After 14 years, 7 studio albums and countless shows, it was a very emotional day for the whole band. But Marta and I found plenty to laugh about.

We also talked about her really cool necklace (which has Phil’s guitar pick in a silver plectrum holder), and life being a ‘tour widow’, something which I can understand when Glen is away for different lengths of time.

The live show was immense, sweaty, energetic, and damn right brutal. My only way out from taking pictures at the front was to be carried through along the moving bodies that were packed so tightly together. At that moment, I was really hoping there wasn’t going to be a circle pit!

Backstage during support bands (This or the Apocalypse, and Hand of Mercy) the air was filled with upbeat conversation, and friendliness to anyone that walked in.

They had taken their Sharpies to the chipped dressing room wallpaper and bare plaster, leaving their mark alongside other bands that had graced the stage at The Underworld in Camden. I always find the walls fascinating to look at. And, for some reason until that night, there wasn’t a single phallic scribble in sight – something which dudes feel compelled to draw – I have no idea why. Marta corrected this, and no, you don’t need to see a picture or even the video I made

A really great send off from London. In whatever path they take next, I wish them all the very best!

Mx

Having seen these guys before and knowing frontman Jason for a few years, they are the most energetic and fun guys to be around. This of course had to come across in the promo pictures too…

..cue beard stroke from guitarist Andrew

The first set of promos were shot at sunset in February. It was freezing, Jason had cut his hand on a wayward tree-hanging crate, we ran through a graveyard, a very boggy field and we were against the clock.

The guys totally rocked it though

BAM!

This picture was literally as the sun hit the horizon and it created the most awesome flare. I love it when things like that happen and nature is on your side.

I know, I know, we were talking about energy being portrayed in the shoot weren’t we. Well the 2nd shoot had lots of that! I can honestly tell you I haven’t laughed so much in a shoot either. We all laughed in fact.

They actually had a fight during the photo shoot. A first for me, and I have to say that it wasn’t even on my ‘wish list of photoshoot ideas’, but I’m happy I did it!

There are more pictures, so these are just a couple of teasers. You can view more of them on their Official Facebook Page. It’s a new page so go ahead and become a fan.

Here’s a teaser trailer of their forthcoming album ‘New Age of Old Ways‘, produced by the legendary Russ Russell.

They also have the best band bio I’ve read in a long time. Nothing generic about this band at all!

Mx

Before everyone arrived, I had a quick promo shoot with Phil – above is a teaser.

Chris Cannella – the product specialist for Jackson (and Vocalist/Guitarist for the band Autumn’s End) gave a great introduction into the history of Jackson as a brand and the longest running custom guitar shop in the world, which was really engaging even if you didn’t know too much about guitars. His upbeat American attitude made everyone in the room feel involved from the get -go and shouting ‘FUCK YEAH!’ at any given opportunity.

Which was a lot!

Phil took to the stage and explained the workings of his own custom guitar, along with some humorous stories about his journey so far – with early beginnings listening to AC/DC, Ted Nugent and KISS, to starting out on the guitar with Randy Rhoads as a major influence. Then being involved in the Bay Area thrash scene, as guitarist in band Vio-Lence, through to joining Machine Head.

He played through all 9 minutes of ‘Wolves’, which was the last song written for album ‘The Blackening’ – describing it as a ‘riff soup’, before he took some questions from the floor.

People made videos, head banged, shouted and sang along, just the same as they would at a live show.

Phil also played ‘Asthetics of Hate’ after telling his story of meeting Dimebag Darrell just months before he was gunned down on stage performing with Damageplan. The song written after a ‘fan letter’ was received about Dime.

Then there were questions. Some ridiculously funny, a couple about gear, and ideal band lineups with musicians – dead or living.

Chris and Phil then played through a track together to close

Afterwards, Phil signed memorabilia, spoke to each and every person some more and had pictures taken.

An extremely personable event, and it didn’t cost anyone that attended a penny!

You can view the whole clinic on the GAK YouTube page.

My great friend Fiaz also came along and took some pictures of the event, and my shoot with Phil. Thanks Fiaz!

Mx

A real treat for those travellers by Eurostar departures! Here’s some shots from their 30 minute set (click to view larger).

Quite a crowd had formed by mid-set

The usual train announcements about ‘left luggage’ and ‘unsual incidents’ in the station provided much amusement!

For those returning from a long trip, it was a wonderful welcome home. For those leaving? I wonder how many missed their train

I found this video on youtube of set opener ‘Keep on Swinging’ from their latest album ‘Head Down’.

You can view more at The Station Sessions website.

Mx

Guilty as charged.

In part, with this new section on my website called ‘Life & Style’, I’m hoping to share with you how I see London – mainly from a photographic point of view, after all I’m not a tour guide, nor am I fantastic at writing essays.

So, enough waffling!

Borough Market kindly gave me permission to photograph and share with you all the wonderous foods from around the world. It’s situated underneath and around London Bridge Rail Station, where hundreds of commuters pass through every day – rushing to and from work. I wonder how many of them have visited the market?

It’s the oldest Fruit and Veg Market in London, with a fantastic array of colours, tastes and smells (if only you could scratch-and-sniff the pictures to get an idea!), I’ve narrowed down my hundreds of images to a small selection of what you will see when you visit the Market

For the first time, I tried Sea Salt Fudge from Whirld, the Organic cereal by Mini Magoo, A burger from Veggie Table (now I love my meat but this burger was amazing!), and took home a salad box, along with a pot of Italian poponcini peppers from The Fresh Olive Company – they were hot!

