As Drive-By Truckers take the stage to wild cries and whistles from the audience, there are two handles of Jack on each side of the stage and just about as much in the front row. By the end of the night, there will be broken glass in the pit, empty bottles on stage, and an epic dose of the Dirty South thrown down on the Pageant.
In a sprawling, nearly 30-song set, fueled by Tennessee whiskey and the crowd’s open love for the band, the Trucker’s intensity grew from a slow smolder to an incendiary assault.
The Southern rockers brought their signature triple-guitar attack, anchored by Mike “The Stroker Ace” Cooley’s combination of ice-man cool and face-melting riffs. There’s something one has to respect when a man can bring the searing guitar-love while carefully cultivating an inch of ash on the tip of his Marlboro.
In this respect, frontman Patterson Hood was Cooley’s perfect foil. In contrast to his partner-in-crime, Hood is a visceral force on stage, taking a swing at his demons with every guttural growl and raw intonation. While Cooley seemed to prefer playing back from the stage, Hood came to the front with obvious relish, playing out over the crowd, going vertical, and generally showing off his guitar-face.
John Neff, often switching from third guitar to pedal steel, quietly laid a slow heat throughout the set, neither seeming to save his energy nor burn it out in fits. Rather, Neff was more content to follow Cooley’s lead that slow and steady wins the race, and let his steel guitar sing with patient and confident care.
Shonna Tucker’s sweet soul bass playing and Brad “EZB” Morgan’s tight reign on drums drove the band’s freight-steady beat tirelessly through the night.
By the end of the set, Patterson Hood was falling to his knees with a bottle of old Number 7 in one hand and microphone in the other. When not partaking himself, the imposing frontman alternated between thrusting the bottle into the crowd and pulling it back, only to pass it along to the next imbiber eager for a taste of rock ‘n roll.
The monumental, 26-song set touched on nearly all of their eight-album discography, featuring a heavy mix from Brighter Than Creation’s Dark (2008) as well as DBT’s definitive Southern Rock Opera (2001).
It was an epic night of rock.
Set list:
- That Man I Shot
- 3 Dimes Down
- Puttin’ People On The Moon
- Carl Perkins’ Cadillac
- Two Daughters and A Beautiful Wife
- Daddy Needs A Drink
- A Ghost To Most
- I’m Sorry Huston
- Sink Hole
- Ronnie and Neil
- Self Destructive Zones
- Home Field Advantage
- Road Cases
- Checkout Time In Vegas
- The Righteous Path
- Lisa’s Birthday
- The Living Bubba
- Shut Up and Get On The Plane
- Lookout Mountain
- Let There Be Rock
- Marry Me
- 18 Wheels Of Love
- Women Without Whiskey
- I’m Eighteen
- Buttholeville > State Trooper > Buttholeville
- People Who Died
If you want to download the full set, you can grab the live recording as a bittorrent file here.
Shooting Notes:
When I showed up to the venue, I was informed there was no photo pass, since the band has an open photo policy. The pit was tight, but the open policy meant that I could also shoot for the entire set, which more than made up for the tight quarters up front.
With three-songs being the standard limit, being able to photograph the entire set made a huge difference in approach and, ultimately, in the quality and number of keeper images from the Trucker’s performance.
If you look at images from this set and that of the Dresden Dolls, who also have an open camera policy, I think it’s an easily corollary that more time in the pit results in the opportunity to make better images.
On stage, Patterson Hood took the center of the stage, flanked by guitarist John Neff on his right and bassist Shonna Tucker on his left, while Mike Cooley played far stage left.
Drummer Brad Morgan played on a short riser with a keen eye on the rest of the band, and even on the large stage, the group dynamic still felt tight.
My friend Tom pointed me to this picture posted on NineBullets.org by Roy:
Which I believe roughly corresponds to me making an image like this:
Lighting & Effects:
Just like the intensity of the performance itself, the lighting for this show started off solid and respectable before it grew into the bombastic bright white light of the finale.
