Cops Incite Violent Confrontations in Denver - May 31 George Floyd Protest

*If anyone was in a similar position yesterday, or elsewhere in the march, and saw something that counters or adds to this in any way, I’d love to hear from you.

Protesters regroup after police set off flash grenades and fired pepper bullets, splitting last night’s march on Colfax.

Protesters regroup after police set off flash grenades and fired pepper bullets, splitting last night’s march on Colfax.

As far as I could tell, the violent scene that erupted on Colfax last night was a direct result of the aggressive provocation of heavily equipped police units at the intersection of Washington and Colfax. Several local reporters have asserted the same. Denver Post reporter Alex Burness tweeted that the episode was “definitely the most violent single moment I’ve covered over these four days.“ Adding, “The show of force from police over the last hour in Denver has been way above and beyond anything else I’ve seen since all this started four days ago. In fact it’s beyond anything I’ve seen from police in my life.” These units were already in place across Washington and Clarkson, just north or Colfax, at 6:30 p.m. (ostensibly to protect the police precinct between Colfax and 16th) when I rode from Colfax and Marion to the Capitol building, where a large number of people, (likely thousands), were gathered. At around 8:15, this group began marching east on Colfax.

Crowd marching to Capitol around 6:30 p.m.

Crowd marching to Capitol around 6:30 p.m.

The group gathered at the Capitol steps flips off a drone flying overhead.

The group gathered at the Capitol steps flips off a drone flying overhead.

Protestors on Capitol statue.jpg
Crowd at Capitol-2.jpg
Police atop the Post building.

Police atop the Post building.

To be clear: These were not ordinary police, but SWAT units in full armor and fortified vehicles. Their presence alone has heightened tensions and escalated situations over the weekend.

There was a different feeling in the air earlier last night than in previous nights, both during the rally around the Capitol and in the early stages of the ensuing march. The collective mood was a bit lighter, almost celebratory at times. (*This trend continued today—June 1— in the gatherings around the Capitol in the late afternoon/early evening. It’s not as present at the core of the rallies, but surely in the periphery. There is a lot more to be said and unpack about this dynamic. I don’t necessarily see this as something positive, but a slippery slope into something like I addressed in the blog before this.) Music blared from cars, some with people atop, there were a few burnouts and crowds cheered and chanted in unison.

Crowd gathered on Capitol grounds moves to Colfax.

Crowd gathered on Capitol grounds moves to Colfax.

Proper one.

Proper one.

BLM_Skate_May31.jpg
Minutes before flash grenades were set off.

Minutes before flash grenades were set off.

Then, seemingly out of nowhere, the flash grenades, or whatever they are, went off, followed by the pepper and rubber/foam bullets. And just like that, the standoffs began, and Colfax descended into chaos.

The first explosions went off about 15-20 yards ahead of my brother and I, at the intersection of Washington and Colfax. We witnessed no provocation or any violence beforehand. Granted, I could not see around the corner of the intersection, and it is entirely possible that someone tossed a water bottle or another object at the line of cops. (Who were in full armor…) But there was certainly nothing major going on that preceded the explosions. The march hadn’t paused as we passed the line of “police.”

Just moments after the deployment of flash grenades. Crowd has scattered in every direction.

Just moments after the deployment of flash grenades. Crowd has scattered in every direction.

Why the use of aggressive intervention? This was the question posed to Mayor Hancock by CPR again this morning. Hancock answered as he has in previous days that action was taken only after objects were thrown at police. 

Given the way things unfolded, my immediate suspicion last night was that the flash bangs were part of a strategy to cut the march in half so that the separated groups could be more easily dispersed, since the march continued after the curfew put in place. This belief was reinforced by the use of vehicles to break the group. Just as the flash grenades were deployed, a silver sedan quickly pulled out headed south on Washington, across Colfax, through the marching protestors. The road to the north of this car had been blocked for hours by a police line. The car must have already been there, and happened to drive off, splitting the procession, just as the other tactics were simultaneously deployed. Maybe it was a coincidence, a bystander escaping. Fine. The ambulance that came north on Washington not long after, turning on sirens a block before and driving through the group from the south side is a harder sell. (Especially after witnessing a fully-armored officer leap out as the vehicle neared the Argonaut parking lot.)

While Hancock’s answer doesn’t align with many reports from the scene, it really doesn’t matter. In any case, the tactics used by the Denver Police Department were grossly disproportionate, as many reporters have noted, and sent Capitol Hill into pandemonium once again. This is a recurring theme in protests nationwide. 

What did officials expect to happen? Surely they knew people would march following the gathering at the Capitol and not simply disperse because of the curfew. It wasn’t hard to guess that the group would move down Colfax. Would it not have been safer for all to simply let the march proceed, even if a few projectiles had been thrown? Perhaps a portion of the group would have retired after another couple hours. Maybe not, but police provocation guaranteed the violence that unfolded. Less aggressive measures would have at least left the possibility of avoiding the roving violent confrontations that have consumed Cap Hill the last few nights. It’s hard to view what happened as anything other than planned strategy.

What happens if cities heed Trump’s call for police “domination” of the streets.

