Confessions of a Rock Concert Bootlegger

  

My name is Mad Raving and I had been collecting bootleg video tapes for a long time as hobby (since the late 80's).Most of these were purchased at record/video shows (usually held in malls) or via mail purchase from a bootleg seller advertising in Goldmine magazine - the ultimate magazine for ads involving old time records but also audio and video bootlegs.Soon we would both get involved in trading copies of our vhs tapes for other collectors live concert vhs tapes.I would eventually get involved in trading on my own as my brother was now supporting a family by the mid and late 90's.

(NOTE: BOOTLEG VIDEO TAPERS would be simply known in the bootleg world as "Filmers" or "Bootleg Filmers".I will use the term FILMERS more often in this story.)

My brother and I were big concert goers from as long as I could remember.It's easy to remember our first concert since it was The Who in Orlando on November 27th,1982. Since then,it has been a passion.Right from waiting on the lines early in the morning to purchase the tickets,to the pre-concert tailgate parties,and than the show itself.For myself, the passion would remain up til 1998, but it would be for a different reason.

I met a guy named Bill at a Jefferson Starship concert on a Sunday afternoon at Gulfstream Park in Hallandale,Florida (spring 1998) while he was standing to the right of the sound desk and video taping the concert on a tripod.He told me he was given permission by the band's manager about 30 minutes before show time.But he told me that was rare, that most of the time he had to hide the camcorder with a shirt and sneak (stealth) tape a show.He told me he had the tripod in his car, and once he was given the permission,he went back to get it.But in most cases in the future for myself,if you used a tripod in a sitting down situation inside an arena, a minitripod was what you would use.Also known as a lap pod.This was used for sneak/stealth/bootleg filming.

He gave me some tips on how to get started.But one thing he was adamant about was that he only traded copies of his master video tapes.He was big against selling them.At this point I was only interested in the trading aspect of it anyway.We both agreed to start a website called http://www.Southfloridatapers.com for bootleg filmers locally to trade copies of our master tapes with eachother.I spent some time at his home with his wife and we became good friends. I would also get involved in other national and international message boards and forums where bootleg video tapers (known as "Filmers") would discuss and advertise their own filmed shows for sale.I was told I could make some good money.At this point I had declined the notion of doing such a thing.First of all,I was a bit wary of the risks involved.I was also afraid to betray my new friend Bill.

I saw no sign of him on the national bootleg filmer forums and started to interact in conversations via these message boards and in doing so, learned alot about what type of camcorder was the ultimate type for stealth filming.

What type of mic,tapes,batteries,etc. There were tips on the best way to sneak the camcorder and the additonal equipment into the venues.I would eventually learn my own methods to get inside.I had read that some boot filmers would get caught at the door more often than others.I was adamant to not let that happen to me.My stories on how I got past pat down searches and metal detectors on a daily basis are included in the a few of the concerts below.

Then there was the information about where to advertise your video tapes for sale. I learned there were fan based message boards for most of the rock bands.You could find the busiest ones by doing internet searches.I would technically become a spam artist.Some fans of that certain band would object to the advertisement, but most would be very appreciative and very excited over the chance to purchase a decently bootleg filmed concert of their favorite band.

My first purchase was a tiny minidv camcorder, which seemed logical to have, since it would be easier to sneak into a venue.But in those days they did not make batteries that lasted more than an hour and they were ultra expensive.Well over $100.I just didn't have the money to buy three batteries that it would take to cover a 2 hour concert.I could barely afford the camcorder itself.

I would soon find out that the larger Hi8 camcorder with the 4 hour battery capability was the way to go.Not to mention that these camcorders were more durable when it came to the wear and tear that would be involved in bootleg filming.Also,the zoom factor was important.The minidv had a small zoom factor (you filmed in optical setting,never in digital due to the pixelation it would cause).The zoom in a Hi8 cam was more than double that of a minidv cam.



