Karen Strunks Professional Birmingham-based Freelance Photographer

UB40 at The Rainbow, Digbeth, Birmingham

It’s amazing how quickly a day can change….

UB40 came back to their roots and played at a pub venue at The Rainbow pub in Digbeth. A far cry from the stadium gigs they usually play to these days.

UB40 gave their support to The Rainbow because it is under threat as it has received a noise abatement order from local residents (or resident). Although the landlord Kent Davis has agreed to build a noise insulating roof, there was still more funding needed. UB40 stepped in, and the sales from the tickets and takings behind the bar will go towards the new roof.  Digbeth is a vital part of Birmingham’s cultural scene and the music in and around the area plays an important role. I hope that tonight, The Rainbow has managed to raise all the funding needed. As the local saying goes “Keep Digbeth Vibrant!”

I’d known UB40 were playing an intimate gig for a few weeks now, but wasn’t 100% sure I could make it to the gig until earlier today. I made a phone call to The Rainbow and although I wasn’t guaranteed a chance to take photographs I was told to come along and if they could accommodate me they would. I deliberated momentarily and sent a tweet out…what to do? I could get my kit ready, travel to the venue only to find myself turned away. I really don’t like wasting time as I have so little of it. OR I could go there, see what happens and perhaps get to photograph the gig…..

I remembered a saying. I probably have it wrong, but it goes along the lines of “you can only regret the photos you don’t take”. If I decided not to go, it would be certain that I wouldn’t be able to photograph the gig, but if I turned up then the chances would increase by quite a lot. So off I set. I arrived at the venue, introduced myself to the people who were in charge, a phone call was made and I was inside the venue. I thought I was home  and dry. However…. as I approached the photographers area  in front of the stage I spoke to a security guard who asked me for my wristband (I wasn’t given one as they couldn’t be found when I came in). I kept calm, explained that I had received permission even though I hadn’t got a wrist band (but all the time my heart was racing and I was thinking “I’m so near…yet so far!”). The security guard made another couple of phone calls to verify who I was and the good news came that I could take the photos.

So as well as being able to photograph a unique gig, I’ve learnt some more about photography…..

If you have the opportunity to photograph something you really want to, if there is a chance, go for it. And if you meet a security guard, keep calm and explain your situation.

The chance for photos was over before I knew it. We were allowed three songs (which is the norm). As luck would have it, the first three songs where my favourites of UB40: 1 In Ten, Here I Am, and Wear You To The Ball…..

Tomorrow night I am shooting (in the nicest possible way) Andrea Bocelli at the NIA. From reggae to opera in the space of 24 hours!