Protestor standoff.jpg
Protestor standoff-2.jpg

The Hijacking of Black Suffering in Denver: May 29 George Floyd Rally

Here is a quick take on yesterday’s events in Denver. I will try to come back and refine/expand upon the points below, and take into account some different factors—like our months long quarantine—when I have a clearer mind and more time. Today’s protest has begun and I’d like to get out there.

FloydPhotosforPost_Smaller-4.jpg

There are so many moving pieces to the protests currently sweeping the nation in the wake of George Floyd’s death, their coverage and the stories spinning out of said coverage. To be very clear, I am speaking here to Denver specifically based on what I witnessed last night in and around the Capitol. I am not making any extrapolations as to how this can be applied or interpreted within the context of protests in other cities across America. 

Below is a link to a recap that the staff at Denverite put together that accurately captures the ebb and flow of yesterday’s events and provides useful background context.

https://denverite.com/2020/05/29/denver-protest-george-floyd-friday/

“Listen. Listen to the unheard,” is the common refrain from BLM allies and civil rights advocates in general. How does that square with what we are experiencing on the ground here in Denver? Because there is fraught debate over what tactics should and should not be used in these protests, I wanted to pose some questions that are often left out. 

Protesters gathered as Tay Anderson addresses the crowd in front of City Hall.

Protesters gathered as Tay Anderson addresses the crowd in front of City Hall.

Anderson asking that those gathered across the street come join the group, and that white people stand up front.

Anderson asking that those gathered across the street come join the group, and that white people stand up front.

FloydPhotosforPost_Smaller-3.jpg

The Denver marches Friday afternoon, led by Denver Public School board member Tay Anderson, were peaceful, moving across the city without incident until later in the afternoon when a few in the crowd threw water bottles at police who returned fire with tear gas.

I did not get down to the Capitol until about 7 p.m. last night. When I arrived, the largest group of protesters was gathered on and in front of the steps of City Hall as Anderson and other march leaders addressed the group with a megaphone. 

“When we leave, we leave peacefully,” Anderson instructed, imploring the crowd not to spray paint, throw objects, or resort to violent behavior, unless that call was explicitly given by the black leaders of the movement. He explained how the actions of a few white people (the throwing of bottles) had led to the deployment of tear gas and how a young black man was now forced to sit on the side of the street and receive treatment to his eyes over the out-of-turn actions of his supposed allies. He recounted how he worked to combat an errant media narrative that was forming around the violent outbreak and the shape of the day’s march, and spent time trying to correct the record before it was irreversibly established. He explicitly stated that this is not what black people wanted. This episode is analogous to the overall point here.

Over the next half hour, as he had earlier in the day, Anderson at times instructed white people to stand back and let black people take the lead. At other times he asked white people to step in front. His asks were based upon the desired message and symbolism of the moment. As skirmishes with police broke out shortly after 7 p.m., Anderson continued to ask those who were with them to step across Bannock Street and physically join the group in front of City Hall to create a clear distinction between their protest and the pockets of people who were confronting police gathered at the corner of the building near Colfax, and elsewhere. (A small, lighter aside: at one point, people from this wayward group were chanting “small dick energy” at the cops, which made me smile.)

FloydPhotosforPost_Smaller-5.jpg
FloydPhotosforPost_Smaller-8.jpg
FloydPhotosforPost_Smaller-9.jpg

He implored true allies to remain peaceful, to listen and follow his lead and that of others in the BLM movement. I do not have this quote verbatim, but Anderson said that if those leading the efforts decided that violent protest is justified, they would make that call and pass the word along to allies. For the time being, he demanded that those with them remain peaceful, that they take their place in the larger order, submit themselves to fight for justice but acknowledge that this fight is not their’s to lead but rather, that this was a time to be an obedient supporter.

I will be blunt. I am a believer in the power and necessity of violent protest, particularly in commanding immediate attention. Yet, that should not be the primary topic of debate in this case, as it has become in many articles and discussions.

The more relevant questions surround how these protests should be organized, who should decide on tactics used and how and when they are implemented? To be sure, there is deep anger and frustration across demographics, and these feelings should be brought to the forefront in protest, in violent protest if need be. However, who has the right to dictate the terms of such protest in the name of a murdered black man? I believe that right belongs to the black community. 

These squads patrolled the blocks, often firing randomly at roadside targets, those both participating and observing. There are many reports of them targeting press.

These squads patrolled the blocks, often firing randomly at roadside targets, those both participating and observing. There are many reports of them targeting press.

Tear gas lingers on the Capitol lawn following a surge to push back protesters. There was an incredible, almost indescribable, amount of tear gas. I went blind for a bit from a good distance away.

Tear gas lingers on the Capitol lawn following a surge to push back protesters. There was an incredible, almost indescribable, amount of tear gas. I went blind for a bit from a good distance away.

Protesters drag barricades to block Lincoln Street,

Protesters drag barricades to block Lincoln Street,

Minutes later a driver plows through the newly erected barricade.

Minutes later a driver plows through the newly erected barricade.

Dumpster fire in front of the Capitol.

Dumpster fire in front of the Capitol.

