Al,

I typically like the music that I shoot. Not always, but most of the time. I always bring musician's ear plugs with me to shows even if I'm not shooting. That's something I learned way back in middle school marching band. I make my kids wear them when they play with their bands, symphony, etc. Some instruments are freakin' loud even without amplification.

With the rock shows I usually know one or more of the band members and have been hired to do the shoot. The big name bands pay well (Jack Johnson, Steve Miller, etc). The small name bands like Pop Star Homicide are always more than willing to work out a barter deal. The guitarist is one of the best guitar and amp techs I have ever met. He did the electronics install, fret work, and set up of my guitar and my daughter's guitar when we bought them (Grosh Guitars - check them out. Awesome guitars built just down the road from where I live). For this shoot he's fixing a tube rattle issue I have going on with my amp and he opened up a bar tab for me and a friend during the show. Sure that's not a "huge deal", but I love supporting the local music scene and helping out friends who are willing to help me out.

Cheers,

Phil