Last week I had the pleasure of shooting all four of these bands back to back. I was surprised that these big bands allowed photographers to shoot from the pit, not the soundboard. I'm not complaining, I'm thrilled with how these photos all turned out!
Simon Le Bon of Duran Duran: Photo by Melissa Fossum
I saw Duran Duran for the first time during my first Coachella in 2011. I was very impressed with their stage presence, and last week's show was no exception, even though I only saw the first three songs due to photo restrictions.
Dom Brown of Duran Duran: Photo by Melissa Fossum
Duran Duran was a delight to shoot. The band was energetic and the lighting was perfect. I would love to photograph them again!
Nile Rodgers of Chic: Photo by Melissa Fossum
Openers Chic were so spectacular that I feared that Duran Duran would fall short. I'm ashamed to say that I was unaware of the extent of Nile Rodgers' legacy until seeing Chic perform live. Songs like Daft Punk's "Get Lucky" were definitely a surprise!
Chic: Photo by Melissa Fossum
Rodgers' back up vocalists were a blast to watch as well.
Chic: Photo by Melissa Fossum
Panic! at the Disco: Photo by Melissa Fossum
Onto Weezer and Panic! at the Disco. Getting to this show was a nightmare due to the "100 year flood," which trapped me in downtown Phoenix. Unfortunately, I was unable to photograph Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness, but I heard the show was great.
Brendon Urie of Panic! at the Disco: Photo by Melissa Fossum
PATD is always a delight to shoot thanks to Brendon Urie's very energetic stage presence.
Weezer's Rivers Cuomo: Photo by Melissa Fossum
As a lifelong Weezer fan, I was over the moon at an opportunity to shoot the band. The opening backdrop of California imagery made it all the better.
Scott Shriner of Weezer: Photo by Melissa Fossum
Plus, look at Scott Shriner's grin! Isn't that adorable?
Check out my full Weezer and Panic! at the Disco slideshow here.
See you in the photo pit. Hopefully with less rain next time.