Listen To Your Better Half
I found out yesterday that I would be shooting Greek Black Metal band Rotting Christ tomorrow night at Melbourne’s Billboard venue. Though I am not too familiar with the band’s repertoire, this was a gig I was keen to get as they are a highly energetic and visual band with all the Metal trimmings. A good ‘visual’ act makes for interesting photos no?
This afternoon whilst in the city, I spot 4 young men with hair down their backs. Dressed in black. Intense in attitude. Kick ass look. Sure enough, it was the band Rotting Christ themselves, doing some shopping along Swanston Street. I told Sam who it was as we walked past them and she says to me we should go and say hello.
She started chasing after them and I called out, “Sam! No! Leave ‘em be!”
I bluntly refused as I didn’t want to bother them and here I sit with such huge regret. It woulda been soooo cool to say hello and take their photo – let alone speak to them in their native tongue Greek (I am Greek, as are they) and let them know that I would be photographing their show tomorrow night.
Alas, I let this golden photo opportunity slip right through my fingers. I shoulda listened to my girlfriend (for once) because the resultant photo and experience – would have been just too cool.
JR, it is with great regret that I thrust an outstretched, open palm towards you and say in my Greekiest accent “Na! Malaka!”
Its ALWAYS worth listening to the missus boys and girls – if only to avoid the inevitable “I told you so” afterwards. Also (and this is one only us experienced fellas know), if it turns out pear-shaped you can then put on your most indignant tone and pull the “See what you made me do?”.
Anyway, I’m sure an opportunity for redemption will present itself tonight.
The weird thing is, up until a couple of days ago, I didn’t even know what these guys looked like. But for research, I checked out their website and got a visual. When I saw them on Swanston, I knew exactly who it was. the XES on their backs and Pentagrams everywhere kinda gave it away too.
Would been cool just to get that photo-op – but I blew it big time. Hopefully, it’ll be a cool gig tonight. Dark Funeral are playing as well…
Just be careful dude. Greeks are pretty full-on and so are metalheads. Greek metalheads are “full-on” squared. And if reports of fans cutting and mutilating themselves at their gigs are to be believed then you might be tempted to take a few shots in the crowd’s direction. In any case, it sounds like a great gig to behold.
Just to let you know i had the great chance to spend a few days with the band whilst in melbourne.Let me say,yes you are a malaka.Cause you would’nt find a better & friendly bunch of guys.i had the chance to drive them around,dine with them and go shopping.They are one of the most fan friendly bands i have ever met.Being of greek background myself and a big fan too it was a dream come true for me.next time listen to your girlfrind.Great photos as well.
Angus