It was finally the day. The day where nostalgia met my camera and becoming one with listening to songs that shaped who I am as an adult. The memories that flooded my mind and hearing my mothers voice in the back of my head saying “Make sure you take good photos of my husband!”. Bush performed at the Skyla Credit Union Amphitheatre on their The Land of Milk and Honey tour with special guests: James and The Cold Gun and Mammoth.
James And The Cold Gun was opening and I never heard of this band, but after the show I did some research and I realized the band is from Wales which automatically made me realize why I loved them so much. International bands will always capture attention even though at that moment I might know they are international, but in my gut I get this feeling of excitement randomly. And I got that excitement within minutes of listening to James And The Cold Gun. The energy on stage from the vocalist fed into the crowd instantly. The bassist caught my attention because we love to see women on the big stage doing what they love. She had such an elegance to her, but also radiating confidence and power. Gaby Elise became my favorite bassist with how fierce her stage presence was.
James and The Cold Gun Online: Website / Spotify
Mammoth was Bush’s direct support and I personally never listened to them before until that night. When the band had their beginning song play before they went to stage, all of a sudden it felt like an earthquake happened with the bass that went off to let fans know they were about to hop on stage. I think my heart stopped for a moment because I was not expecting such an explosive entrance. When the band went on stage finally; I noticed a young kid with an adult at the barricade singing the whole time I was in the pit and his face lit up with excitement. The kid kept his eyes locked on the band and you can sense the rest of the attendees around him are filled with joy because being able to witness the younger generation enjoy music in this aspect is such an amazing thing to see. Each member of the band were so engaging with the crowd and that made the crowd go insane.
Mammoth Online: Website / Spotify
When it was time for Bush to come onto the stage; I don’t think I ever felt so nervous in my life taking photos. My hands became so clammy and my adrenaline almost made me feel my brain was going to explode. I felt like I was in a haze. A dreamlike haze because Bush has been part of my life since I was very little because of my mother. As I was standing there; I remembered all the car rides listening to Bush’s CDs with my mother and her knowing every single lyric. The fans at the barricade were sweaty from the blazing heat, but the sweat radiated determination to stay out in the sun to see an artist that truly knows how to put on a performance. “The Chemicals Between Us” was one of the songs and listening to it live while photographing was comforting and gave my body the instant chills. Gavin Rossdale (Vocals) vocals oozed age in a good way because you can hear the journey of his life in this industry through his raw and authentic vocals. You can hear the dedication. You can hear the love and admiration he has for his fans and how much he accomplished in life.