The music photography magazine gallery of
Black Flag concert pictures
`Black Flag` are a Hardcore Punk Rock / Sludge Metal band from America .Here they are photographed & captured from the stage & pit area during the ‘Special 3 Man Show’ concert in Japan. For more information & to follow the band on social media use any of the following external links.
Black Flag concert pictures ~ Aki Fujita Taguchi
A word from the photographer
Generally, Japanese audience are thought to be reserved, however, I’m sure this night would be different. The day, 3rd of November 2019, was a special day for the Tokyo’s punk rock scene. Three legendary punk bands , Frenzal Rhomb , No Fun At All & Black Flag came to Tokyo and they knocked us out completely with their crazy performances.
Black Flag
After the short intermission, finally Black Flag took to the stage. The band started their journey in 1976 in California. As you know, after Black Flag has also gone through several breakups, reunions and frictions , the legendary guitar player Greg Ginn is the sole continuous member. They are often regarded as one of the first hardcore punk bands and also as pioneers in the movement of DIY ethic of the underground music scene. They are internationally respected and earn a cult following. Can you believe that? In spite of their history of over 40 years and high popularity, this was their first visit in Japan. I felt very honoured to be there to photograph them.
Mike Vallely
I think that the audience had a mixed feeling about Mike Valley’s vocals, since the former singer Henry Rollins left a strong impression and influence on the band. Actually, one of my clients and her friend were uncertain whether to go to the show. I knew their feeling, but I also knew they would regret forever if they miss a valuable opportunity. So I urged them to go to see and experience it anyway. And guess what? They really enjoyed the show and loved the new singer.
His got the look
Mike Vallely is an American professional skateboarder and also known as actor and television personality and many more. I hate to say that I had never seen him before, but I understood instantly he was a kind of professional through my lens. He knew how he looks like and how he should act, and made poses in front of my camera. And surprisingly, his brutal vocals fitted Black Flag’s classic hits perfectly.
Opening song
They started the set with ‘Depression’ from their first album ‘Damaged’ released in 1981. Their set list was comprised of all the fan favourites. Especially, they played many songs from the first album, which was critically acclaimed.
Greg Ginn
The one and only guitar player Greg Ginn obviously had a charismatic aura on stage. Ginn’s signature guitar tone sounded great and the crowd seemed truly excited to see his expressive performance. Unlike the other punk and hardcore bands, Black Flag’s sound has various elements, such as blues, jazz, free jazz, spoken words, heavy metal, sludge metal, etc. That’s because the founder and primary songwriter Ginn has always been creative and experimental about his work.
Crowd surfing
The audience never forgot to enjoy singing along, while moshing and crowd surfing. Especially, ‘Gimmie Gimmie Gimmie’, ‘Slip It In’ and ‘Rise Above’ were absolutely fun and got the audience wild!
‘Louie Louie’
The band ended their set with Richard Berry cover ‘Louie Louie’ and didn’t play an encore. However, legendary Jinn appeared the merchandise booth very soon. He was accommodating requests from his fans with taking photos together and giving an autograph on their records.
Band members
Greg Ginn – Guitar / Mike Vallely – Vocals / Isaias Gil – Drums / Joe Noval– Bass
Location and date of these Black Flag concert pictures
Akabane Reny Alpha / Tokyo / Japan / 03.11.19
Photographer`s favourite shot
Adverts on Chasing The Light Art
Setlist :
1. Depression / 2. No Values / 3. I’ve Had It / 4. Black Coffee / 5. Fix Me / 6. Gimmie Gimmie Gimmie / 7. White Minority / 8. Six Pack / 9. Bastard in Love / 10. Room 13 / 11. Slip It In / 12. I Can See You / 13. Revenge / 14. Clocked In / 15. Jealous Again / 16. Can’t Decide / 17. Nervous Breakdown / 18. TV Party / 19. Rise Above / 20. Louie Louie (Richard Berry cover)
Photographer
After enjoying the Black Flag concert pictures by Aki Fujita Taguchi then make sure to visit her GALLERY. You will find more of her work, social media links & websites.
The addictive punk concerts
I was totally amazed at how chaotic and addictive the punk concerts are. If you’re not into punk / hardcore music, you might think it’s too simple. As I said, the live show is totally different from listening it in your room. You have to see their show if you get a chance. You will never regret. I guarantee!
All photographer`s images
View this photographer`s A to Z of ALL the bands & artists captured for Chasing The Light Art. Follow the links for more great Rock n Roll images from this photographer
About ‘Special 3 Man Show’
The punk event ‘Special 3 Man Show’ was held by the organizer Unionway Japan, which specializes in punk and hardcore music. The latest and cool venue Akabane Reny Alpha is located in the north area of Tokyo. On this night, tickets were deservedly sold out and the house was filled with fan’s anticipation.
Special Thanks
Thank you so much Matthias Hombauer, Stefan Bratt & Unionway Japan for treating the Chasing The Light Art photographer so well and for allowing her to capture some great images of the concert…Thank You…It is much appreciated…..
Words and photos by Aki Fujita Taguchi / Proofreading by Yosuke Taguchi
Slideshow
Watch the slideshow of Black Flag concert pictures
