2022: Back in 2003, I was hired by Rolling Stone Magazine to cover the tour opener for what would become the last traveling Lollapalooza. It was a fun day in Indianapolis that included a press conference with a new band called Audioslave. I ended up having a good rapport with the tour publicist, Laura Cohen who called me a week later and asked for my advice. She asked, how she could keep consistency with photographers from venue to venue. I said in my opinion, the only way is to hire a photography that fits your needs. Otherwise you “get what you paid for” by using the local house photographers. Many of them are not even getting paid and are doing it to get into shows or add the photos to their resume. Next thing you know it, I’m flying out to Boston and I’m the tour photographer sleeping on the Jane’s Addiction tour bus.

So there begins my relationship with Perry Farrell and his wife Etty. Now with Lollapalooza being a stationary festival in Chicago since 2005, I have been connected with them and the festival for almost 20 years, including getting engaged on stage with help by Perry and Jane’s Addiction.

It’s been quite a ride. Jump to this year, after coming out to LA earlier in the year for a project that Perry and Etty are working on…

I was all set to see them at Lollapalooza for several shows in Chicago. Originally it was suppose to be with Jane’s Addiction but Dave is sadly still dealing with long term Covid and was unable to tour. So instead, Perry dusted off his second band Porno for Pyros, a band I have never seen or shot. They did play one night on the 2003 Lolla tour, but that was one of the last shows and I had passed the baton to my fellow photographer and friend, John Shearer.

Porno for Pyros first played on the rooftop for the annual Founder’s Party, a private intimate show and then was playing on the Lolla stage for day four of Lollapalooza.

However, the night before, they were also going to do a after show at The Metro. I thought this would be my best opportunity to do a portrait, in particular, the stairwell leading to the stage.

Which is exactly what I did. After their rehearsals in the green room, I tested my light and composition and was ready as they made their way to the stage.

If I had more time, I would have added more lights but I think it came out pretty well.