In 1987 I discovered Jane’s Addiction’s first live album down at my local record store in Chester. I remember saving my money to get their “Nothing’s Shocking” album on the day it was released. Not long afterwards I caught two of their gigs on their first UK tour in 1988, one in Manchester, the second in Birmingham. A couple of years later Nine Inch Nails’ “Pretty Hate Machine” album changed my life. I saw them open for Guns n Roses at Wembley and then, a couple of months later, watched them destroy Goldwyns in Birmingham in front of around 400 people. I went home that night with Trent Reznor’s smashed up keyboard!
I’ve been a huge fans of both these bands ever since.
On Tuesday night I was back in Manchester to photograph both bands on the same bill at the MEN Arena. I knew it’s be a great gig but both bands exceeded my expectations and it’ll go down as one of my favourite ever concerts. Unfortunately I may never get to see either band again… We’ll see…
Here are a few images from the gig of the year…
Jane’s Addiction
The return of Eric Avery
Dave Navarro is in there somewhere 
Nine Inch Nails
Close…
Closer…
July 16th, 2009 at 7:42 pm
Amazing series, looks like the gig to end all gigs. Great work Steve!
July 17th, 2009 at 8:14 am
These are all about atmosphere! Fantastic! The lighting’s really great too – Have been looking out for Purdeep and Ben’s wedding…….hope the weather wasn’t as horrendous for you, as it was for me in Plymouth!
July 17th, 2009 at 2:13 pm
Hey, just letting you know your photos for NIN and Janes are amazing. I was at the gig And you’re right best gig of the year.
July 17th, 2009 at 3:13 pm
Great photos. AGAIN! =)
July 17th, 2009 at 6:37 pm
Hi, I was at this gig too, IT WAS FANTASTIC!!!!!!!!
You were so lucky to be in a position to get these shots, my photos are from so far away, but the memory preserved all the same.
thanks for sharing these.
Julie