The Viper Parade Rehearsal

Last Monday, following on from visiting Mike Ritchie at his guitar workshop in Fintry, I visited Mike with his band in a rehearsal studio in Glasgow. The Viper Parade, like all bands rehearse in very photography unfriendly, windowless room. I used one flash on a stand which I moved around the room to introduce some drama to many of the pictures that the overhead domestic spotlights couldn’t deliver. The guys rehearsed and entertained me hugely while I tried not to get too much in their way. (Thanks for the Tom Waits cover). I have mostly gone for black and white with some grain added as the colour cast from the mixed tungsten and flourescent lighting proved ugly. It’s a good technique for a rock band when rescuing poor light folks. Hopefully you will like the effect.

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First the amazingly upbeat skins-man, Andy “breeks” Brand. He likes AC/DC apparently, that makes him very cool in my book.

And of course, Mike Ritchie, AKA Sean Hughes, comedian! (Anyone else think so)?

Betraying a shocking disloyalty here to the beautiful acoustic instruments he creates.

I have to admit though that telecasters are cool!

Introducing the other half of the solid-as-a-rock rythm and bass section, Andy, AKA Refugee.

Last but not least, lead guitarist Francisco Davidson. A guitar afficianado’s dream but a photographers’ nightmare. Dancing compulsively while playing guitar doesn’t lend itself to focus locking on eyes; I’m just saying…