FloydPhotosforPost_Smaller-14.jpg

You may say, well Tay Anderson does not speak on behalf of all black people in Denver. That may be true, and surely there are black people participating who disagree with his tactics and timing. As is the case with all such movements, there is a variance in opinion over what actions to take and their implementation. For the sake of this argument, let’s leave the black people who possibly disagree with Mr. Anderson out since there were plenty of non-black people, likely a plurality, amongst the “rioters.”  Many, I’d bet, consider themselves proponents of civil rights and justice advocates. From who should these folks be taking their lead? Are they required to do so?

(**As reported, it’s true there was an organized group of BLM protesters and activists with a coherent plan and message they were trying to deliver, and there were others present who seemed to be simply looking for a fight and to sow chaos. This latter group became the predominant one as the night wore on, and was a very diverse group. The most unifying factor amongst the group, to my eyes, was their age. Most of the people I encountered who were throwing things, blocking streets, spray painting or smashing windows, were younger than I (31), many very much so. At one point, as a group was smashing out the windows on the westside of the Colorado Supreme Court building, an older group of black men approached and reprimanded them, forcing them to move along by threat of violence. You could hear and feel the desperation of the older group doing the scolding.)

Shouldn’t our immediate cues be coming not from textbooks on revolution but from our black community members who are living out these scenarios in our city every day? This seems like an obvious take, and one many “activists” acknowledge at face value, only to deviate from in their actions. I’d argue that the actions of true allies not motivated by selfish interests should stem from the direction of local black leaders, probably whoever is most currently visible in the movement. Right now that person is Tay Anderson, and those working alongside him. 

Anderson said a number of times how they were trying to be strategic and how important strategy was. How important it was to have allies willing to let black people truly take the wheel and drive the protests and the narrative. Actions taken outside of this direction, seem to me, to be taken in service of other agendas and can be viewed as further exploitation of black death and suffering. 

Now these other agendas may include the same ends that BLM leaders are fighting for, yet in trampling over the direction of black leadership and the stated demands of the community most affected by the violence being protested, they are precisely part of the greater problem at hand.

It is for this reason, I felt very uncomfortable tagging my Instagram photo with Floyd’s name. I have no idea what his family wants, what measures they want taken, and by whom, to push authorities to bring justice and correct a murderous system. I had reservations about tying my image of fire and smoke and the Capitol to his name in the case that they too felt like Anderson, that people were acting out of line and ultimately impeding the cause.

For all the attention the destruction here has garnered, if we are still failing to listen to the community we are vowing to support, and not following their road map to justice for their community, we are not progressing. We should not be preoccupied with whether or not violence and destruction is justified in this case, but rather examining how faithfully we are submitting ourselves to serving the blueprint and wishes of those affected by a violent police apparatus.

What I saw last night fits a sad, familiar trope: A black cause, and black tragedy, hijacked for other means. We are still not listening. 

FloydPhotosforPost_Smaller-18.jpg
FloydPhotosforPost_Smaller-19.jpg
FloydPhotosforPost_Smaller-16.jpg
Couldn’t back this harder.

Couldn’t back this harder.

FloydPhotosforPost_Smaller-15.jpg
Tags on the Capitol.

Tags on the Capitol.









Austin Terror Fest 2019 - Day 2 + 3

Wow. ATF III blew the doors off, exceeding expectations and emphatically setting itself apart from the swelling sea of heavy music fests. I am beyond swamped with photo editing from the Church of Misery tour and prep for this weekend’s Electric Funeral Fest, but I will be returning here with a more complete summary as soon as possible. Cheers. - mg

Daikaiju live Saturday night in the Empire Garage

Daikaiju live Saturday night in the Empire Garage


Austin Terror Fest 2019 - Day 1

Ayo, made it to Austin. All signs indicate that ATF 2019 will be just as bonkers as predicted. Empire Control Room & Garage was packed last night, the smaller room difficult to enter without some shameless maneuvering. I caught more aggressive elbows trying to weasel up front for Primitive Man than any show in recent memory. I arrived too late for the earlier sets at Barracuda (all reports have Goatwhore destroying) but Integrity (who paid tribute to the late Austin icon Roky Erickson with a “Night of the Vampire” cover) , Full of Hell, Pig Destroyer, Unearthly Trance, Terminator 2 and Church of Misery all had huge, enthusiastic crowds at Empire. I am not feeling particularly pensive this morning, but you can follow along in visual form on the Ritual of Sin Instagram.

Integrity_Friday_ATF19.jpg



High Desert Hit: Monolith on the Mesa Scores with Inaugural Fest

The first annual Monolith on the Mesa was a smash success. I can’t speak to specific details or success in a financial sense, but in terms of brand building, of overall impression left with attendees and bands, the team behind the festival crushed it. Some thoughts below lifted from my fest notes:

Most importantly, in my opinion, in an ever-broadening sea of festivals and various sorts of “live music events,” Monolith on the Mesa offered a unique experience. It’s a loose comparison, but with the camping, the desert setting, the psychedelics and the towering art installations, it had a slight “heavy-metal-burning-man” vibe, a remark I heard numerous people make. For sure, the architecture, the landscape, the arid earth, all felt distinctly Southwest.

(There was a “Bedouin tent” behind us in the band camp built half into the ground that turned into a bar at night, and a brightly outfitted “party bus” next to it, as well as a Geodome. Though these spaces didn’t get all that much use this year - some of that likely due to the colder temps that set in at night - I could see these gaining traction in subsequent years. The atmosphere was right.) 

