Gov't Mule and Dark Side of the Mule at Red Rocks 8-7-23

Michael Yanko

Rock Legends Photographers

Red Rocks was on my bucket list for many years. In early July I got an email from Gov't Mule stating that they were going to be playing there on 8-7-23 doing their Dark Side of the Mule performance. I thought this might be the perfect opportunity to cross this one off my list. After doing a little research I found out that not only was Jason Bonham opening the show with his Led Zeppeling Evening, Joe Bonamassa was playing there the night before. The decision was made, and 15 minutes later I had flights, car rental, and a hotel all booked. I was very excited to cross this one off my list and enjoy 2 nights of amazing music. I had seen Gov't Mule several times before, but I had heard that the DSOTM shows are spectacular. I was very excited for this 2 great days of music.

Unlike the previous rainy night the weather was perfect. Special guest Jason Bonham and his Led Zeppelin Evening opened the show with an amazing tribute to Zeppelin. This was the perfect band to preface the amazing performance we were all about to experience. 

Jason Bonham at Red Rocks in Morrison, Colorado 8-7-23

Michael Yanko 

Rock Legends Photographers

Day two of my Red Rocks bucket list adventure trip was the best of the two. The weather was wonderful, and this time I had a pass to shoot from the photo pit. Plus, there were 2 great bands, Jason Bonham's Led Zeppelin Evening, and Gov't Mule doing their own music as well as a set of Pink Floyd songs.

Bonham's band opened the show performing their Led Zeppelin Evening.

 I was fortunate to see Led Zeppelin several times in the 70s, and they definitely cemented a place in my memory as one of the greatest bands of all time. Jason Bonham's band is amazing, and they sound closer to the original Led Zeppelin than any tribute band ever could. 

Bucket List! Red Rocks with Joe Bonamassa August 6th, 2023

 By Michael Yanko 

Rock Legends Photographers

     Having been a concert photographer since the 70s and shooting thousands of concerts, hundreds of festivals, and nine music cruises, Red Rocks has been on my bucket list for many years. When I got an email from Gov't Mule stating that they were playing there, it piqued my interest. When I found out that Jason Bonham was opening and that Joe Bonamassa was playing the night before, I realized it was time to make a trip to Colorado and cross this one off my list!

     Red Rocks is located in Morrison, Colorado, about a half hour outside Denver. It's surrounded by beautiful scenery, which made for a wonderful drive. We parked at the onsite museum, and then made the one-mile trek downhill to the box office to get our photo passes. The excitement in the air was already starting to build and we met some great people at the box office. One of the people we met was Joe Bonamassa's driver, and he was more than helpful with tips about the venue. The best tip of all was that there was a shuttle to take me up to the top where the venue is. The shuttle dropped me off at the backstage entrance, giving me an opportunity to capture the stunning photo on the next page.

Collective Soul Captivates in Central Florida

Collective Soul

Busch Gardens 

February 29, 2020

Tampa, FL

By Michael Yanko

Rock Legends Photographers

90's alternative rock band Collective Soul has become one of my favorite touring bands to see, hear, and photograph. The energy that they bring to the stage is contagious and it's very obvious that this band truly enjoys performing! This was my third time covering them in the last couple of years and each time has had the excitement of the very first time I saw them many years ago.

This particular show was the inaugural offering for what looked to be a promising concert series at  Busch Gardens' Food and Wine Festival.

The evening was very chilly for this time of year in Florida but that didn't stop thousands of fans from cramming into the outdoor venue to rock out with the band. 

Don Felder Rocks The Eagles Hits

Disney Epcot
Orlando, FL
By Michael Yanko
Rock Legends Photographers

The Garden Rocks Concert Series, hosted by Disney Epcot, brings top talent to central Florida in a beautiful mini amphitheater type setting.

On this particular night Don Felder of The Eagles fame was the star, and star he did! Backed by very talented musicians/back up vocalists David Myhre on guitar, bassist Jeff Coffe, keyboardist Timothy Drury, and Chris Ralles on drums, the band was tight and did a wonderful job sounding as close to the original The Eagles music as possible. Felder's vocals are still very strong and his guitar playing is still top notch. 

A Bowie Celebration

March 17, 2019
Capitol Theatre
Clearwater, FL

By Michael Yanko 
Rock Legends Photographers

I am a huge Bowie fan so when I heard about a Bowie tribute at one of our favorite venues, I was all in. As we got closer to the date I found out that this wasn't just your ordinary tribute band. The members were mostly made up of musicians that performed, recorded, and co-wrote with David Bowie!