My first attempt was a Stones show in Sunrise at a brand new arena in Sunrise in March 1999.It was good practice.The show was sold out and there was alot of security and this was a major band.Remember, at this point in March of 1999,I was in the trading community only.So there was no pressure, other than that I was green and scared just by what I was attempting to do.I recall filming openly and no one caring.Security just never saw me.I lucked out. I was told by other filmers on the forum that I would need to hide the cam with an exta shirt,leaving the lens uncovered of course.The next several months would involve me saving money to upgrade everything.As you read my concert film chronicle below, you will see the progress via my notes.

In January 2000,appx. 10 months after I started filming shows,and appx. 12 years after solely trading tapes - I was now official a bootleg seller. My first show was prolific in profits.It was Davy Jones (ex-Monkee) at Gulfstream Park (see the story below).How ironic,the same venue I met Bill at. My internet search would lead me to find out that there were hundreds of Monkees and Davy Jones fan based message boards.

I had continued to be a member of the traders only group at the aformentioned south florida website and had kept the secret from Bill as long as I could.But of course he found out, and lectured me and than dropped me as a friend immediately.I was ok with it,I was moving on.I soon found out that he wasn't much of a taper.I soon found out that I would end of being the ONLY bootleg filmer in all of Florida.And I would soon become internationally known and almost as prolific as the notorious North East filmers (Kevin in NYC,Joe in Philly,and so on).

Soon, I would start selling on Ebay.Going thru numerous different accounts each time I would get suspended.There was no way to figure out why ebay suspends some bootleggers and others never get suspended.One thing was known.Ebay had a watch group that involved band's lawyers,their record labels (Warner,Epic,etc) and various spotters who would red flag suspicious auctions (bootlegs for sale!).

I would go thru a dozen different ebay accounts using different credit cards and various bank account information.Using different User names and so on. My business got so out of hand.I was filming the shows and then advertising on forums and selling on Ebay.I would answer hundreds of questions from potential buyers almost daily, while I took in the payments via paypal or snail mail money orders.I designed the bootleg case covers artwork.I ordered new dvd cases every 3 weeks.As well as cases of vhs and dvd mailers.

I spent appx. 16 hours a day (my off days from my real job) doing this just to keep up.If I didn't get an order shipped in a certain promised time,the buyers would start to panic and think I was ripping them off.Sometimes I did get behind.I had some orders get lost in the mail (USPS sucks).Some discs or tapes would break or just didn't work.So sometimes I would also have to deal with resending an order.Most of the time things went well.But you had to deal with anything at anytime.This also involved some fans sending me hate email which included "turning" me into the RIAA or the band's management themselves.

I was a one man factory.I did everything.My brother would soon get involved in helping me, mostly with going to the post office to stand on line with up to 100 packages some times.We split the time doing this, but I was so busy I could not leave the house.I had a fulltime job to tend to as well.

 

Our favorite band,The Who, announced a Summer/Fall tour for 2000.I would plan Mike and I's first road trip to see several shows.The bootleg business would help a great deal in the finances involved in seeing these shows. I filmed over 900 concerts in many different venues in South Florida and some in North Florida.I only include notes to concerts of interest as far as incidents involved with the filming or sneaking in each show.

Not mentioned in the story are the 30 or so times I got caught.Honorable mention includes being roughed up by Bob Dylan's personal crew at Ft.Lauderdale stadium a few years ago.Imagine sitting in a half empty stadium on a stormy but relaxing night, and all of sudden someone forearms you in the back then twists your left arm way behind you.It sucked.Then 4 other security guys identified themselves as Dylan's private security. led me down stairs where they kind of pushed me around, demanding that I confess to being the leader of a Dylan bootleg ring (which I wasn't).I talked my way out of the venue without them ripping me apart after giving them a sob story that I had drive 300 miles from North Florida to see Dylan, because he was my idol and I was only filming the show for my personal archives.The lie worked and I was released.My back and arm was a little sore the next day and my pride was hurt.I also learned to never attempt to film a Dylan show ever again.His boots never sell well anyway.Not worth the trouble.

