So much for making it to the show on time.
I hopped on the T from First Avenue garage (#cheapparking) thinking it would be a 10 minute ride to Stage AE. Little did I know, PRT was not on my side today. A train had broken down, causing outbound trains to detour over inbound tracks and creating a huge mess of backwards trains and confused passengers underneath Pittsburgh’s streets.
Considering, and then quickly not considering, a walk to the north side, I sat on the T twiddling my thumbs while a hoard of people angrily exited the vehicle complaining about the wait. What seemed like seconds (it might have been 2 minutes, tops) after the last grumpy passenger left, we were on the move again and I made it to my destination: Stage AE for The Cult with Black Rebel Motorcycle Club and Zola Jesus. Only, I missed Zola Jesus… so we’ll have to save them for next time.
Entering Stage AE mid-show is always it’s own mystery experience, but today it was extra special. The crowd was roaring with life during BRMC’s set, with an extra bit of energy that I can only assume came from the fact that the sun was just coming out after an afternoon of storms. I’m sure these guys would have toughed out the rain regardless, but it was a nice touch.
I managed to find my way to the barricade towards the end of BRMC’s set after running into some friends, and surprisingly held my spot for quite some time. BRMC had an immense stage presence backed by a huge curtain with their logo – a great touch if you ask me! Listening to them for the first time, their music was very full and exciting, and they easily grasped and held my attention for the remainder of their set (with a few head bangs in there, too).
With approximately 30 minutes to kill during the changeover, an almost-dead phone, and a barricade spot to hang on with dear life to, I braced myself for a quick siesta and threw my camera back into my backpack. Before I could nod off, some people beside me struck up conversation and I met Michelle and her husband who drove to Pittsburgh from Ohio to catch The Cult as close to home as they could get. Michelle warned those around her that this was her first time seeing them live and she was prepared to scream her head off, but we reassured her that’s the point of concerts. 🙂
Shortly after, we started hearing sounds of techs testing guitars and checking mics, and within minutes The Cult entered the stage. The crowd roared as Ian Astbury raised his trusty tambourine for the downbeat of Rise – and the rest of the show was a blur. Lights everywhere, fans screaming, and huge energy on stage. As the sun finished setting behind us, I passed my barricade spot along to Michelle (who looked like she might cry) and made my way to the center of the crowd. For the record, I’m 5’2″, so perhaps this wasn’t my best idea. Standing on my toes and adjusting my tilted screen, I held my camera up as high as I could to grab some shots of the full stage before making my way to the opposite side from where I started.
I determined from there that I had had enough with the crowd, and moved to the back of the venue where I ran into another photographer with press credentials. After a quick introduction, I learned that my new friend Marc is a photographer and podcast host from DC who traveled here with his wife for the show. Guess I can’t complain about my ride on the T anymore! Marc and I connected on Instagram and then parted ways; he stayed to enjoy the show and I ducked out a little early to fight that pesky train back to First Avenue.
For this being my first experience with The Cult, I was very impressed. Their music brought just the right amount of reaction from the crowd where they were engaged and excited throughout, but I wasn’t afraid of having my camera knocked out of my hands or rained on with beer. And the lights! Wow – that light technician deserves a raise. A great time was had, and I would definitely recommend checking them out during the remainder of this tour or next time they are somewhere near you. If they’re in Pittsburgh, I might suggest skipping the T.
Megan is a Pittsburgh native who has been taking photos since she was old enough to hold a camera. She started college as a music business major with the intentions of working with local studios to find new/undiscovered musicians, but eventually graduated with a marketing degree instead. Desiring to pair her passion for music with her love of photography and marketing, Megan has found a passion for photographing local bands both on and off stage. If you catch her at a show make sure you say hello!
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