While the concert lighting went through half a dozen different schemes, the most dominant expression was white light in some form, whether it was high, weak light from the front, stronger accenting from behind, or the flood that came at the end of the show.
Red and blue washes were used in a few songs, but luckily these monochromatic schemes were few and far between.
For atmospherics, I think the water hazers were kept at a perfect level for this show, still giving the large stage some accents of character while not overwhelming the understated lighting.
Lenses & Gear:
I used the Nikon D3 with the Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8 for the majority of this set. The midrange zoom did a great job for all the standard shots, particularly for Patterson Hood and Mike Cooley.
In addition, I used the Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8, which was great for picking up drummer Brad Morgan, bassist Shonna Tucker, and guitarist John Neff, all of whom played back from the stage.
Due to the luxury of shooting the entire set, I also had the opportunity to use the Nikon 14-24mm f/2.8 and try some ultra-wide shots of the band.
As the band loosened up over the course of the performance, the three guitarists made more and more frequent trips to the front of the stage, which provided the perfect opportunity to get in their face with the ultra-wide lens.
In particular, Hood was a great subject for the lens. The only downside to the otherwise great Pageant venue is the relatively high stage, which puts a lot of distance between a subject and the viewer unless one is right up close, so I try to use the 14-24mm sparingly. Even still, when it pays off, it pays off.
Due to the bright backlighting, flare resistance in your lenses should be a consideration if you’re working this show.
Exposure & Camera Settings:
Quite simply, the range of settings for this show were all over the place due to the wide range of lighting schemes.
During the finale’s blue wash, I was at 1/20 and f/2.8 at ISO 6400 in a Hail Mary move as Patterson Hood dropped to his knees at the front of the stage.
For the brightest parts of the set, I shot around 1/200 at f/2.8 and ISO 1600, moving up to ISO 3200 during the more standard lighting schemes. The lighting wasn’t technically that challenging in terms of quantity, but I was between ISO 2500 and 6400 for a good portion of the set.
End Notes:
In my mind, the Truckers have a short, whiskey-stained “to-do” list for every concert, and I imagine looks something like this at the end of the night:
- Asses: kicked.
- Names: took.
- Faces: melted.
This show was just flat-out fun to shoot. Even if you’ve never heard or heard of Drive-By Truckers, I urge you to check out a date near you. And if you show up early enough to snag a spot in the front, you’ve got a swig of Jack waiting for you, personally delivered by a Southern gentleman.
Big thanks to Brad for introducing me to Drive-By Truckers and editing the write-up.
This is what happens when you let a concert photographer shoot for two-hours and fifteen minutes instead of just three songs:
37 Comments Add your own
1. Ami | March 5th, 2008 at 2:39 am
Another awesome set Todd!
2. Todd | March 5th, 2008 at 2:44 am
Thanks, Ami. Glad you enjoyed it.
3. bob | March 5th, 2008 at 7:41 am
great shots of the best band in music. nice work.
4. Todd | March 5th, 2008 at 8:02 am
Hey Bob, thanks for the comment, I appreciate the feedback.
5. dan culberson | March 5th, 2008 at 8:29 am
Enjoyed this entry and the photos a great deal, as Drive By Truckers are probably my favorite band making music today. (and I’ve never seen their live show, argh!)
I’d have to say though… where I was praising the D3 earlier, I almost feel these photos are too clean for the band. :D Drive by Truckers are such down and dirty rock, I think the photos could use a little more grit.
Thanks a bunch for shooting and blogging, you’re doing a fantastic job.
6. Todd | March 5th, 2008 at 8:36 am
Hey Dan,
I’m glad to hear you enjoyed this post, it was fun to sit down and write. I sincerely hope you get to see them live, as they throw down like just about no band I’ve seen. They’re playing a show in Québec, so I hope you can make it that one. The more the band drank, the better they played. And the better they played the more they drank! Or maybe that just Patterson.