At a YES concert in W.Palm Beach,I was caught by one security guy..a young but big dude.He demanded my tape,but I had asked him if we could walk down stairs and away from crowd to avoid the embarrassment.He agreed and as we walked,I trailed behind him just enough to eject the tape and stuff it down my pants.I replaced a blank tape (usually my decoy tape is at the midpoint, so if security examined it, it looked used)...but I didn't have it with me,so I had use my blank tape,which I was going to need for the YES encore,which was about to begin when I got caught.So,we made it near the exit and the guy asked me to eject the tape.He took the tape and led to the exit gate,but as he examined the tape he noticed it was rewinded to the start(a new tape!a different tape!).Remember,I was caught near the end of the main set.This guy knew I pulled a fast one and threatened to kick my ass.He instead led me to the the police over on their golf carts nearby.He told them what was going on and the police got pissed at him, telling him -"just throw him out like you were going to do,what do you want us to do?".The guy pushed thru the gate and I was gone.

The fun part about the Amphitheater that would change their name like four times, was their security was in huge numbers and all over the place in this venue.But somehow I managed to film over 100 shows here and only got caught a few times.I would soon start dealing in importing PROFESSIONALLY Filmed concerts from various sources (TV,Euro and Japan pay per view or free tv events,In House video screen,etc).I main imports came from Japan and Germany and involved classic rock bands (60's,70's,80's).The stuff that was surfacing from 2003-2006 was exciting.You talk about super visual quality and sound quality pro filmed shows..complete.It would make the bootleg filming/taping a secondary interest.

THE CONCERTS:

ROLLING STONES SUNRISE,FL 3/5/99 AUD/SCREENNATIONAL CAR RENTAL CENTERBRIEF BUT GOOD! 25 MIN'S A M DIGITAL CAM

My first attempt at bootlegging a concert started off with in a major venueand a major rock band.I bought a new minidv camcorder that came witha battery with a lifespan of 30-40 minutes.I was so green,I had no idea thecam came with such a low powered battery.But it was good practice for a beginner.I found out the more you use the "zoom" button,the quicker the battery power would be used up.I learned to refrain from doing that in thefuture, with this battery and with subsequent upgraded batteries to follow.

LITTLE RIVER BAND HALLANDALE,FL 3/6/99 AUD 40MIN M- GULFSTREAM RACETRACK-ONE CAM,VERY CLOSE.

My first video taping of a show at Gulfstream Park,the first of many at theoutdoor venue.The shows started at 2pm on the weekends only - daytime.The next several shows would be with that same battery.There was many security guys to deal with as well as a Hallandale cop thatlooked like Dick Butkis - who roamed the venue every show looking for anything that looked like trouble.He never nailed me, matter of fact,I was never caught taping at this place despite filming many shows here.

BLACK CROWES SUNRISE,FLA 3/26/99 AUD 40MIN A M-SUNRISE MUSICAL THEATER-Starts off shaky, than a TRIPOD shot fromthe left balcony with zoom in.NEW TOUR!INCOMPLETE DIGITAL CAM

This was at the now defunct Sunrise Musical Theater.My first attempt here.They did mostly hand - pat down searches.They did more thorough searches here than many venues.I used the method of laughing my way in.As the guy pats me down near the inner thigh and around the crotch area,I move right past him quickly and laugh like a madman as if I am extremely ticklish .This is a total act of insanity - but it worked.But I would soon have to come up with other tactics - as I had to deal with alot of metal detectors in the future at most venues.This was the only time I did this tactic.It was ridiculous to think it would work everytime, but looking like a fool was not cool.I am already a fool as is. I stood up in the stairwell, behind a security guy, that was just to the left of the wall that separated the stairs to the exit of that section.I positioned the camcorder on the stairs railing.I saw the crowd in their seats to my right looking at me the whole show,I figured someone would rat me out.I got only 40 minutes as usual with that damn small battery -still saving money up to buy a 2-4 hour battery.

