dot 2 dot Archives - GARY STAFFORD PHOTOGRAPHY

Dot to Dot, such fond memories, my first ever festival assignment was Dot to Dot way back when, so yes I have fond memories of it. This years Dot to Dot had a slight venue change no more Trent Uni with it’s upstairs downstairs stages choosing instead comedy club Jongleurs as a venue, which looked similar to where they played championship darts finals. Very nice

On getting my pass from the wristband exchange in a very, very wet Talbot Street I made my way to Rock City to catch Bastille, having photographed them last month at Live at Leeds I pretty much knew what to expect, lighting was slightly better though.

Having the usual first three songs I headed for the Basement of Rock City where The Night were setting up with a harpist my interest was increased, mixed with a keen guitarist who really thinks he’s in a rock band and a female lead singer they concocted some poppy tunes, trying to find anything else about them though proved difficult on Google’s search bringing up lots ot bands called variations of The Night…

Back upstairs then for Bombay Bicycle Clubs ex backing singer Lucy Rose who looked genuinely surprised at the very full Rock City for her laid back thirty minute set.

Patterns have had a lot of word count given to them recently, however trying to find Red Room in Rescue Rooms proved rather difficult, going up some stairs like some secret gentleman’s club, the room already reasonably full.

Back to Rock City for young Bob Dylanesque sounding Jake Bugg, looking like a very young Miles Kane in dapper suit he made an entertaining 45 minute set fly by, with fans jigging away.

Staying in Rock City for another folky sounding solo artist Willy Mason, who would have been ok, but I had enough of solo acoustic guitar playing for one afternoon.

A walk in the rain followed across town to Jongleurs Comedy club where the highlight of the day proved to be Pure Love, who I hear you ask??? Remember that band The Gallows??? Well it’s Frank Carter’s new project. I must say I was surprised with just how melodic they where and how his voice has changed from the screaming yelling Gallows to a very good rock outfit. Prefering to perform from within the crowd leaving his band mates on the stage created a great backdrop to get some different kind of rock photos.

Staying in Jongleurs a refreshing Lime cordial & soda water followed by American noise pop/surf punk band Wavves, with a bass player sporting lots of hair, that scruffy surfer dude look, they made for an entertaining set.

Walking back through the rain again, will this weather ever stop??? For the trek back to Rock City to catch headliners The Drums. I havent photographed The Drums since Leeds Festival a couple of years ago & have since had a member come & go…