I see what you mean about the images being too clean in relation to the sound of the band. Maybe I will go through and see if I can add some “true grit” in the conversion by lowering the noise reduction.
I was thinking about doing some grainy b&w shots for the ones that need a little more pushing than would be suited for color, so maybe I will do a b-sides post as well.
Thanks for the comment, Dan, I appreciate it.
7. Chris passage | March 5th, 2008 at 8:43 am
GREAT SHOTS & GREAT REVIEW!
Kudos to you my friend! Keep up the great work!
8. Todd | March 5th, 2008 at 9:46 am
Hey Chris, thank you. DBT put on an amazing show, and I had as much fun shooting as I did just rocking out to the music. Thanks for the comment.
9. Bailey | March 5th, 2008 at 10:00 am
Todd, those are some epic shots, perfectlighting and great vision. I love the one of Patterson laying down.
Peace and Rock, Bailey
10. Todd | March 5th, 2008 at 10:09 am
Thanks, Bailey, I appreciate the feedback. Glad you enjoyed the shots. The lighting for this show was great, I was impressed — and it seemed to compliment the band well from my position at the front.
11. Chris | March 5th, 2008 at 11:31 am
Dude, this is a sick ass set of images. I can’t believe there was an open photo policy and yet they still left the pit in place. Jesus I would kill for that.
I’m as of yet unconfirmed for this show =(
12. Todd | March 5th, 2008 at 11:51 am
Hey Chris,
I hope this comes through for you, because it was balls out fun to photograph. I lucked out with the barricade, that’s for sure. When I first entered the venue, it was pushed up so close to the stage I didn’t see it at first.
Aside from an accidental singe from a cigarette and stepping on broken pint glasses, it worked out just fine.
Thanks for the comment.
13. Chris | March 5th, 2008 at 12:02 pm
I just can’t see the open photo policy and baracade thing happening in NYC.
14. Todd | March 5th, 2008 at 12:35 pm
Yeah, that doesn’t seem like it would fly. Even if there’s no barricade, this could be a show worth packing in for. Just rent the 16-35mm.
15. Jenn | March 5th, 2008 at 3:09 pm
Incredible photos, and great review. Adding it to the DBT Reviews page. Seriously some of the best I’ve seen.
-jenn
16. Todd | March 6th, 2008 at 12:05 am
Hey Jenn,
Thanks so much for the kind words, and for adding a link under reviews! I’m thrilled to hear you liked the images, as I’m sure you have seen quite a lot!
17. Rick | March 6th, 2008 at 9:42 am
Great review & fantastic pics. I’ve seen the band numerous times & you really nailed the essence of a DBT show.
Bravo
18. Will Kiser | March 6th, 2008 at 10:16 am
WOW! Incredible photos Todd!
19. Todd | March 6th, 2008 at 10:53 am
Hey Rick, thanks for the kind words. I’m glad to hear you feel these images capture the band, that’s always what I strive for.
Thanks, Will!
20. Jez | March 6th, 2008 at 12:48 pm
Wow. These are so freakin’ clear! Just beautiful, really. Thanks for photographing my favorite band. I like the shot of the footpedals near the end. Just totally thirst-quenching pictures. Thanks again!
21. Todd | March 6th, 2008 at 2:39 pm
Hey Jez, thanks, glad to hear you enjoy the shots. The Truckers are the favorite band a good friend, and so I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to photograph them him and all the other DBT fans — I know you all are dedicated.
22. narlus | March 7th, 2008 at 9:20 pm
Todd, when i first scrolled through this set, i was thinking…’he got all these shots in three songs?!’. knowing you had the whole show to shoot makes a lot more sense.
can’t believe you had the luxury of a barrier for this too, that’s awesome. you certainly made the most of it. this is an outstanding set.
the boston show is sold out, and i’m on the waiting list for a pass….fingers crossed.
