I like rock. I like metal. I pretty much like everything. But although The Scorpions are a world renowed name - apart from ‘that’ song, bizzarely I hadnt heard them before this evening.

It might have been the 8 page spread in Classic Rock last month that prickled up my curiousity, or it may have been the fact that they have such an intensely dedicated fan base, but something made me want to go and shoot this one and I’m glad I did!

The stage setup for the Scorpions was completely unexpected. From the massive PA that the band brought with them, right through to the lighting, this was a Stadium show that was packed into the Academy, and it was all the better for it.

Matthias and Rudi were great to shoot in their own ways. Matthias was ever the clown prince, coming over and really letting me get in his face, whilst Rudi stayed a little bit further back and mustered all the flexible rock poses he could! Klaus was very relaxed but came over for a little play as well, whilst Pawel calmly motored away in the corner with James making (quite literally - in a good way) a hell of a lot of noise from behind the skins.

Lighting was great for this set, albeit a little bit harsh at times, but the band themselves made the photos and its one gig I’m glad I got the chance to shoot.

All shots were taken with the 24-70mm and 10-22mm wide angle.