On October 15, 1972 we went to see Captain Beefheart and his Magic Band at The Syria Mosque in Pittsburgh. Things were so different back then. I simply walked backstage and acted like I belonged. Stood next to the Captain before he went on stage and took this picture and a few others before I was escorted off.
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Captain Beefheart
Like today, 1972 was a great time of social unrest in the United States. In August of that year there was a two day event at Pitt Stadium in Oakland sponsored by the NAACP. The festival was a celebration joining the forces of African Americans and young, socially conscious activists around the commonality of music. Bill Preston, Taj Mahal, Savoy Brown and Quicksilver Messenger Service were among those performing.
I had recently purchased my first Nikon F camera and an event occurred at the concert that shaped my entire photographic career. While listening to Billy Preston, I noticed Gary Duncan and Dino Valenti of Quicksilver Messenger Service sitting behind us. I turned quickly and captured this image of Valenti kissing a young lady. I entitled it Caught in The Act. It was my first photojournalistic image and suddenly I knew what I wanted to do with my life. Since then I have dedicated my artistic photography to trying to capture perfect moments. This was my first one.
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My beautiful picture
Th first concert I ever photographed was Captain Beefheart and his Magic Band. They played at the Syria Mosque on October 15, 1972. Security was a lot loser back then I was able to get back stage and take a series of images from the wings before I got booted.
I miss those days and fondly remember the Captain standing next to me while the band played. He looked over at me and we exchanged nods and then he made his big entrance in that blue cape. It is a fond memory and I still listen to his music. Rock on Captain, we miss you brother.
I have edited this image using a new set of tools and like this version better is has more clarity and contrast.
To see other images and buy apparel or prints, please visit my commercial gallery.
Captain Beefheart
Last week Dale Schmitt and I opened our photo exhibition, Moments and Souls at the Percolate Gallery in Pittsburgh. I realize that many of you can not make it in to the gallery so over the next few weeks I will be publishing “the moments” that were my contribution to the show.
This image was taken in 1972 at The One World Festival of Music at Pitt Stadium in Pittsburgh PA. Gary Duncan and Gino Vannelli of Quicksilver Messenger Service were waiting their turn on stage. Gary Duncan is watching Billy Preston while Dino is otherwise occupied.
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Caught in The Act
Imagery Photography 