More exactly, Monolith brought together heavy music fans and festival enthusiasts of all varieties. And there were a lot of people there, certainly a lot for a first year fest. It was an interesting crowd. As Taos is pretty isolated, a majority of attendees had traveled in from the greater region. It was an unpretentious bunch - a bit trippy, a bit crusty, but definitely predominantly metal-oriented.

*It was a unique sight when Black Magic Flower Power brought in the funk to close out the Thursday night pre-party and many of these same metal heads were grooving right up front. And man, people were getting down. The mushrooms may have played a role. Gyrating, grinding, twisting as the band sung “lips, and hips and fingertips”… There were probably about 50 people up front for this, but the energy was through the hangar roof. Out in the middle of the desert, it felt like an sub-city disco. 

The lineup was well-curated and offered up a diverse variety of heavy music. OM, paired with a Mad Alchemy liquid light show on a high desert backdrop was about as transcendental of a live music experience as one could hope to find. The event staff was helpful, friendly and patient - a notable exception at clubs and bars. A ramp was brought in, host to many stage-side skate sessions in the afternoons and early evenings.

For many bands, getting out of the city and into the desert expanse seemed to be a welcome reprieve. The artist hospitality was next level. Crucially, the sound in both venues was incredible, an often thorny point at all-day festivals. In short, it felt like a festival run by artists, who understood what sort of details make bands and attendees comfortable and did all they could to accommodate those desires.

Though the wind whipped during the days, it calmed in the nights, which were beautiful, albeit cold. Such was expected in the high desert. I suppose I’d take those conditions gain over blistering heat. Especially when in a tent for three days. Many attendees opted for a more domestic arrangement, renting rooms in town or shacking up in a trailer in the adjacent Hotel Luna Mystica.

I’d recommend this fest to curious bands and fans alike. No doubt about that. If you’re planning on camping for the entirety of the fest, make sure to come prepared. Our crew camped out for three days in the band camp and it was a blast, but towels, some wipes for the ever-present dirt and other outdoor supplies are a must.

I’d like to extend warm, heartfelt thank you to Dano, Roman, the Taos Brewing staff and the entire festival team. You extended an incredible welcome, and it hit home with so many of us. Here’s to round two. Below is a gallery of shots from the pre-party and both days of the fest. I’ve yet to have a chance to develop the film I shot, but I will get those up here once I get to it. Cheers. - mg

A Monster in the Making: Looking Back on Austin Terror Fest 2017 + 2018

As we race within striking distance of the third annual Austin Terror Fest - coming up June 7-9 - we thought we’d take a look back through the haze at some choice shots from years one and two, on an event that’s grown exponentially into a national powerhouse.

In its inaugural year, the fest bunkered down within the trusted cavity of The Lost Well in March of 2017, using familiar turf cement its foundation in Bat City after the discontinuation of Southwest Terror Fest in Tucson the year prior. Year two saw a shift in venue, and timing - with the fest eschewing the melee of SXSW week in favor of a June date (great call), and splitting the now three-day event between The Lost Well and the two stages at Barracuda downtown on East 7th (on rotating days). Though The Lost Well lurks among my favorite establishments in the country, the decision to alternate the festival days between venues was a welcome shift, a notion that seemed to be widely shared amongst festival attendees. From a photography perspective, shooting different rooms, and particularly shooting outside at Barracuda, provided opportunity for some visual variance. To be brief, it can be an exhausting exercise in patience and creativity shooting three consecutive days in a scantly-lit venue.

Dusty, Dorian and company seriously upped the ante once again for year three, assembling a staggering lineup and moving the fest entirely into the Red River district to be held at Barracuda and Empire Control Room & Garage. My speculation here really isn’t worth shit, so I’ll let you draw your own assumptions about the quake readying to shake Austin in a few weeks. The ATF camp also just dropped the following teaser:

Sunday night will also feature a very special, intimate show at Beerland beginning at 7:00 p.m. Performing acts and additional details will not be released until day-of-show although fans can continue to expect a dynamic, curated lineup of top acts in today’s heavy metal scene. This secret show will only be $10, cash-only.

Directly below you’ll find the Austin Terror Fest 2019 lineup as well as daily schedules, followed by a collection of images from ATF 2017 and 2018. I shot the black and white photos, and the color shots from 2017 were taken by Jay Conlon. I’ll see ya up front. - mg

ATF 2019 Lineup (Daily set times below)

ATF 2019 Lineup (Daily set times below)

DAY 1 - FRIDAY, JUNE 7

BARRACUDA

6:30 - 7:30 PM: Goatwhore

5:30 - 6:15 PM: Pyrrhon

4:45 - 5:15 PM: Genocide Pact

4:00 PM: Doors

EMPIRE CONTROL ROOM

11:30 PM - 12:30 AM: Church of Misery

10:15 - 11:15 PM: Primitive Man

9:00 - 9:40 PM: Unearthly Trance

7:45 - 8:30 PM: Terminator 2

7:00 PM: Doors

EMPIRE GARAGE

12:30 - 1:30 AM: Pig Destroyer

11:00 PM - 12:00 AM: Integrity

9:30 - 10:15 PM: Full of Hell

8:30 - 9:15 PM: Taverner

7:00 PM: Doors

DAY 2 - SATURDAY, JUNE 8

BARRACUDA

5:30 - 6:30 PM: Panopticon (*Blaze Foley - Cover Set*)