23. Todd | March 8th, 2008 at 9:02 pm
Hey Tim,
Ha, I would be superman if I shot all these in the first three — I’ll have to work up to that.
I think I lucked out on the barrier, too. I think most places will not have a pit, but if there is one show worth packing in with the crowd for, I think this one could be it.
Good luck with the pass, hope it works out for you.
24. rob | March 10th, 2008 at 8:54 am
todd–
i’m a hardcore truckers fan and i have to say that these are the best live pics i’ve ever seen of them. killer, killer stuff here. kudos!
25. Todd | March 10th, 2008 at 10:26 am
Hey Rob, thanks very much for the kind words, that’s always my goal: to bring back to the best shots that will be made for any given tour. I appreciate it!
26. Slideonthis | March 10th, 2008 at 12:05 pm
WOW. Very nice work Todd. I love how Patterson starts out looking fresh and by end looks possessed! Glad you got the whole set. I hate the 3 song photographer policy. The band barely gets going and they shove you aside. YAY DBT for letting em shoot any way any how.
Slideonthis
27. Todd | March 10th, 2008 at 3:09 pm
When Patterson came out with a Corduroy jacket, I overheard someone in the audience remark how “dressed up” he was. By the end of the set, he certainly let his hair down.
I was really happy that I was able to photograph the whole set. Comparing the images from the beginning of the shoot to those made during the last few songs, there’s just no comparison. I wish more bands had such an open policy.
Thanks for the kind words.
28. Randy Tornquist | March 10th, 2008 at 6:52 pm
I was at this show, and is really cool to get to relive it a bit through these excellent photographs! There is one of Cooley where Todd couldn’t have been but maybe 5-6 feet from me. Awesome.
Todd do you sell prints or do you simply post images for free for the love of doing it? There is one i may be interested in.
29. Todd | March 10th, 2008 at 8:33 pm
Hey Randy,
Glad you enjoyed the shots, I hope I wasn’t in your way during the show. Which shot of Cooley are you thinking of?
It’s all love, but I’ve been known to do prints.
30. Fader | March 10th, 2008 at 8:57 pm
Impressive set of photos. Great captures.
31. Todd | March 10th, 2008 at 8:57 pm
Thanks, I’m blown away by the response on these images.
32. chief | March 10th, 2008 at 8:58 pm
Amazing shots.. the best i’ve seen of DBT hands down! congratulations for your great work!
33. Todd | March 11th, 2008 at 9:46 am
Thanks, chief. It’s always my goal to make the best images you’ll see of a band, but going into this show I thought there was the opportunity to really produce some great shots. Glad to hear you enjoy them.
34. Danny G. | April 7th, 2008 at 7:14 am
Having been an avid member of the “Trucker Nation” for a number of years now; and having been to many of their live shows; you have captured the essence of the DBT Experience!
A dead on review & an awesome set of photos. Bravo & See You at the Rock Show….D.G.
35. Todd | April 7th, 2008 at 11:39 pm
Hey Danny, I greatly appreciate the feedback. There are precious few compliments that carry greater weight than hearing from a longtime fan that the images have captured the essence of a band.
Glad to hear you enjoyed the review as well. This show easily ranks in my top 5 shows of all time.
36. A | April 8th, 2008 at 9:57 am
Great pictures, Todd. The only thing missing are pictures of the band as a whole. I know you get up really close which makes those difficult but the DBTs really are the sum of their parts and being able to get the whole band in one shot is necessary to really appreciate the experience.
37. Todd | April 8th, 2008 at 8:55 pm
Hi, thanks for the comment. I made a few shots of the full band, but I didn’t select any for the final set.
The band was relatively spread out along the stage, so that the wide-angle shots that include all five members lack focus and impact for me. Another factor was the high stage.
But I wholeheartedly agree – ideally I would love to have a tight group shot for every band I shoot, especially an act like Drive-By Truckers. I’ve seen shots from smaller venues that enabled full-band shots a little better.
speak up
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