The traders are extremely friendly, offering small tasters as you pass by. They also have a Demonstation Kitchen where you can learn from some top chefs from around the world that trade within the Market.

It’s only when you hear the trains roll into the station overhead that you realise where you are. Otherwise, it’s like being transported to a totally different and unique place.

It’s such a wonderful atmosphere and I guarantee, that you will go home having tried something for the first time in your life.

If you’ve been before, tell me your favourite finds!

Mx

Jessica-Leigh got her first shoes!

I just HAD to share it with you all.

She started walking last August, but we wanted to wait a while before purchasing some sturdy shoes.

Usually I don’t buy shoes from Clarks – they’re just not my style. BUT they do make it a very special occasion with a keepsake polaroid picture, ‘First Shoes’ book and a foot growth log that you can look back on in years to come.

Jessica-Leigh was very interested in the whole process

Desperate to run around the store, she is finally let loose to give them a test run…

The whole store stopped to watch her as she looked like she was ‘stuck in the mud’, trying to lift the heavy shoes. Running, walking, stopping for a chat, touching her toes, sitting down and standing up again. All the important things you need to be able to do in shoes – she tried it.

Hilarious!

It reminded of this Michael Mcintyre sketch

One last check at the ‘First Shoes’ section before Jessica-Leigh decided they were ‘the ones’

Yup, she had decided. These will be the first shoes.

Or as she calls them – ‘The Pretties’

Mx

I’m very excited to announce another Makeover + Shoot Day

Our poster advert girl – Jenni – was on the very first Makeover Day, held almost a year ago. It was her very first shoot in front of a pro camera, let alone in a studio setting. Now look at her!

These shoots are really great if you want to gather confidence in front of the camera, to dress up and try a completely different style, update your portfolio if you’re already a model, or if you want to buy a gift for your girlfriend, partner, wife, sister, friend, or even a treat for yourself. You get the idea..

This time, we have included a ‘before’ picture, so you can see what we do on these Special days.

The £140 fee includes: Pre-shoot consultation with me to make sure you get the shoot, style and look that you’re after. Studio time in the setting of your choice, glass of red or white wine (or non-alcoholic drink if you prefer) as you arrive at the studio, your hair styled by Ceri and makeup applied by Amber, half hour shooting time with me for which you can change your outfit twice if you wish, and finally 4 fully edited images of your choice on CD for you to get printed.

You will be required to pay a 50% deposit to secure your place on the day. The remaining balance needs to be paid a week before the shoot date. There are 6 places on the Makeover + Shoot Day. They are on a first come, first served basis. To ensure you don’t miss out, please pay your deposit.

If you are interested, or have any further questions, please email me at marie@mariegc.com. To pay your deposit and read the Shoot Day info, please visit my store. If you don’t have PayPal, don’t worry, there’s an option to pay by credit/debit card when it takes you to the checkout section at PayPal.

Hope you’re all enjoying the Easter break, I look forward to meeting more of you on this Makeover Day!

Mx

Bit of an ask isn’t it.

A couple of years ago my search was over when I found Amelia Arsenic and her design company T.R.I.M.. I saw her designs and immediately emailed her to get started on my logo. Considering she’s never met me before – there couldn’t be anything more perfect. I’m a bit obsessive over Vintage Keys and Skulls. If you read my ‘About Me‘ section or follow me on Instagram you will know this all too well.

Amelia nailed it.

Before my site went live I showed a few people out of sheer excitement, including my Jewellery designer friend – Alex.

His response? “I’m gonna make you a necklace out of that!”

And he did.

Alex decided to focus on the padlock with the skull, as it would sit really nicely on a necklace. Here’s the design process from start to finish – the padlock design by Amelia, Alex’s wax master carving all by hand, the silver casting and then finished pendant.

Stunning isn’t it.

When I’m out and about, it’s a great conversation starter. Most commonly it’s a “WOW that’s awesome, who made it?”, “that looks pretty heavy”, “can it hold it?”

It’s 3oz of solid silver!

Alex has also given me a Special Discount to share with you all. If you go to the Online Store and purchase anything, you get 10% off when you quote ‘MARIEGC10‘. There is also free worldwide shipping.

Alex also takes custom orders, so if you’re looking for something special or unique, give him an email. His carving talents don’t stop at jewellery either, I’ve heard he loves sculpting and has had enquiries for door furniture and guitar parts

As an aside, there’s been some updates to my website sections; new pictures, a new section about my ‘Life & Style’ AND a QR reader to follow me on Instagram. I’m also totally stoked to be almost at 4,000 likes on my Facebook Page! Thank you.

Mx

A tremendous honour.

Completely blown away with the huge sound and energy at the show. Here’s my favourite pictures.

The title track to the album – ‘All I Was’ – stood out to me in the set. It was one of those songs on hearing, that would remain an album track rather than a live performance song. I was proved wrong and couldn’t stop humming it all the way home!

Mx

Congratulations Nick! You will receive an email for your postal address today. Hope you enjoy the show!

Thanks to all that entered. I will do another giveaway soon which isn’t so exclusive to the UK and the London area.

I do like a good giveaway.

Mx