I remember it like it was yesterday. It was 2007 and I was under a year in at Zildjian. The location Twin Rivers Casino in Rhode Island. Band was Cheap Trick. It would be the first time meeting a band representing a company and doing photography on stage. At the time I was just working on my live show photography skills and before I even did video. I was just in awe of the day. I ended up getting there real early and was connected with the drum tech for Bun E. Carlos. He was very kind and later found out, not all techs/managers are the same in terms of kindness. I was lucky to meet the drum tech and he took us over to Bun’s kit and we got to hold Rick Nielsen’s 5-neck guitar.

. It was quite a rush but also anxiety as the band still was yet to arrive. When you only see the backstage in movies, you have this crazy picture (and some of it is very accurate) but it didn’t disappoint. I was standing there with my brother and they came walking through and people who paid for VIP go to shake hands and say hi. My brother the whole time was like “Oh my God its!” And then “Oh its!!” Bun E. Carlos stopped to say hi and then they went to the dressing room. Before the show the artist relation person at the time came in and he introduced himself and we were in the dressing room. My first visit to a dressing room and while we were in there, Rick Nielsen dropped in and said we should take the Zildjian font and make a shirt with a special name on it. I won’t say what that was, but it was really funny.

Talking with Bun E. Carlos, I was going to be on stage behind the speakers and would come out and take photos in between song 5 and 6 and then get off stage. I was sweating and was hoping I would not shake when I was taking the photos. My moment came and I ran out and took the shots. That is when Rick decided to say to the crowd. “Hey everyone, we have Eminem is taking photos tonight give him a round of applause!” I bowed my head and then ran off the stage.

After the show Bun E. was asking how it went, I thanked him for allowing me to take photos and then he pointed out the cases of water, soda, and M&Ms that he had and was like “I am not going to need all of this, do you want to take it.” Five minutes later, my brother and have cases of drinks and candy as we struggled our way to the car. It was the turning point in my life to get better with photography and eventually video. I remember those moments and how I have grown personally and professionally from that night. Special to say the least. As I say to everyone, any moment or opportunity you get, take it, maximize it, and enjoy every moment as you may never get that opportunity again.