Press passes

[AndyB]

Does anyone know the best way to go about getting a pass to photograph at a live show - I'm talking about name bands here. I am guessing the management of the band would be the most obvious but I didn't know if the promoter or venue are involved at all. Anyone know?

 

[Retro]

I went to see Gary Moore last year. I did not take my camera because i did not want it confiscted. However I had a chat with the head of security and he told me that usually as long as the artist agreed then you could nominate two songs from the set and security allowed you to enter the front of stage to get your pictures. I would suggest ringing the venue a couple of days before to register your intrest.

 

[AndyB]

Worth a try. I would rather plan ahead knowing I will get in though so I might get in touch with a couple of agencies to enquire.

 

[jamess]

the best person is to contact is the publicist / press agent / pr
most band websites or myspaces now have these contact details on them

usually you won't get anywhere by going through the venue

 

[artona]

Hi

You could try contacting the local paper or national press or is music express still going or news agencies.

Tell them in exchange for a pass you will supply pics BUT often even accredited press often only get to snap the first few songs and then its off. Not that they mind, there is usually a pint or two waiting

stew

 

[jamess]

try to get involved in a local music webzine - there are a surprising number around and they are always looking for more people to contribute
that way you can get the editor to apply for the passes for you and you may have more success in obtaining them

 

[samcox89]

most of the time its the promoter. SJM concerts do an awful lot, but there really hard to contact. If you go to the bands management, they sometimes have passes, but you've got to think, they want press for the band so they would chose a magazine over an individual. Its always worth a try though.