Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs live at New Century Hall, Manchester 11.04.25

I’ve been very lucky to photograph a lot of concerts, a lot of bands. This year it feels like I’m ticking off bucket list gigs every other month. This was the case when I got the chance to shoot Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs live at New Century Hall, Manchester, this April.

A few years ago I had essentially given up photography. It was a rough time and as far as I was concerned I would probably never pick up a camera again. As crazy as that sounds right now when I’m busier than ever!

But I saw Pigs x7 play in a tent in a field in Cumbria around midnight (it was Kendal Calling ). The performance was insanely good. Energy, volume, strobes…so many strobes. It genuinely woke up me back up to photography. I thought: even if I don’t shoot much again, I need to cover a Pigs gig.

And here we are!

Irked, opening for Pigs x7

Support on the night came from Irked, also hailing from the northeast. Irked, fronted by Helen Walkinshaw, were perfect foil for Pigs. Loud, talented, tight, bold – perfect recipe for a great opening act.

Then the main event: Pigs x7 and me right at the front with my camera!

It was exactly what I wanted – which also meant it was insanely difficult to shoot! Strobes, lasers, minimal chances to focus. I loved it. It’s gigs like these where your experience, knowledge, and muscle memory all come in to play.

I also learned that a Pigs x7 gig WILL break your mechanical shutter after putting it through its paces too much!

It’s gigs like this that remind me why I’m a music photographer. Nice one Pigs x7!