Pepper @ Knitting Factory Concert House, Reno, NV 2011

Pepper @ Knitting Factory Concert House 2011-05-15
Bret Bollinger of Pepper crankin' out the rip-roarin' bass lines with a fury of energy...

I’ve seen some pretty energetic bands before.  Though, nothing in my fifteen years of concert-going had prepared me for the experience of photographing Pepper at the Knitting Factory Concert House in Reno, NV on Sunday, May 15th 2011.

Having got a taste of the pit and stage-to-photographer height difference during Iration’s opening set, I knew that this would be more challenging than shows where the line between stage and audience blurs into nothingness.  This would be pushing the limits of myself as a photographer, and even more so myself as a fan who wants nothing more than to portray a favorite band with style, professionalism and a touch of grace.  What I ended up with as the final product could very well exhibit one or more of these qualities … of which the final say is really up to you, our readers.  What do you think?  Please feel free to share your comments below or give us a shout on Facebook or Twitter.

The music of Pepper is heavily reliant on the solid three-piece band structuring found throughout the entire spectrum of rock ‘n roll’s lifespan and is made unique through a high-energy show filled with hints of punk, rock, reggae and an overwhelming sense of fun-loving sun-drenched collaboration between friends.  Front men Kaleo Wasman and Bret Bollinger hold down the amplified electric string instruments (guitar, bass; respectively) while Yesod Willams backs up vocals while pounding out the golden speedy rhythm on his drum kit.  The huge banner behind the drum set hangs proudly, reminding the audience that they are catching a show from a major touring band that does not mess around when it comes to pleasing their fans.

I’ve personally been a fan of Pepper since their 2002 release, Kona Town, but would also recommend checking out their other albums on Amazon to fill up that summertime playlist: Give’n It, Stitches EP, In with the Old and Kona Gold will get y’all started.  Complete the set with No Shame and Pink Crustaceans and Good Vibrations.

VIEW THE FULL PEPPER GALLERY HERE

Pepper @ Knitting Factory Concert House 2011-05-15
Kaleo Wasman in full stride while careening through those 'Kona Gold' guitar licks...
Pepper @ Knitting Factory Concert House 2011-05-15
A true testament to the energy levels found at Pepper's live show...
Pepper @ Knitting Factory Concert House 2011-05-15
Kaleo: Tall, dark and silhouetted...
Pepper @ Knitting Factory Concert House 2011-05-15
Bret spelling out secret code with his fingers...
Pepper @ Knitting Factory Concert House 2011-05-15
Yesod Willams of Pepper behind a massive drum set on-stage at Knitting Factory Concert House...
Pepper @ Knitting Factory Concert House 2011-05-15
A man who truly enjoys what he does...

 

Camera(s) Used:

Nikon D7000

Lens(es) Used:

Nikon 50mm f/1.8D


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Super-Happy Fun Bonus Pic!!!

Pepper @ Knitting Factory Concert House 2011-05-15
How to play the bass guitar really, really fast: 101...