The show consisted of many Bowie hits with some deeper cuts mixed in as well as "All the Young Dudes" which was a crowd favorite.

Candlebox Rocks Central Florida 25 Years After Their Debut Release

March 13, 2019

The Plaza Live
Orlando, Florida

by Michelle Wilson of Rock Legends Photographers

90s post-grunge rockers Candlebox brought their explosive show to a packed house at The Plaza Live in Orlando this past week, and they have never sounded better. "Florida has always been a good state for Candlebox," said frontman Kevin Martin. He is the only original member but has been supported by the same tight band for a few years now. The band's monster, self-titled first record was released in 1993, and they have been touring to honor their masterpiece that has stood the test of time. Even Martin is amazed. "I can't believe this record survived 25 years. I'm about to turn 50. It's freakin' me out!" Backed by guitarists Brian Quinn and Island Styles, bassist Adam Kury and drummer Dave Krusen, the Seattle darlings played a 90-minute blazer to a venue of adoring fans.

The Rain, the Mud, and Bourbon & Beyond

Champions Park
Louisville, KY 9-22-18
By Michael Yanko
Rock Legends Photographers

First off I must say that this was the best festival out of hundreds I have been to over my many years. The organization was unprecedented. There were many different kinds of food and drink vendors, rental lockers in different locations, adequate and friendly staff, large twin stages right next to each other with a large photo pit that transcended the length, great sound, and excellent lighting. When your festival is in Kentucky and your sponsors include several major bourbon distilleries it makes sense that you would be able to provide the best festival accommodations in the country.

Sting and Shaggy

Daily's Place
Jacksonville, FL
by Michael Yanko
Rock Legends Photographers

     Although I've been a Sting fan since the debut of the first album The Police did back in 1978, it had been over 25 years since I had seen him perform. I really didn't know what to expect, especially when you throw in some Shaggy. My curiosity was piqued.

Midge Ure (Ultravox) and Paul Young

The Plaza Live
Orlando, FL 9-16-18
by Michael Yanko
Rock Legends Photographers

When you go to see and hear 80's artists perform you sort of have to put your ears in your heart and hope for the best. On this particular evening that wasn't necessary as both Midge Ure and Paul Young did a fantastic job of entertaining the crowd with the hits from their careers.

The Plaza Live in Orlando is an intimate venue where every seat in the house has a great view and excellent sound. The staff there is very accommodating, the seats are comfortable, and on this evening the air was charged with excitement for the show the guests were about to enjoy.

Beth Hart Orlando, FL

Hard Rock Live
Orlando, FL 8-10-18
by Michael Yanko
Rock Legends Photographers

From the moment she weaved through the crowd from the back of the venue to the stage while singing her opening note to the final note of the last song, Beth Hart totally captivated every single person in attendance. 

I was a fan of her music before seeing her live but after seeing her perform I have to say that there is no reason for her not to win every female blues award until she hangs it up and stops singing. There is so much emotion in her show and she deserved every one of the standing ovations she received that night.

Kenny Wayne Shepherd Band in Orlando, FL

Hard Rock Live
Orlando, FL 8-10-18
by Michael Yanko
Rock Legends Photographers

Blues-rock guitarist Kenny Wayne Shepherd plays so hard and with so much energy that I'm surprised that things don't melt around him when he walks up on stage. Having seen him twice before, once with Experience Hendrix and once with The Rides, I knew what to expect, but seeing him playing his own songs made it that much more special.

When Shepherd plays it's almost like the guitar is part of his body. His hands seem to flow on it as easily as if he was smoothing out a wrinkle on his shirt.

The Alarm in Orlando, FL

The Social
Orlando, FL 8-16-18
by Michael Yanko
Rock Legends Photographers

From the moment frontman, singer, guitarist, and founding member Mike Peters walked out on stage the crowd of hundreds of adoring fans were instantly transported back to the 80's. There is something about seeing a great 80's band in a small packed club with brick walls and lots of colored lighting that just makes it all magically come together. 

Peters and his wife Jules (keyboards, backup vocals) were joined on stage by drummer, Steve "Smiley" Barnard, who has been with the band since 2010, and guitarist James Stevenson, who has been with the band since 1999. Stevenson played bass on most songs while Peters played rhythm-lead guitar. Towards the end of the show Smiley came out from behind his kit and played a bit of lead guitar on Peters' acoustic as well. 

REO Speedwagon and Chicago in Tampa, Florida

MidFlorida Credit Union Amphitheatre
Tampa, FL 7-21-18
By Michael Yanko
Rock Legends Photographers

This venue is perfect for a professional concert photographer. There is plenty of room to shoot, the lighting is excellent, the staff is helpful, professional, friendly from top to bottom, and the location easy to get to.