BAD COMPANY POMPANO BEACH AMPHITHEATER,FL 5/19/99

WARM UP CONCERT FOR UP AND COMING REUNION TOURTO START IN JUNE! SHOT FROM 6th ROW, BUT HEADSGET IN THE WAY. BUT GREAT AUDIO!ONE CAMERA 75 MIN B/B+ M DIGICAM

My first attempt at the extremely difficult (new amphitheater at the time)venue.The seats did not slant downward enough to get above heads.Most of the shows were filmed standing up or sitting in the last row sitting uncomfortably on the chair back (meaning, balancing myself on the sharp edge and resting my feat on the seat).I have been caught filming here only a few times...but not at this show.I tried to film from closeup, but with everyone standing, it did not work out too well.I soon later learned the tecniques I mentioned above.

BLACK SABBATH WEST PALM BCH 5/27/99 AUD 20MIN B+ M-CORAL SKY AMPHITHEATER-SUPERCLOSE SHOT FROM 7TH ROW,ONLY FIRST 30MIN

My first encounter with metal detectors.I was definitely a little freaked but confident.I wore a studded pants belt (from a Kiss halloween costume),alot of loose change in my pockets and  clipped several different sets of keys on my belt loops - so as to distract the security as to why the dectector was going off.What I would do before entering is to look for the longer line,and the youngest looking security or the one who appears to be doing a lousy scanning job.They always get tired of my "heavy metaled out" attire and eventually always let me thru with not much of a hassle.I had feeling this was going to work well in the future - and it did. I love this band! So I had to be close, just to enjoy the show with my brother and friends.But I am busted by security and told to shut it down.They let me keep the tape which was a rare occasion.But I was busted a 2nd time, and again- this different security guy did not take my tape away.This is super rare.Footage was only 20 minutes, but includes super super close up shots of Ozzy and Iommi.

ALANIS MORISSETTE SUNRISE,FL 8/18/99 AUD 40MIN A-- NATIONAL CAR RENTAL CENTER-CENTER,DISTANT.OPENING NIGHT ON TOUR.SECOND HALF ONLYDIGITAL CAM

I am filming Alanis at the NCRC in the last row,dead center,in the lower level section with my back against the wall.There was a club suite just above me.Up to this point of my filming career I had not thought about the red light indicator.Within 40 minutes of the start of the show,a security person asked me to come with her.I asked her why and she said just follow me.I was still fairly new at this so I just cooperated.She lead me to the security room in the basement and I confronted by several supervisors.The monitoring room had about 20 tv monitors.I was told that a hidden camera just above me coming from the club suite had picked up my red cam light.Further studying of my actions revealed that was looking around quite often,something I would later learn not to do as often.Matter of fact,peripheal vision would be the key to future filming success. Since this show,I put black tape over my red recording light.Future cams would have an internal feature to shut this light off manually. The security people let me keep the tape,which was only 40 minutes worth of the show, but threw me out of the venue. Not literally,but in the future it would literally happen at Steve Morse solo concert inside a club called Alligator Alley in Sunrise. I was caught filming by this big bouncer and he pulled my arms behind my back as I held onto my camcorder by the strap.I could feel him trying to grab the camcorder and hold onto me as well,as he pushed me toward the front door.He threw me thru the door and I landed face down on the pavement but was able to hold onto the camcorder - and no damage.