4:30 - 5:15 PM: Dorthia Cottrell (*Townes Van Zandt - Cover Set*)

3:45 - 4:15 PM: Deep Cross

3:00 PM: Doors

EMPIRE CONTROL ROOM

11:30 PM - 12:30 AM: Indian

10:15 - 11:15 PM: Dalek

9:00 - 9:40 PM: Street Sects

7:45 - 8:30 PM: Crowhurst

7:00 PM: Doors

EMPIRE GARAGE

12:30 - 1:30 AM: Lightning Bolt

11:00 PM - 12:00 AM: TR/ST

9:30 - 10:15 PM: Daikaiju

8:30 - 9:15 PM: Machine Girl

7:00 PM: Doors

DAY 3 - SUNDAY, JUNE 9

BARRACUDA

6:30 - 7:30 PM: Bongzilla

5:30 - 6:15 PM: Thou

4:45 - 5:15 PM: Temple of Angels

4:00 PM: Doors

EMPIRE CONTROL ROOM

11:30 PM - 12:30 AM: Bongripper

10:15 - 11:15 PM: Black Cobra

9:00 - 9:40 PM: Dreadnought

7:45 - 8:30 PM: Mountain of Smoke

7:00 PM: Doors

EMPIRE GARAGE

12:30 - 1:30 AM: Alcest

11:00 PM - 12:00 AM: Panopticon

9:30 - 10:15 PM: Dark Castle

8:30 - 9:15 PM: Echo Beds

7:00 PM: Doors

BEERLAND (SECRET SHOW)

8:00 - 10:40 PM: TBD Special Guests

7:00 PM: Doors

Nekrofilth's Feral Album Release Show at Tooey's

Denver gutter thrashers Nekrofilth brought the chaos to Tooey’s this past Saturday night. The popular bar just off Colfax has become the hot spot for dive shows of late, but this one might have been the wildest I’ve been to. The mic stands were knocked to the ground so often, it’s quite possible that guitarist/vocalist Zack Rose screamed more lyrics into the crowd than into the mic. That didn’t matter in the least, to the band or to the fans, who whipped up a pit in front of, and onto, the stage throughout most of the set. At one point, a body was propelled straight into Zack, knocking him to the ground in front of his guitar cabinet.

The band ripped through their killer new release, Worm Ritual , in full, before slicing into some older material and a “Love Me Like A Reptile” cover. Through it all the trio remained loose and unfazed by the chaos pummeling the front of the stage (and their pedal boards), serving up a staunch reminder for any graveworms who’d forgotten why they reign supreme as the sleaziest, give-no-fucks shredders in town.

Local rock and rollers Love Gang served up the support, Tooey’s staff crushed it as they always do, and I tried my damnedest to navigate the maelstrom for the gallery below. - mg

TOKE at Streets. April 25, 2019

Always a pleasure having our TOKE homies come through Denver. Their Thursday night show was the first I’d attended inside the redone Streets (formerly Streets of London) on Colfax. It was a promising visit, but I will hold off on commentary until I’ve tucked a few more dates there under the belt. For now, some snaps from the show. - mg

TOKE will be back on the road supporting Church of Misery in just a few weeks, a run that includes a return to Denver on May 29th. Dates below:

May 23 – Baltimore, MD @ Rams Head Live (as part of Maryland Deathfest) ! (tickets)
May 25 – Detroit, MI @ The Sanctuary $# (tickets)
May 26 – Chicago, IL @ Empty Bottle $# (tickets)
May 27 – Rock Island, IL @ Rock Island Brewing Company $# (tickets)
May 28 – Kansas City, KS @ Riot Room $# (tickets)
May 29 – Denver, CO @ Larimer Lounge $# (tickets)
May 31 – Seattle, WA @ El Corazon $# (tickets)
Jun. 01 – Portland, OR @ Dante’s $# (tickets)
Jun. 02 – Oakland, CA @ Oakland Opera House $# (tickets)
Jun. 03 – Los Angeles, CA @ Echoplex $# (tickets)
Jun. 04 – Tempe, AZ @ Club Red $# (tickets)
Jun. 05 – Albuquerque, NM @ Sister $# (tickets)
Jun. 06 – Oklahoma City, OK 8th Street $# (tickets)
Jun. 07 – Austin, TX @ Empire Control Room (Austin Terror Fest) ! (tickets)
Jun. 08 – Houston, TX @ White Oak Music Hall $# (tickets)
Jun. 09 – New Orléans, LA @ Santos $# (tickets)
Jun. 10 – Nashville, TN @ Little Harpeth Brewing $# (tickets)
Jun. 11 – Atlanta, GA @ The Earl # (tickets)
Jun. 12 – Chapel Hill, NC @ Local 506 # (tickets)
Jun. 13 – Pittsburgh, PA @ Cattivo %# (tickets)
Jun. 15 – Brooklyn, NY @ Saint Vitus # (tickets)
Jun. 16 – Cambridge, MA @ Middle East %# (tickets)

$ = w/ MONDO GENERATOR
% = w/ THE ATOMIC BITCHWAX
# = w/ TOKE
! = CHURCH OF MISERY Only

Daughters turn loose at the Gothic. March 5, 2019

I shot these photos a few days before embarking on a tour, and just got around to sorting through them. I’d seen so many insane shots of Alexis Marshall and Nick Sadler from previous tour stops, some of the wind was already absent from my sails. But here is a first stab at some shots of Alexis.

