This was a night of firsts for me.
Since having moved to Vancouver about a month ago (I’m planning to be here for a year), I was yet to shoot a gig. I decided at the last last minute to head to the Biltmore Cabaret for the first time to check out Guitar Wolf – a self styled “Jet Rock ‘n’ Roll” band that I’d been vaguely aware of for years, but had never had the chance to see.

Now I’ve been to a lot of gigs in my time, but nothing had quite prepared me for experiencing Guitar Wolf. Even before they’d taken to the stage, the crowd was struggling to stay on its feet, with the front row using the stage as a support whilst everyone bopped along to the Ramones.

Although the constantly changing colours were a challenge and the bands’ drummers were almost totally in the dark, I was pleasantly surprised at the power of the lighting – especially considering the size of the venue.

The biggest challenge of all however was staying on my feet. At times I found myself pretty much on stage along with other photographers and members of the crowd as a way to stay in one piece. Occasionally I had to stop to give everything a wipe down, I’m pretty sure that beer, sweat and saliva aren’t ideal for a camera’s inner workings.

To try to put into words what the show was like is beyond me, so I’ll let the pictures do the talking and maybe try to explain what’s going on in captions. All I will say is that to see Guitar Wolf is to be reminded what rock and roll should be all about – the power, the energy, the love of music and, of course, the sheer insanity.

Full, epic gallery of shots below, just click on any thumbnail to start scrolling through.

Having become used to London’s gig crowds who rarely care much for the support acts, I totally misjudged the reaction that the first band on would receive. As a result, I found myself struggling to make my way to the front to shoot Timecopz.

Seems they’re pretty popular on the Vancouver punk scene and I could see why – fast, loud, bouncy, thrashy, fun. I overheard someone say they sound a lot tougher than they look, I’m not sure if that was a criticism or not – decide for yourself. See below for full gallery.

Cheap Time – being from out of town – received a more muted response from the crowd, but still went down pretty well.

Their punk influenced sound was a perfect warm up for the crazed show that was to follow. Gallery below.