BLONDIE MIAMI,FL 8/31/99 AUD 90MIN A- M-JACKIE GLEASON THEATER- ONE CAM,CENTER.BALCONY,STEADY

 

My first show with a bigger cam, with a larger/longer powered battery.Thet hing is,minidv cams at this time - did not have the technology to hold batteries that were 2 hours long or longer,so I was forced to go with theHi8 style camcorder - which I learned to love.This show would teach me a lesson to start using a separate external microphone for better audio. I was so paranoid at this show.There were three security guys watching me thru out the last 20 minutes of the show but I decided to gut it out to the end.I was sitting near an exit door,and as soon the show ended I kicked the doors open and bolted out of there.Many times security would purposely wait until the show was over to bust a taper,so as to not disrupt the audience or also to make the tapers frustrated even more




DOKKEN FT.LAUDERDALE,FL 9/23/99 AUD 90MIN A M HI8-THE CHILI PEPPER-
GREAT WHITE FT.LAUDERDALE,FLA. 9/23/99 AUD 60MIN A M-THE CHILI PEPPER

GREAT,STEADY CLOSE SHOT.AUDIO DISTORTED..SUPER LOUD SHOW



This was a rock club. i got caught sneaking the cam in.the door bouncer told me to bring the cam to my car and then come back.It was still early so I had time to hang out.I came back and went thru the 2nd line(there were only 2 security guys doing checks at the door - no metal detectors were used).I was hoping the other security guy that busted me would not notice me.I did recall this other guy not being involved in the bust as he was busy at that time.This time the initial guy that busted me was very busy doing a shakedown on someone else,and I was able to slip thru this guy with a half ass pat down search. I was in the door! Perseverence pays off, even if risking a total beat down if caught trying to deceive and embarrass these 300 lb door bouncers! At least I know I can out run them if anything happens.







KENNY WAYNE SHEPHERD POMPANO BCH,FL. 9/26/99 AUD A M HI8 -POMPANO FAIRGROUNDS-




Shot right side at outdoor,daytime fest.very good audio 50min i saw an opportunity to film this show outside of the venue -thru the chain link fence - with side of the stage shot.withmy focus on the stage and set on the viewfinder,i did not seethis big security guy reaching his hand over the fence to tryand grab my camcorder until the last second.i am able to fighthim off,and escape with most of the show.he hopped the fenceand chased me, but i outlegged the fat bastard easily.

THE CULT FT.LAUDERDALE,FL THE CHILI PEPPER 10/5/99 70MIN A+



This was one for the ages.The balcony was completely jammed with no place to position myself for a clear filming spot.I go downstairs near the soundboard which was on the main floor.Behind the floor was a jail like bar railing (aluminum).there were a few tables against this railing but they were taken.I asked these four folks sitting at this one table to let me crawl under it and let me film the show in between the railing bars.They were very cool about it, and found it amusing.They didn't look like the kind that would go rat me out to security.I had good instincts about them.I nailed a freaking great great steady pro looking shot.A very famous band with Ian Astbury as the lead singer.

GODSMACK MIAMI,FLA 11/24/99 AUD 70MIN A MASTER-CLUB LEVEL- (SOUTH BEACH)TWO CAM!! SUPER CLEAR,CLOSE! MINOR OBSTRUCTIONS.

LIVE FROM THE LEVEL CLUB ON SOUTH BEACH! GREAT AUDIO!



This is another great night.This is Prince's old club, reopened by new owners.This is the grand opening night.I have no idea whatto expect.I get in past these large bouncer thugs and happen to get a great spot against the upstairs balcony railing,leaning on the rail to film.One slip,and the cam falls to the main floor would perhaps seriously injure someone.And this almost happened a few times at these type of club balcony shots.Sweaty hands and the cam practically halfway over the ledge - and watching security downstairs scan the balcony and hoping they don't spot my lens glaring in the occasional panning spotlights.My friend Kenny was my lookout this night.I didn't need help too often but occasionally my friend or my brother came along as lookouts.

METALLICA MIAMI,FL ORANGE BOWL 12/28/99 AUD 135MIN A/B

STARTS SHAKY,& SOME OBSTRUCTIONS FROM HEADS,THEN STEADYAFTER THAT.


