As the sun set over the Bristol harborside, Thekla, a venerable cargo ship-turned-music venue, played host to a momentous occasion: the kickoff of Grey Daze’s UK tour. Celebrating four decades of maritime music magic, Thekla was the perfect setting for an unforgettable evening.
The crowd, a diverse mix of generations, eagerly packed the ship’s decks to witness Grey Daze’s Sunday night headliner. The atmosphere crackled with anticipation as Sean Dowdell took center stage, igniting the night with a thunderous drum solo that reverberated through the ship’s timbers. Guitarist Cristin Davis followed suit, his riffs weaving intricate melodies that captivated the audience. Then came frontman Chris Hodges, whose infectious energy and undeniable charisma lit up the stage.
But it wasn’t just the music that stole the show; it was the moments of raw, unfiltered connection between band and fans. Midway through the set, Chris Hodges made a poignant gesture, requesting the house lights be raised to full brightness. Bathed in their glow, he shared a heartfelt message with the crowd, inviting them to join him in honoring Mace Beyers, a bandmate unable to join the tour due to personal loss. The outpouring of support from the audience was palpable, a testament to the deep bond between Grey Daze and their loyal following.
For Grey Daze, the journey to this moment has been marked by both triumph and tragedy. With three decades of musical evolution behind them, the band has weathered their fair share of storms. But it was the untimely loss of their former frontman, Chester Bennington, that cast the darkest shadow over their career. Now, as they take to the stage once more, they do so not just to perform, but to pay homage to a fallen comrade and ensure his legacy lives on.
As the final notes echoed through the venue and the cheers of the crowd faded into the night, Grey Daze emerged to meet their fans, humbled and grateful for the outpouring of love and support. It was a night to remember, a celebration of music, camaraderie, and the enduring spirit of a band that refuses to be silenced.
Role: I’m a professional photographer and I love using both digital and film formats.
Qualification: I have two university degrees in photography from UWE in Bristol, BA (hons) and a Master’s.
Available for: Gig shoots, festival shoots, portrait photoshoots, album and single cover shoots and behind the scenes photography.
First attended gig: When I was at school, we had an evening called “Bands Night”. At the ages of 14/15, quite a few of my friends were in a band, playing the drums, guitar and vocals. I would always go and support these nights as I was their biggest fan, but also because staying out until 9:30pm on a school night was wild. These are the earliest gigs I can remember and I remember them so fondly.
First gig shot: BAD SOUNDS! What an impressive show it was.
Dream gig: Heavy question. There are so many and I feel very lucky to have already photographed the likes of Self-Esteem and Arlo Parks. Photographing a Prince concert would have been magic. Right now, I’ll say that photographing U2, during an intimate performance somewhere in Ireland would be more than a dream come true.”
