I’m going to go ahead and lead-in with a photo of Anthrax playing with surprise guest Slash onstage, as they pummeled through a cover of AC/DCs “T.N.T.”, even though he came out toward the end of their set.  Because, why wouldn’t I??  It’s Slash! With Anthrax!  On the Sunset Strip!!

However, click the jump to see more photos of Anthrax’s Joey Balladonna, Scott Ian, Frank Bello and my best attempts to grab shots of Charlie Benante behind his monstrous drumset.  Oh, and glowing pentagrams galore:

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Feast your eyes on these flying V guitars that Exodus was slinging around last week at House Of Blues on Sunset Strip.  Definitely added some nice visual elements to complement the aggressive thrash metal that these guys have been kicking out all these years.

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 I’m gonna be editing like mad for the next 24  hours for a whole string of great blog posts,  not least of which was last night’s metal blitz at House Of Blues featuring headliners Anthrax!

For now I’ll leave you with a couple great photos  to tide us over until then.   Feel free to subscribe to my blog or follow me for updates in the meantime!

Reel Big Fish brought their brand of zany ska punk to the House Of Blues on Sunset Strip.  I think it’s always nice to shoot a band with more variety in their instruments than just the standard guitar players.  It’s always a fun challenge to shoot an entire horn section as well.

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Nearly exactly one year since I shot Flogging Molly on tour in Chicago, I managed to shoot their set at House Of Blues on Sunset Strip for their 8th annual “Green 17″ tour.  And I gotta say, Los Angeles House Of Blues may be one of my new all-time favorite venues.  At least with it’s rustic, pub appeal, it seemed a very fitting venue for Flogging Molly’s brand of celtic punk.  With fantastic lighting, to boot!

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In preparation for shooting Flogging Molly, I got to limber up by shooting opening band Suedehead, a soulful motown-meets-punk rock band playing a high-energy set for eager fans at the House Of Blues.

Surprised I was to learn that in spite of the lead singer’s heavy UK accent, Suedehead hails from neighboring Orange County California.  Of note was their soulful rendition of Fugazi’s “Waiting Room.”

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I was highly impressed with Emilie Autumn’s live cabaret performance at El Rey Theatre, in support of her Fight Like A Girl (F.L.A.G.) Tour.

I knew going into it that I would come away with great shots, and if you know my work beyond concerts and musicians you’ll know that I also have a penchant for corsets and lingerie.  However, little did I know I was to expect her to put on a full theatrical performance with three of her all-female backing band.  Not only did I get great shots, but I got great shots of four different ladies putting on a full Victorian-gothic cabaret.

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Top 10 Lists come out of the woodwork every year’s end, and I’m making no exception.  Here’s a list of some of my most memorable concert photos I’ve shot this year, either for aesthetic or iconic reasons.

I’m kicking off this list with the above photo, shot during Boys Noize set at The Music Box in Hollywood.  I’m including it here as it not only makes a good “lead” for a blog article about concert photos, but also because it showcases the raw energy emanating from the packed house that evening, and the fan wearing the Boys Noize shirt adds just a little bit of context :)

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The anticipation was high waiting for headliners The Descendents to hit the stage at the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium this weekend, as the audience chanted for nerd-punk icon Milo [Auckerman] to take the stage.

But arguably of more note were the rumors flying around that legendary Los Angeles hardcore band Black Flag was to make a guest appearance.  The next-best thing occurred instead, as former Black Flag bassist and founder Chuck Dukowski took the stage with singer Keith Morris, backed by former drummer Bill Stephenson and Descendents guitarist Stephen Egerton, to blast through Black Flag’s Nervous Breakdown EP!!

After the short four-song set, Morris waved goodbye to the crowd who then began to convey utter disappointment, to which he took the mic to explain they only had time to rehearse during sound check.  Shortly thereafter however, Milo Auckerman took his place on microphone and the crowd’s disappointment was soon thoroughly placated as he and The Descendents plowed through a 28-song set.

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The Vandals were the penultimate band for the weekend lineup celebrating 30 years of punk and hardcore shows put on by SoCal concert promotions company Goldenvoice.

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