The show was remarkable, both on a popular level, in that the Gothic Theater was packed with fans anxious to hear both tracks from Daughters new album “You Won’t Get What You Want” in addition to some older cuts; and on a personal level, in that it’d been ages since I’d wrestled with swarms of teenagers for position in front of the stage. I forgot how savage the youth can be. I respect the intensity; they really didn’t give a fuck if I was trying to shoot. I received the hard box out bolstered by a wall of Juul smoke. That’s not to say the band didn’t bring in a varied crowd. Presumably the more seasoned attendees occupied a space nearer the bar, and freer of hassle.

This was my first time seeing Daughters live. Admittedly, I was a bit lazy when it came to shooting, and just couldn’t be fucked jockeying for position this night. I simply wanted to watch the show. I assume the set wasn’t as chaotic as it might have been in a smaller, more intimate space, but they delivered one hell of a performance, as it looks like they’ve done throughout these recent North American and European tours.

I also spoke with Alexis for Westword around this time as well. You can read part of that discussion here.


Electric Funeral Fest III Gallery

“We’re not fucking Gwar,” cracked Speedwolf frontman Reed Bruemmer, laughing as their Wolf mascot adorned in Broncos regalia poured another bucket of water on the heads of the front row. Not Gwar, or any other imitation, that’s for sure. This was Speedwolf through and through - raw power chomping at a packed house following a five-year hiatus. I don't think Gwar or any other band could have perched the crowd on the precipice of insanity the way Denver’s beloved did last Friday night. The crowd teemed at the stage’s edge the entirety of the show. This town has fiended for this reunion for years, and the fire was bright in their eyes. In the midst of the band’s “Denver666” finale, the charged-up mass overtook the stage entirely. 

Now, following up Speedwolf on a festival headlining spot is not a position to covet. It takes a special group of maniacs to successfully deliver such a follow up. Had their been any lingering doubts that Saturday’s ender could would turn as loose the night previous - and I didn’t hear any - they were rapidly exhaled as Weedeater’s Dixie Dave growled out a quick sound check about crack rocks, fucking and whiskey. A few moments later, the 3 Kings stage was once again awash in sweat-soaked human.

Though Speedwolf and Weedeater closed out each night with a fury, the mania began early each day and rarely ceased. It was the relentlessness of the party, and the talent, that’s rendered it all such a blur. And by no means did 3 Kings have a monopoly on the hi-jinx. Not to get into too much detail, but R.I.P. incited a pair of brawls inside the Hi-Dive, Zeke sent the body-to-body room spinning into a speed-lusting frenzy, Malahierba joined last minute to stun once again, and the rap sheet rattles on… Apologies for being trite - but you simply have to be there.

The lineup for this third edition was built with Denver’s nation-leading heavy music scene as a cornerstone, with 15 or so Denver bands taking the stage alongside a smattering of Texas talent, as well as acts from both north and south of the border. In that regard, this was the most international the event’s been, both in terms bands and attendees. Continuing the trend from Year 1 into Year 2, the third iteration broadened in musical scope, including industrial crushers Echo Beds, Necropanther’s deaththrash, Zeke’s pedal-to-the-floor attack and so on.

This was also the first year to include a stage in the Mutiny Information Cafe, the famed South Broadway book/record shop. The third venue brought a slew of new angles to the table - staging for more acts, obviously, and an option for those eager yet under age, a change in venue aesthetic, life-saving cold brews, a new read or record for those taking back to the road, or just a comfortable place to rest and recover between sets.

In short, Electric Funeral III tore through Denver like a barroom brawl. Bodies were launched, soaked and bruised, rooms strewn with various items of clothing and beer cans, the floor mapped with puddles. Too long a drag on your IPA and you’d have missed it, left ogling scattered wreckage and wondering why you feel like the world’s largest pile of shit. But ease up, a good party will disorient even the most seasoned reveler. If you missed it, you can live vicariously through the Almighty Internet and vow to never do so again. If you were fortunate enough to be there, this rambling missive should jog your mush brain. Following is a selection of shots from the weekend. - MG

Photos by: Michael Goodwin, Sam Giles, Mitch Kline, Kate Streber

*More photos to be added to the gallery next week.

Electric Funeral III hits Denver this weekend

Seems impossible that we've reached the end of June already, but indeed we are mere days away from the third edition of Electric Funeral Fest, and the buzz about Denver is becoming palpable. As the crowds roll into the Mile High City for what's become one of the most anticipated parties of the summer - this year expanded to include a third (all-ages!) stage across from the Hi Dive in the Mutiny Information Cafe - we thought we'd take a quick minute to spin through a few blurs from the previous two years.

This year's festival - featuring the anxiously-awaited return of Denver's own Speedwolf and so much more - looks to outdo them both. It's been an honor covering the event as media partner since its inception and we hope to see a whole bunch of ya this weekend at round 3. More coverage and images can be found in our Issue III, available for purchase through the "magazine" tab.

