It was Joe that originally introduced me to Rhythm Corps back in the late 80's when we were both students at Cousino High School in Warren, MI and were aspiring DJ's in the schools radio station, WPHS. My first concerts were with Joe seeing Rhythm Corps at such iconic Detroit venues as The Ritz...and then many a time afterwards at any festival or college bar we could attend. Anytime I hear Fathers Footsteps, Revolution Man, Broken Halo's, Satellites, or any of their other songs, Joe comes to mind.
So much so that on Saturday night after capturing The Beggars fantastic opening performance, as Michael Persh was in the middle of their 2nd song, and I had him dead-center in my viewfinder, I was suddenly and unexpectedly overcome with a flood of memories and emotions from all our years of Friendship and just lost it. Eyes filled with tears...I couldn't see clearly...and it took my breath away. All I could do was just honor the moment, the memories, and the music. I cleared my eyes and continued to shoot...capturing some of my all-time favorite images of any musical group I have ever shot in my 10+ year career.
So, to Joe, I miss you old Friend. You should have been there with me singing along to every single one of those songs just like the old days instead of leaving so soon. It wasn't the same, but, I will have to say I definitely felt your presence there. Thank you for all the memories that I can look back on and cherish.
As for the performances by The Beggars, Rhythm Corps and Sponge,... simply put, The Beggars killed it with their energetic performance, Rhythm Corps turned in what I would qualify as one of their BEST performances that I have ever seen without missing a step, and Vinnie and the boys of Sponge continue to hold up the mantle of Detroit Rock, always putting on a great show.
Thank you to Dana Forrester for the last minute photo credentials. It is always a pleasure working with you and helping promote our mutual love of Detroit music!