Deftones at The Piece Hall, Halifax, 24.06.2025

Way back in around 2001, Deftones played Manchester Apollo. I know this because a) they were one of my favourite bands and b) I wasn’t allowed to go. It was a school night and I was 13. However, my dad – also a photographer – *did* go, at my insistence. My dad is a sports photographer, not a music photographer. But my enthusiasm won him over and he went to shoot his first gig.

He hated it.

In hindsight, sending a man whose favourite artist is Jackson Browne to shoot Deftones might have been misguided. But it did provide some nice closure when, 24 years later, I finally got to shoot the band myself.

It wasn’t at the Apollo this time though, but the picturesque Piece Hall in Halifax. It’s an outdoor venue, only used for gigs in the summer time. Deftones were due to play right in the middle of a UK heatwave – perfect conditions.

Except for the torrential rain that started quite literally as they walked on stage.

In moments like this you just have to react – lens hoods go on and you try to do your best to cover your gear. It’s an almost impossible task but there’s only 3 songs to get through. But I’m grateful that I was able to live in the moment and take it in. Finally shooting Deftones, during a storm, at a great outdoor venue? Epic!

When shooting a gig it’s easy to be in work-mode: eyes on the prize, barely noticing the actual music. But I made sure I took this all in, and I’m glad I did. This was an amazing experience and worth every effort that had been made to get here.

Deftones at The Piece Hall – once in a lifetime gig. Boss.