GOAT at Manchester Academy, 30.08.2025

It’s no secret that GOAT are one of my favourite bands. I was lucky enough to shoot them in 2024, and saw them in a much smaller venue in 2023. Their energy is incredible, their songs have such driving rhythm and joy, and their personas are cool as fuck. Do any other bands maintain anonymity like this? We knew Slipknot’s names under their masks at least!

So I saw, ages ago, that GOAT were headlining Manchester Psych Fest 2025. I put my faith in being granted a photo pass for it – which was granted via The Indie Scene – and didn’t buy a ticket. If I was seeing GOAT again I wanted to be up close with my camera!

The first thing to say, from a photographic point of view, is that the lighting is an absolute shitshow. It’s 32% smoke, 32% red light and 32% strobes. For the first 3 songs you’re really on edge, poised for that 4% of clean light to get your shots! Luckily I’d experienced this last year so it wasn’t a shock this time around – though it was still exceptionally difficult.

Update: uploaded a video to show the environment!

It made it even harder when the security mistook a long intro for its own song, and we had to leave the pit after 2 songs only!

I don’t stay to the end for the majority of gigs that I photograph. But with GOAT, I did – they’re genuinely exceptional. If you get the chance to see them…do!