Minus The Bear | 12.01.18 | Emo’s
I still remember the first time I heard Minus the Bear: I remember feeling at home. The vocals and melodies were a perfect storm of what draws me to bands and their music. I’ve been lucky enough to catch them on more than one occasion, and as with any band you connect with, it really bummed me out to hear they were going to stop making new music and touring. I was really hoping to photograph, and wanted to buy a ticket anyways to the show. A few friends and I made plans to buy tickets but when it came time to do so, the show had already sold out. I’m not one to give up so easily on trying to get into shows though, and where there’s a will there’s a way. I managed to score tickets the week before the show just in case I didn’t get in to photograph, but as it turns out…. I got an email for clearance as I was walking out the door to meet up with one of my friends the night of the show.
I’ve been to a handful of ‘farewell’ tours… but in my memory, none seemed to have the finality of this particular one. Minus the Bear walked out, started playing and I stood there nothing short of being in awe, with a huge smile on my face. All the guys were clearly having a good time and thoroughly enjoying themselves on that stage. The crowd’s energy behind me as I was photographing was palpable. I heard a woman behind me scream ‘OH MY GODDDDDDDD YES!!!” and I turned to smile at her because that echoed my exact sentiments. I hope it’s not the last time we see these guys, but it really feels like it might. I’m so humbled and grateful for the opportunity to photograph what might very well be the last tour of this cherished band… it never ceases to amaze me that this is something I get to do.
