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The Samples concert pictures

`The Samples` are an American Rock band. They are captured & photographed here in analog from the stage & pit area during two concerts in America in 1992 & 1994. For more information & to follow the band on social media use any of the following external links.

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The Samples concert pictures ~ Bill O’Leary

A word from the photographer

ON THIS NIGHT : THE SAMPLES

One of the most successful bands out of Colorado are The Samples. Formed in 1987 by lead vocalist/guitarist Sean Kelly, guitarist Charles Hambleton, drummer Jeep MacNichol, bassist/vocalist Andy Sheldon, soon adding keyboardist/vocalist Al Laughlin. By the time I shot these images in early 1992, Charles Hambleton had moved on becoming an Academy Award winning film producer, with the band becoming a four piece. These early images are from a sold-out Fox Theatre show, then, I was asked to shoot their Red Rocks show two years later in the summer of 1994.

Refreshing sound

When I photographed the band, they had just recorded and released the album No Room, shortly followed by The Last Drag, both on newly formed local record label, What Are Records? Their sound was often compared to The Police with a reggae and poppy if not jam band feel, with Sean at times sounding very similar to Sting vocally. I remember the first time shooting them at the Fox Theatre, how refreshing they sounded, very talented as well.

Continuing to play

They had sold over a million records by the mid 90’s with an enormous college following and plenty of college radio airplay. They also were invited to perform on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno back in the 90’s. They still play, occasionally reuniting for shows here and there, they have recorded some 20 albums during their career and still have a cult following with a diehard fanbase. One of Boulder’s best-known bands still to this day.