A Night With Joe Bonamassa in Northern Florida

May 10, 2018

St. Augustine Amphitheatre
St. Augustine, Florida

By Michael Yanko
Rock Legends Photographers

St. Augustine Amphitheatre is a modern concert venue set in Anastasia State Park with state-of-the-art sound and lighting. Upon arrival at this beautiful venue one could immediately feel the energy and excitement in the air that Joe Bonamassa's concerts are famous for. The majority of the approximately 4,000 seats were filled with standing, cheering fans when Bonamassa walked out on the stage at 7:30 PM and from that moment on both the night and the people belonged to him.

Mike & The Mechanics Bring Their "Let Me Fly" Tour To Central Florida

March 19, 2018

The Plaza Live
Orlando, Florida

by Michelle Wilson of Rock Legends Photographers

Mike & The Mechanics absolutely rocked The Plaza Live in Orlando, Florida with a blazing, one hour-and-forty minute set of all their hits, including a few Genesis tunes. Skipping an opener and taking the stage at 8pm, the band played straight through until 9:40pm, offering a warm, inviting vibe of genuine camaraderie among the members. Original Genesis bassist/guitarist Mike Rutherford was backed on this tour by co-lead vocalists Tim “The Power” Howar, Andrew Roachford (keys), Anthony Drennan (guitar/bass), Gary Wallis (drums/percussions) and Toby Chapman (keys/bass).

Candlebox Rocks Central Florida With Whole Damn Mess and State To State

March 2, 2018

The Plaza Live
Orlando, Florida

by Michelle Wilson of Rock Legends Photographers

It's hard to believe that 25 years have elapsed since the release of the eponymously named, smash debut record from Seattle-based post-grunge rockers, Candlebox. The eleven-song chartbuster is as fresh today as it was in 1993. Founding member/lead singer Kevin Martin joked on stage at The Plaza Live that the milestone anniversary meant that some of us were as old as he was. While that may be true, the no-holds-barred frontman still has the chops and the audience appeal to perform as if it IS still 1993. Delivering a 90-minute blazing set for the packed, standing-room-only sea of fans, Martin and his band proved that not only do they still have it, they totally own it. Backing Martin on this tour are guitarists Brian Quinn and Island Styles, bassist Adam Kury and drummer Dave Krusen.

Texas Guitar Icon Eric Johnson Wows With "Ah Via Musicom" In Central Florida

February 23, 2018

The Plaza Live
Orlando, Florida

by Michelle Wilson of Rock Legends Photographers

When describing guitarists, the word "virtuoso" NEVER should be thrown around lightly. However, when mentioning Eric Johnson, it ABSOLUTELY applies. The Grammy-winning legendary singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist currently is touring to thrill audiences with a start-to-finish performance of his iconic 1990 record, Ah Via Musicom, the album that contains his masterpiece, "Cliffs of Dover." As an added bonus, he is performing the 11-song opus with his original band members, bassist Kyle Brock and drummer Tommy Taylor. 

Arielle Enchants Central Florida at The Plaza Live, Orlando

February 23, 2018

The Plaza Live
Orlando, Florida

by Michelle Wilson of Rock Legends Photographers

Singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist Arielle is wowing crowds across the country while on tour as support for Eric Johnson. But she is SO MUCH more than just an opening act. Boasting a four-octave range, the uber-talented 27-year-old is a brilliant singer/songwriter as well as a highly skilled guitarist and keys player. When you have musicians such as Eric Johnson, Vince Gill and Brian May of Queen in your corner, you must be doing something right – and Arielle certainly is.

Clearwater Sea-Blues Festival Sizzles on Florida's West Coast

February 25, 2018

Coachman Park
Clearwater, Florida

by Michelle Wilson of Rock Legends Photographers

The 12th annual Clearwater Sea-Blues Festival delighted blues diehards at downtown Clearwater's Coachman Park. Enhanced by a breathtaking waterfront backdrop, the two-day event spotlighted Kenny Wayne Shepherd Band as the Saturday headliner (and was SOLD-OUT for VIP/Reserved seating) as well as George Worthmore, The Steepwater Band, Super Doppler, Greyhounds, and ZZ Ward. Rock Legends Photographers' Michelle Wilson and Michael Yanko were on hand for Day Two featuring killer sets from David Julia, Rusty Wright Band, Samantha Fish, Toronzo Cannon, and headliner Ana Popovic.