwimming in the light, Gould holds down the bottom for one of my favorite groups in the world. 2003 saw the energy levels and performance quality of their live shows push straight through the roof and 2004 will be a huge year for Particle. Clear the Launchpad and get ready for takeoff. |
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9. Willie NelsonI love the motion implied in the blurs and streaks in this shot. Plus, I still get the chills whenever I hear Willie launch into “Whiskey River.” He is another living legend, and I feel very fortunate to have had the chance to capture him performing his art. |
8. Warren Haynes, Allman BrothersIt’s tough to catch Warren smiling so big |