April 1, 2013
Hope everyone had a nice Easter weekend. It finally feels like Spring in Wisconsin.
Being a rock'n'roll photographer since 1970, I have had the opportunity to photograph just about every musician I have wanted to. Thanks to everyone who has helped me along the way.
The list of musicians includes most of my favorites from the Rolling Stones to Led Zeppelin. This list was pretty much complete except for one act that I have always wanted to photograph. Z Z Top did not make my list until the Harley Davidson 105th Anniversary party here in Milwaukee in 2008!
Their show did not disappoint. It was a fun time and they are a class act. The stage was set up very nicely and the lighting was excellent!
Photographers only get 3 songs in the beginning of the show to get the job done, and it is never enough time. I try to keep track of the 3 songs and thankfully, I don't have to change film anymore. So, I just shoot as much as possible as quickly as possible!
It all happens so quickly you can't believe it. I try to go in with a plan but most of the time that doesn't workout because you can't move around too much. With earplugs in, I put myself into position which is a little off to the side of Dusty Hill, the bass player. This way I could shoot across to Billy Gibbons, the guitar player, and also get a clear shot of Frank Beard, the drummer who's drum kit was a photo project all on its own! I want to get myself in a good spot so that I'm not shooting the backs of these beautiful guitars you see here! That is why I staked out my spot a little early because a couple of minutes before the show I was surrounded by more photographers and people.
I took 105 shots in those 3 songs and should have done more. but as I said, it goes so quickly you can't believe it!
Enjoy a few photographs of the show here and wouldn't one look nice on your office wall? Check out my rock category and go to Z Z Top for a few more to look at and enjoy.
Thanks,
Rich Zimmermann
Joe Walsh and the James Gang at the Milwaukee Arena on November 27, 1971.
Neil Young at the Dane County Coliseum on November 14, 1976.
Arlo Guthrie at Summerfest 1972
March 11, 2013
83 years ago last Saturday, the New York Yankees re-signed Babe Ruth to a two-year contract. It was worth $160,000. I wonder if he liked rock'n'roll?
On February 26, 1975, the rock band Babe Ruth came to Milwaukee. They played a show at the Riverside Theater with the bands StarCastle and fellow English mates Roxy Music.
Janita Haan, the lead singer of Babe Ruth, came out in bare feet and sang and danced away the night! She and her band were awesome! This was a powerful rock band and they proved it that night.
Babe Ruth formed in 1970 and when they came to Milwaukee, their album "First Base" that was released in 1972 was still fresh in everyone's mind. I think it's their best album and the song, "Wells Fargo" is a personal favorite. It was written by Alan Shacklock, the guitarist of the band. Something I learned a few years ago is that Clarence Clemons of Bruce Springsteen"s, E Street Band, played saxophone on "Wells Fargo"!
Two other great songs on that album are "King Kong", written by Frank Zappa and "Black Dog", written by Jesse Winchester.
The band went through some changes and disbanded in 1976 but has reformed a few times and is currently active I hear. Hope they come back our way sometime soon- for maybe Summerfest!!
Seeing these old black and white photos that I took that night brings back some good memories of that show and great English rock 'n' roll bands!
Enjoy some photos of Jennie Haan and her band mates.
Limited edition 8 1/2 X 11 or 8 X 10's are for sale for $50.00 the week of the blog for your home, office or entertainment room.
Thanks,
Rich Zimmermann
Jennie Haan and her band Babe Ruth, February 26, 1975 at the Riverside Theater in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
March 4, 2013
One could say that this week in Milwaukee is Queen week. "One Night of Queen" with Gary Mullen and the Works is coming to The Northern Lights Theater for a couple of tribute shows on March 6 and 7.
Queen came to Milwaukee's Uptown Theater for a show on March 7, 1975. The Uptown Theater was torn down a long time ago and is now a Milwaukee Police Station! Too bad, because it was a beautiful old movie theater with a lot of history. It was the theater where Bruce Springsteen played and had the famous bomb scare show that I also attended. The Hunter-Ronson band also played a memorable show there.
The Queen show was an evening I will never forget. The show was that good. Freddie Mercury had so much presence on stage and you could tell that he absolutely loved what he did.
I will never forget that show for another reason too. I fell off an equipment case in the pit right in front of the stage when I was taking photos probably because they fogged the stage and I couldn't see! I moved a little to the left to get a better shot and down I went about 4 feet! Still got the shot. The equipment and I were fine!
Also being circulated lately is a concert film of one of the last shows Queen did. Called "Queen, Live in Budapest". It is from a live show on July 27, 1986. It's getting great reviews and is a must see movie for any Queen fan.
You might enjoy going into my blog archives and looking at blogs#19 and #21. They are both about Queen. One features color photos and the other black and white photos.
All Queen photographs are on sale this week, just $50.00 for a limited edition 8 X 10 and 8 1/2 X 11's.
Pick a couple photos out and contact us for some nice prints for your home or office. Have a fun week of Queen memories.
Thanks,
Rich Zimmermann
