Barns Courtney at The Roxy in West Hollywood, California on November 15, 2023 I have never tried to hide the fact that I am a huge Barns Courtney fan. I am not ashamed. His music is addictive, and he is incredible on stage. I covered him last year and I was not going to miss him when he came back. In fact, I will cover his shows every single time he comes to town. I was so nervous and my anxiety was overwhelming so I got to the venue super early to make sure I could handle any issues that might come up so I didn't miss my interview slot. It was a rare night where it was raining in LA and it felt like everything was against me. It wasn't. The traffic was clear. It was all in my head. But RAIN! In LA! It's unheard of! I got there with plenty of time. Yes, there was an issue with my credentials, but it was all handled and worked out super easy. I am not a fan of shooting at The Roxy. They don't have any kind of barrier for photographers and I have had a few issues with people trying to push their way into the space that I was already occupying. Not, next to me, but where I literally was. I ended up pinned to and bent over the stage on several occasions. This time I decided that I was going to find the tallest people I could at the front of the stage and ask them if I can get in front of them when the time came for the three songs I was allowed to shoot. The people I found, a lovely family, were so kind and willing and understanding so that took so much anxiety off of my shoulders. Immediately after I found my new best friends, I was escorted upstairs for the interview. It was my first interview and Barns Courtney was so kind. He made me feel very comfortable. After the interview, I headed back downstairs to do the one thing concert photographers are very good at...wait. I played games on my phone. Well, then the time came. I found my new friends and took my position at the front of the stage and the show started. It did not take long for Barns Courtney to find me at the stage and he made it a point to play into my camera so much. It was wonderful. Then, he did something that I did not see coming. He turned around and did a trust fall right on top of my head. I watched it happen through my camera and it took me longer that I would care to admit to realize what was happening. The people around me caught him. It was hilarious. Because he was spending so much time in front (and on top) of me, another photographer decided she wanted to be in the space I was existing in. Oy vey, lady, I would have moved if you had asked. I was pinned bent over the stage again. Not were I wanted to be. So, I had to push back. I am a firm believer in working with the other photographers and always tell them to shoot over my head or shoulders or tell me to move if they need it, but all bets are off when you get physically aggressive with me like that. I will push you back, butthead. Anyway, the wonderful people around me didn't like her, either and she went away very quickly. Thankfully, Barns Courtney and I both survived the night unharmed. You can read my official show review here.
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