Dragonforce was one of those big gigs that you stick in your diary, and yet your so busy it just sort of creeps up on you without a chance to get excited. Walking into the venue, I didnt really know what to expect, and the lack of any lighting for the support bands was not adding to my feeling of edginess.

Regardless, into the photo pit I went, and catching a glimpse of what was behind the curtain blocking off the stage, I couldnt quite believe what I saw. Oh my days!

The stage setup for Dragonforce was nothing short of immense! A huge staircase had been constructed at the back of the the stage leading upto the giant video screen, with the drumkit and keyboards on raised platforms to the right and left accordingly. Three risers were standing ominously at the stage front, all with fans mounted on them blowing back towards the stage, and the lighting was theatrical!

Smoke blotted the stage for the first few minutes, but one advantage of shooting the first three for Dragonforce is your guaranteed a good half an hour. All band members were as I expected, Herman and Sam were armed with mike mounted cans of Carling, ZP prowled the front of the stage, and Frederic, Dave and Vadim drove things home in support.

Easily the best gig I’ve shot, photos opportunites were happening everywhere and it was just a matter of capturing as many as I could. Shot completely on the 24-70mm and 10-22mm wide angle