Neck Deep, Drain, Bearings, and Higher Power @ Royal Oak Music Theatre

NECK DEEP taken by SHERBURT 2.13.23

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Neck Deep has been on my list of bands to photograph since I started doing this over a decade ago. For whatever reason it just seemed like it was never going to happen. Denial after denial. Then I got approved and woke up the day of the show sick with the flu. And of course, more denials. Then I had to not put in once for inventory at my old job. It just seemed like a lost cause. Then they announced this tour with one of my favorite bands in the world, Drain. I took this as a sign, that it was time. I could easily just hit Drain up and they would hook me up but I wanted to do this right. I wanted to do it on my own accord, and I wanted to go through the headliner. I didn’t want to ask for a favor. I didn’t ask for one for Blink or NOFX. So I did it the old way, the same way that got me the first gigs. Publicity.

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NECK DEEP LIVE IN AMERICA

N E C K D E E P

D R A I N

B E A R I N G S

H I G H E R P O W E R

I have been working so many production shows that I haven't been able to do these kinds of gigs as often as I would like. These are a net loss for me every time. There is no payment for these kinds of gigs. Working for a publication maybe they might pay you, but I work for myself so I go in knowing I am losing money on parking, on a beverage, on food afterward and even sometimes, having to pay for tickets. Hence why a lot of these types of shows have been getting thinner and thinner on my calendar. The best part is that it’s not the same reason most start to give up shows, it’s because I have prior obligations to production companies and one of the biggest bands on the face of the planet. So with all that being said, at this point in my career, if I am willing to lose money to work, it’s because it is something I truly want to do.

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Alongside Neck Deep and Drain were Bearings and Higher Power creating an absolutely stacked lineup stretching from UK Pop Punk to California Hardcore.

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NECK DEEP

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DRAIN

BEARINGS

HIGHER POWER

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