Going Underground

Some photos of the Denny Laine gig at The Cavern last night. The fact that we were able to take photos at all is an interesting one, and the matter has troubled mr recently due to a number of incidents.

By chance, The Guardian today reports on the case of comedian, Lee Hurst, who was guilty of criminal damage when he smashed an audience member's mobile phone. He thought the man was stealing his jokes.

Now, the question of copyright ownership and publishing rights is well-known; in most theatres and private venues there are strict rules prohibiting photography and recording. We know that bootlegs always turn up but essentially the artist and/or venue have the right to prevent breaches.

However, there does not seem to be much consistency. A certain irony struck me this week when after being told off at Tranmere Rovers for snatching a few shots, I saw an advert in the local butcher's for our local non-league team, Cammell Laird. The photo looked familiar and upon closer inspection I found that it was one I'd taken and put on Flickr. Obviously the club allowed photos and is within its rights to use images (though it would have been nice to have been told).

Denny, for his part was very friendly and even consented to a quick shot in the dressing room when I opened the wrong door looking for the toilets (yeh, I know, happens all the time but anyone who knows my sense of direction will be aware that search parties have been alerted on expeditions to Wetherspoon's ornate urinals.)

The gig was superb with Denny in fine voice and the concert should be released later in the year on CD. As well as old Wings numbers (Mull of Kintryre, Time To Hide, Deliver Your Children) he also showcased some new stuff and a lot had a very bluesy feel. It was a welcome reminder of Laine's contribution to Wings and confirms the belief that Macca lost a lot of impetus when the group was finished up. I've been listening to London Town and Back To The Egg all week.

Photography in public spaces is also under fire due to recent Government changes. Here, the problem stems from the interpretation of the new legislation which could be used as a catch all offence as various obscure public order laws were used against striking miners in the 80s.