There are still a very limited (about 20 as of this posting) tickets left for Saturday through the link below! If you are in Denver, there are also a handful of 2-day passes available behind the bar at Trve Brewing. More info can be found on the Dust Presents Facebook and Instagram pages.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/electric-funeral-fest-iii-tickets-42502774944

Photos and notes - mg

Sourvein 2016. This photo gets at the ethos of the festival. Face to face. Headbanging. Pooled sweat and spilt beer. T-Roy is just the guy to put the intensity directly into high gear. Sourvein played both year 1 and 2 - here they are head…

Sourvein 2016. This photo gets at the ethos of the festival. Face to face. Headbanging. Pooled sweat and spilt beer. T-Roy is just the guy to put the intensity directly into high gear. Sourvein played both year 1 and 2 - here they are headlining the inaugural event.

Goya, 2016. Love Goya, love Jeff, and LOVE the ghost titties on his forearm. This is rock and roll kids, stay loose.

Goya, 2016. Love Goya, love Jeff, and LOVE the ghost titties on his forearm. This is rock and roll kids, stay loose.

Mothership and the bachelor party, 2016. Seemingly out of nowhere, a bachelor party (bottom right in the custom tees) came rip-roaring into the front row during Mothership's set, stealing the spotlight for just a second.

Mothership and the bachelor party, 2016. Seemingly out of nowhere, a bachelor party (bottom right in the custom tees) came rip-roaring into the front row during Mothership's set, stealing the spotlight for just a second.

Malahierba, 2016. The band has made quite the name for themselves over the past few years, a highlight of every bill the join. Their 2016 festival performance served as a launching point of sorts, helping them gain greater notoriety b…

Malahierba, 2016. The band has made quite the name for themselves over the past few years, a highlight of every bill the join. Their 2016 festival performance served as a launching point of sorts, helping them gain greater notoriety beyond Juarez, where they began, and Denver, their current home.

Radio/Monti after hours jam, 2016. Though the festival is held in clubs, it's always had a bit of a show-meets-house party feel. This was helped along in the formative years by the actual house party on Colfax that followed each night of the festiva…

Radio/Monti after hours jam, 2016. Though the festival is held in clubs, it's always had a bit of a show-meets-house party feel. This was helped along in the formative years by the actual house party on Colfax that followed each night of the festival, the celebration always running into the following day's sunrise. Here is one of those moments, with Dylan (Sacrimonti) and Paul (Radio Moscow) keeping the jam alive, their brothren checked out behind them.

Toke + T-Roy, 2016. I shot this photo of Toke and T-Roy in a Colfax alley late one night. Sourvein and Toke come from the same region and as fate would have it, crossed paths at a festival in Denver. A year or so later, T-Roy took up a guest vo…

Toke + T-Roy, 2016. I shot this photo of Toke and T-Roy in a Colfax alley late one night. Sourvein and Toke come from the same region and as fate would have it, crossed paths at a festival in Denver. A year or so later, T-Roy took up a guest vocal spot on their track "Weak Life".

Electric Citizen, 2017. Always down for a good time, always bringing a show. An exhilarating performer, Laura may be one of my favorite people to shoot. 

Electric Citizen, 2017. Always down for a good time, always bringing a show. An exhilarating performer, Laura may be one of my favorite people to shoot. 

R.I.P., 2017. Frontman Fuzz recently dubbed R.I.P. the "heaviest, hairiest, horniest and most horrifying band playing right now, period." We are inclined to agree. Plus, his use of the adjective "horny" really got us psyched, as it's been in the Den…

R.I.P., 2017. Frontman Fuzz recently dubbed R.I.P. the "heaviest, hairiest, horniest and most horrifying band playing right now, period." We are inclined to agree. Plus, his use of the adjective "horny" really got us psyched, as it's been in the Denver lexicon for years now (Thanks, Laina) and we strive to make the world a hornier place. R.I.P. is returning this year - we hope to see you dirty freaks up front.

Corky Laing's Mountain, 2017. What a moment this was! You could feel the reverence in the air - fans and bands alike awestruck to be in Corky's presence. Corky loosened up as the set progressed, cracking jokes and rehashing the backstories to some o…

Corky Laing's Mountain, 2017. What a moment this was! You could feel the reverence in the air - fans and bands alike awestruck to be in Corky's presence. Corky loosened up as the set progressed, cracking jokes and rehashing the backstories to some of Mountain's most famous tunes. You get a sense of the wonder in this photo, with a younger generation of musicians, many who have just played and consider Corky, and Mountain, to be a monumental inspiration, filling in behind the cabinets to take in the show.

*It must also be mentioned, that Chris Shutters, who took up guitar duties on this Corky Laing tour did a phenomenal job standing in Leslie West's place. Truly an excellent guitar player in his own right.

While we are on it, we will stick with a couple more images of insanely talented and captivating drummers. Cam of Crypt Trip, 2017.

While we are on it, we will stick with a couple more images of insanely talented and captivating drummers. Cam of Crypt Trip, 2017.

