Phil Thorns’ Favorite gig photos of 2024

Concert ReviewCommentary
Written By Phil Thorns

Alex Wonk of WONK UNIT at THE SALTY DOG - Photo ©Phil Thorns

10. WONK UNIT at THE SALTY DOG, NORTHWICH—a real spit-and-sawdust type pub with a rich musical heritage. This BnW image seemed to capture the raw passion and energy that Alex Wonk pours into his storytelling lyrics, bringing every song to life. The intimate, no-frills atmosphere of the venue made the performance even more powerful—a night full of heart and authenticity."

9. CHIC at THE PIECE HALL, HALIFAX—possibly my favourite set of the year. Hit after hit, their talent was unmatched, and I’ve never seen a crowd so engaged, singing along to every song with pure joy. The venue itself added to the magic—what a stunning place to experience live music. I love the colours in this shot and the way the circular lighting perfectly frames Nile Rodgers, capturing the elegance and energy of an unforgettable night."

8. SOFT PLAY at TRAMLINES FESTIVAL, SHEFFIELD—a punk duo bursting with energy and intensity. This photo of drummer Isaac Holman I feel perfectly encapsulates their performance and the raw power of their music, with every beat hitting like a thunderclap. The atmosphere was electric, and I hope this shot captures the heart and soul of their dynamic performance."

7. RICHARD HAWLEY at THE BARROWHILL ROUNDHOUSE—a venue absolutely oozing with character. The last old train engine shed with a working turntable at its heart. The atmosphere was something special as Richard and the band arrived by train, pulling up just 5 meters from the stage. I love the rich colors in this photo, capturing the warmth of the setting and Richard’s intense concentration as he performed. A truly unforgettable experience in a one-of-a-kind venue."

6. ELECTRIC EEL SHOCK at THE SPA, SCARBOROUGH PUNK FESTIVAL—what an electrifying performance! This talented Japanese band brought boundless energy to another of my favourite venues, a stunning setting that always delivers; it’s like a perfectly scaled-down version of the REBELLION FESTIVALS. I chose another black-and-white shot, this time focusing on the drummer. What more could I possibly add? Pure brilliance from start to finish.

5. BOB VYLAN at THE LEADMILL, SHEFFIELD—an incredible performance from a brilliant singer and wordsmith at this legendary venue in my hometown. The black-and-white photo was an easy choice, with the smoke machine on full blast creating a moody, atmospheric vibe. The silhouette of Bob Vylan, with his dreadlocks cutting a striking shape, hopefully captures the energy and raw power of the night.

4. SHAM 69 at the SCARBOROUGH PUNK FESTIVAL— Easily one of my favourite shots of the year. There’s so much happening …crowd surfing, overworked staff doing their best, beer splashed all over the stage. The black-and-white image captures the sheer chaos perfectly, with Jimmy Pursey at the heart of it all, stoking the mayhem and clearly couldn’t give a shit! Shot from the balcony, this photo holds brilliant memories of a night that was pure, unfiltered punk madness.

3. THE STRANGLERS at the APOLLO, Manchester—an iconic band in an equally iconic setting. The rich red tones of the stage lighting perfectly highlight Baz Warne's intense expression as they powered through a stunning playlist. This shot captures the essence of a legendary performance—raw, dynamic, and unforgettable.

2. THE SKINNER BROTHERS at THE BODEGA, NOTTINGHAM—a small, intimate venue that was packed with a sweaty, adoring fan base. This edgy band, full of attitude, delivered a performance that was raw and alive. The black-and-white photo seemed to perfectly capture the intensity of the moment, from the band’s gritty energy to the electric connection with the crowd.

1. THE BUZZCOCKS at THE DEVIL'S ARSE, CASTLETON—a totally unique setting for a gig. A cave with stalactites dripping, damp and dank air, and bats flying overhead added an eerie vibe to an unforgettable night. The photo captures some of the otherworldly atmosphere, but this venue needs to be on every music lover's bucket list for its sheer uniqueness. I’m already planning to head back there to shoot Ferocious Dog at the end of May—can’t wait! 

Phil Thorns
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