I was super excited to catch an opportunity to shoot GWAR at House Of Blues. Known more for their stage theatrics than for their actual music, I knew they’d make for great photo opportunities. I made sure to bring a poncho and wrapped my camera in a plastic bag, knowing that I had front row seats for spraying and splattering of fake blood. I kept laughing the whole set. These guys know how to put on a ridiculous show.

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Every time the opening bass riff for Joy Division’s “Transmission,” or New Order’s “Age Of Consent” starts to play, I always have compulsion to smile.  Hook, the man behind that infectiously twangy bass guitar stopped through Chicago to DJ at Smartbar, with backing support from Dark Wave Disco. He was on his way through for a Q&A and book signing in support of his new release The Haçienda: How Not To Run A Club, his memoirs about the infamous (and now-defunct) Manchester club built by founders of Factory Records and resident band New Order.

Hook’s musical prowess spans 30 years, and he knows a thing or two about clubs. So to dance 5 feet away while he spins Joy Division remixes, I had compulsion to smile.

Click the photo for the full gallery of Peter Hook at Smartbar.

Last Wednesday, crossover thrash band Municipal Waste played Subterranean, which was packed door-to-door and floor-to-floor with people literally spilling on the stage, thereby having nowhere to go but to dive off back into the crowd. I took most shots either from up above or on the side of the stage to avoid a knee flying into my lens.

If you haven’t heard Municipal Waste yet, go do yourself the favor. Be sure to prepare for a full face-melting.

Click to check out the full Municipal Waste photo gallery