Josh with Smokey Mirror. (Now plays with Texas' group, Fogg)

Josh with Smokey Mirror. (Now plays with Texas' group, Fogg)

Malahierba opened up the Juarez-Denver connection and Dizz Brew has followed up massively. Martin of Dizz Brew, 2017. (They are touring the Southwest this summer, keep an eye out).

Malahierba opened up the Juarez-Denver connection and Dizz Brew has followed up massively. Martin of Dizz Brew, 2017. (They are touring the Southwest this summer, keep an eye out).

Glitter Wizard and Mercho Man. By the time Glitter Wizard's after-party set at the Hi Dive rolled around, tops were being popped, the crowd sufficiently lubed. When the band charged into their Turbo Lover cover, the joint went absolutely wild. It wa…

Glitter Wizard and Mercho Man. By the time Glitter Wizard's after-party set at the Hi Dive rolled around, tops were being popped, the crowd sufficiently lubed. When the band charged into their Turbo Lover cover, the joint went absolutely wild. It was a horny scene, you might say.

Lori. Acid King, 2017. One of the most humble and excellent people doing it. A lifer and matriarch of the heavy scene. Acid King always delivers, and their festival closing set last year was no exception.

Lori. Acid King, 2017. One of the most humble and excellent people doing it. A lifer and matriarch of the heavy scene. Acid King always delivers, and their festival closing set last year was no exception.

See ya at the party! 

See ya at the party! 

Austin Terror Fest // Sunday Gallery

A sample of Sunday's ATF action, just for y'all. Friday and Saturday galleries below. 

*Apologies in advance to any bands who do not appear in the galleries. It's certainly nothing personal - these are simply a few selects from what we were able to shoot. Thank you to Dusty, Dorian and the whole Austin Terror Fest crew, everyone at Worshipper, the Lost Well and the Barracuda. Well fuckin' played.

Photos: Michael Goodwin // @boilingdenim

 

 

Austin Terror Fest // Saturday gallery

A selection of photos from Saturday's sets at Barracuda. Sunday photos up tomorrow evening.

*Apologies in advance to any bands who do not appear in the galleries. It's certainly nothing personal - these are simply a few selects from what we were able to shoot. Thank you to Dusty, Dorian and the whole Austin Terror Fest crew, everyone at Worshipper, the Lost Well and the Barracuda. Well fuckin' played.

Photos: Michael Goodwin // @boilingdenim

Austin Terror Fest // Friday gallery

The second edition of Austin Terror Fest went off this weekend, with metal fans from Austin and far beyond turning out in droves in the face of a swampish heat. Changing tack a bit from last year, this year's three-day fest was split between the Lost Well (Friday and Sunday) and the Barracuda (Saturday), a change of pace that brought a variety to the event many seemed please to see. In addition, the moving of the festival off of SXSW week, as it was last year, and into June helped the festival establish a presence much more its own. These factors and an incredible lineup helped ensure both venues remained packed throughout the fest. It was one hell of a weekend to say the least, and a great step forward for Austin Terror Fest.

The bands all rose to the occasion, with a number of groups delivering sets that may have been the best I've ever seen from them. At least the most striking, given the intimate nature of the venues. Yob's Friday night finale was certainly one of those performances. 

Though we left Denver at an ungodly hour Friday morning, the U.S. west is still fucking huge and by the time we reached the Lost Well Of Feather and Bone was hammering out the final 30 seconds of their set. Thus, the smaller gallery for this opening set of photographs. We will roll out shots from Saturday and Sunday over the next two days. - mg

*Apologies in advance to any bands who do not appear in the galleries. It's certainly nothing personal - these are simply a few selects from what we were able to shoot. Thank you to Dusty, Dorian and the whole Austin Terror Fest crew, everyone at Worshipper, the Lost Well and the Barracuda. Well fuckin' played.

photos: Michael Goodwin // @boilingdenim

Austin Terror Fest 2018 this weekend, June 15-17

.

We are thrilled to be working as a media partner once again with Austin Terror Fest! They've outdone themselves on the lineup this year, and the addition of Saturday at Barracuda will offer a help mix things up for the three-day fest. We will be rolling into The Lost Well Friday afternoon. See ya up front!

FB Event page

Friday 6/15/18 - DOORS @ 4 - LOST WELL
Communion - 4:45
Crawl - 5:30
Christworm - 6:15
Tomb Mold - 7:00
Of Feather and Bone - 7:45
Sixes - 8:30
Pinkish Black - 9:15
Bell Witch - 10:00
40 Watt Sun - 11:00
Yob - 12:30

Saturday 6/16/18 - DOORS @ 4 - BARRACUDA

INSIDE STAGE
Ripis - 4:15
The Munsens - 5:00
Uruk - 5:45
Chrch - 7:15
Cloud Rat - 8:45
Come to Grief - 10:15
Cough - 11:45

OUTSIDE STAGE
Body Void - 6:30
Goya - 8:00
Fistula - 9:30
Agoraphobic Nosebleed - 11
Exhorder - 12:45

Sunday 6/17/18 - DOORS @ 2 (MATINEE SHOW) - LOST WELL
Desist - 3:00
Wayfarer - 3:45
Badr Vogu - 4:30
Un - 5:15
Forn - 6:00
Krallice - 6:45
Gnaw - 7:30
Primitive Man - 8:30
Acid King - 9:30