After unexpectedely postposting their last round of UK touring in December, the Counting Crows graced the boards of the Academy tonight instead of the planned Metro Radio Arena.

Never one to complain about photographing a band this large in a more intimate environment, I was quite the happy little bunny

Known for their melancholy and more ‘mature’ writing, the Crows have consistently delivered high quality output over their 18 years together. Adam Duritz is the main catalyst behind this, and with his much publicised recent mental issues, a lot of the die hard Crows fans in attendance were wondering exactly which side of their frontman they would get tonight (reviews for a couple of the earlier shows had been a bit mixed, with the Bournemouth and Nottingham gigs being cancelled).

When the band came out on stage and spent a good few minutes with the house lights up discussing which song to start with, it definitely wasn’t looking too rosy, but there were no worries to be had as the band settled into their groove and gave a masterclass in precision playing.

By the time my very own introduction to the Counting Crows came around, (Colorblind), Duritz was at the top of his game and he delievered quite possibly his strongest song of the evening - it was amazing to see him on the verge of tears as the sheer emotion he poured into it got the better of him. A true classic performance, for very obvious reasons.

Lighting for the gig was extremely bright and it helped in the story telling nature of the evening - really vivid washes of purple and green gave a very eerie vibe to the perfomance, and it just seemed to give things that little edge - almost capitalising on the contrast in unpredictability with the bands setlist and leader and purpose and precision of the band musicianship.

A very unusual gig for me to photograph and witness, but a vital one in my musical education - I’d highly recommend seeing the Counting Crows the next time you get the opportunity.

Set was shot entirely on the 10-22mm and 24-70mm.