[FESTIVAL RECAP] See You In The Pit: A Black And White Journey Into The Photo Pit of Mayhem Festival 2014

[FESTIVAL RECAP] See You In The Pit: A Black And White Journey Into The Photo Pit of Mayhem Festival 2014

[FESTIVAL RECAP] See You In The Pit: A Black And White Journey Into The Photo Pit of Mayhem Festival 2014

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[FESTIVAL RECAP] See You In The Pit: A Black And White Journey Into The Photo Pit of Mayhem Festival 2014

Rockstar Mayhem Festival certainly lived up to its name. Circle head-banging, moshing, and sweat can comfortably sum up the standard Mayhem Experience for me when it hit Tinley Park, Illinois at First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre. On top of that, the bands I got to shoot certainly left it all on the stage. So let’s go into the pit.
 
Mayhem Festival Upon A Burning Body -2
 
Upon A Burning Body truly could not have opened the day better in Tinley Park. Opening their set with their new single, “Red Razor Wrist.” I loved the energy this band brought to their set, and because not many photographers were in the pit, it allowed for me to really play around with a handful of new techniques with getting super tight shots on the passion of vocalist Danny Leal.

Shortly after these guys finished up, I followed a new friend I had met to Mushroomhead’s set. These guys know how to be a photographic band and that is all I will say, due to my lack on knowledge of these guys. What can only be described as anarchy on stage, vocalists like pinballs going back and fourth on the stage and water covered floor toms allowed for phenomenal photographs as water shot up from percussionist “St1tch” drums.
 
[FESTIVAL RECAP] See You In The Pit: A Black And White Journey Into The Photo Pit of Mayhem Festival 2014 2. Mushroomhead-2
Following that, it was time for Ill Nino. From here on out from out for the day, the bands I was shooting were ones that had been on my bucket list. Vocalist Christian Machado walked on stage and I got chills as he lifted his arms out to the crowd and that is when it got wild. Bassist, Laz, showed his thankfulness for the crowd by taking his hat off before the set showing his appreciation to those who support the band. Diego Verduzco stole the show though, head-banging all over the place with his dreads allowed for some unique photos. Combine that with Machado’s passion with every word he sings, it made for a special time to finally check these guys of the bucket list.
 
[FESTIVAL RECAP] See You In The Pit: A Black And White Journey Into The Photo Pit of Mayhem Festival 2014 3. Ill Nino-4
 
The pace kept building because up next was Miss May I! Another band that from what I had heard up until now were a fun shoot. Not only did I have the time of my life, I got a sweet jumping shot of lead singer Levi. The whole band surprised me with their presence on stage. I was fortunate enough to sit down with lead singer Levi Benton and ask a handful of questions after their set.
 
mayhem fesitval 4 Miss May I -4
 
With regard to how the festival is going: “It’s awesome, it’s my favorite tour we’ve done so far, and we’ve done a bunch of summer festivals.” Levi went on to talk about all the various future plans they have for after August. The conversation went on to discuss what it’s like for him being a 23 year old around these rock and metal legends: “it’s crazy…we go through a ton of ups and downs so it doesn’t feel like us. We’re on the inside, looking out. It’s been crazy, its been a lot of hard work, but it’s been the best life I can ask for, that’s why I try to go out and hangout with all the fans a lot.” We finished with talking about what is next for Miss May I specifically 2015, to which Levi responded: “oh no…right now it’s just a lot of touring…we worked really hard on this one [Rise of the Lion] so we are going to try and let it soak in for as long as possible and it’s been selling great.”
 
[FESTIVAL RECAP] See You In The Pit: A Black And White Journey Into The Photo Pit of Mayhem Festival 2014 7 Korn-2
 
After I shook hands and said my goodbyes to Levi it was off to the main-stage to experience the headliners. I will honestly let my photos do my talking for these guys. They have established themselves as the leaders of the game. I just was left floored that I was shooting some of my favorite bands. The legends of rock need no discussing. It was truly special to shoot the headlining bands because I sincerely have grown with them as they have musically progressed.

My time in the pit as always felt like the closest thing to home. To The Sights and Sounds, thank you for having me till next time.

See You In The Pit,

Greg.
 


 
Photos and editorial by: Gregory Rothstein

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