STONE at EBGBS- Thursday 17th March

As a photographer, it’s always been my goal to capture energy and emotion through my work. Spirited and lively bands like STONE give me a perfect platform to do this and tonight was no different!

Being fresh to the live performance scene, I know that I’ve never experienced an act like STONE. With their overwhelming presence on stage, I’ve looked forward to the challenge of their fast- paced and spirited show that they have lined up. Amongst the hustle and bustle of the St. Patrick’s day crowds around Liverpool, STONE prepared in the basement of local music venue EBGBS for what was to be an intense night. The underground alternative den and music venue has been host to many acts since its opening in 2016 and creates a space for personal and energetic events.

Cassette Theory_Credit: Nathan Cole

STONE kicked off their intimate night with a friendly meet-up accompanied by a handful of the audience. This certainly set the tone for the night with everybody coming together for an upbeat lead up to their performance; starting with local band Cassette Theory! This five piece modern post-punk band from Liverpool gave an impressive performance to start off the night and get the audience going. Although only established late last year (2021) their confidence and appeal were unquestionably prominent throughout their time on stage. Renditions of their songs, particularly the recent release ‘directors cut’ was imposing and certainly took an effect on everyone listening. Their ninth live performance was no doubt a flawless introduction to a guaranteed outstanding night! As the anticipation for the main event surged, the venue filled leaving no space for movement. Intimate was an understatement for the extremely up close and personal show that was soon to start. The atmosphere radiating from the devoted fans filled the limited space that was left. This energy only increased once STONE bounced onto the stage, wasting no time to jump into their set. 

STONE_Credit: Nathan Cole

Opening with a lively song ‘Keep running’ they had the audience full of life, jumping up and down right from the start. To see my personal favourite performed live was an excellent improvement bringing a higher energy that can’t be replicated through recorded songs. For my first time experiencing stone live, Nothing could have prepared me for the energy and stage presence they bring to every moment of the show. Their lead singer Fin brought the performance to life by connecting with the audience on a whole new level. Nearly more time was spent off the stage amongst the crowd creating a personal bond with the audience closest. The show carried on in the same manner, with Fin urging the audience to come closer and eventually leading to being carried across the top of the crowd. It was an impressive sight to watch stone maintain such a high amount of energy in a smaller venue, which made for a night filled with spirit and liveliness. 

STONE_Credit: Nathan Cole

To conclude the performance in the same fashion, STONE ended with a fan favourite and popular song ‘Leave it out’, this brought the night to a Marvellous close with the exact same spark as the beginning. As one of the best bands I have photographed at the start of my live music journey, I loved every second of their dynamic and powerful performance. The passion that STONE put across on stage was breathtaking and I can’t wait for the opportunity to experience it again!

-Nathan Cole

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