Unfortunate audio drop outs at various times from wind (one mic missing a windscreen).shot from left lower bowl,with cool closeups.The Orange Bowl was filled with 60,000 Metalheads and loads and loads of Metro cops and security.It wasn't an easy shot.Metal detectors were breached fairly easily again.Very windy and cool winter night.My microphone windscreen protector blows off and away,making for a blustery noisy audio.Too bad, it would of been the Metallica shot of the year!

STYX HALLANDALE,FL. 1/8/00 AUD GULFSTREAM PARK 80MIN A -GULFSTREAM RACETRACK- TWO CAM SHOT.SMALL GLITCH NOTED ON SWITCHOVERS.




The first of many multiple cam filmed shots with my friend Patrick and sometimes Eric,and later my brother mike.I bought a $1500 video editing/mixing machine and would do my own multicam directing and editing of many many shows.Soon, even tracking down soundboard audios to synch over the cam audio to upgrade the sound.I would later film Styx often with per- mission.

DAVY JONES (MONKEES) HALLANDALE,FL. 1/16/00 AUD 110MIN A++-GULFSTREAM RACETRACK-GREAT SUPERCLOSE SHOT! DEAD CENTER! GREAT,FUN SHOW!! W/ 30MIN SESSION AUTOGRAPH SIGNING OUTDOORS SHOW! MASTER





At this point I had only been trading my own copies with other bootleg filmers.This was my first attempt at selling copies to fans - and what a way to start! i always knew The Monkees continued to have a massive fan base even as of today...especially Davy Jones,the idol of the band.I saw that the fans had over 100 busy message boards, more than the Beatles.This video/film of the show sold nonstop for 4 years.He never came back this far South until another Monkees show later would also do well for me.

CANNIBAL CORPSE FT.LAUDERDALE,FL. 2/2/00 AUD 75MIN A+ MASTER -THE CHILI PEPPER-

My friend Pat was an ex-guitar player in a death metal band called "Hellwitch".He was now a magazine writer for a Death/Speed metal magazine.he bootlegged all the shows, though some were filmed with permission.I agreed to film as a 2nd angle while hiding in the balcony.As long as he agreed to film my shows (he hated my kind of music and ihated his kind..but it was a way to do a favor in turn).I really liked the 2nd camera man just in case I was busted - would have a backup.As I said above, the 2 angles were cool at the start, but it wasn't neccessary for a bootleg if the one angle was done well. but these shows were so loud that I am sure this is where my hearing loss excelerated.

BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN FT.LAUDERDALE,FL 3/09/00 AUD/SCREEN 180MIN A- MASTER

NATIONAL CAR RENTAL CENTER- (SUNRISE,FLORIDA)




   The infamous bust incident.I am filming upstairs,dead center and had most of this show done when I see 5 sunrise cops coming up the stairs.I had a bad feeling that it wasn't for some kind of fight going on behind me.I mean,this was a Springsteen show afterall but I also had never known cops getting involved with someone taping a show.Security usually is involved only.Once they started for my row, I exited to the left and stepped on alot people's toes in the process.As I flew down the stairs away from the cops,I hit the ejection button to get my tape out and replace it with a blank decoy tape, but as the door came up, it hit my microphone which was taped onto the cam, just a bit off to the side of the door.As it hit the door,it closed down on me and would not eject.It was jammed closed.The cops caught up with me just as made my way in the hallway.They demanded me to eject the door and give them the tape.I told them the door would not open.They thought I was pulling fast one and that this excuse would allow them to let me just leave with the camcorder and the footage.I knew they weren't stupid  (well,I had some hopes),but I was telling them truth.They didn't believe me and threatened to arrest me.They decided to make me place my cam,mic,batteries,extra tapes,my phone,and walkie talkie (for communicating with a big time bootlegger who flew down from nyc for the possible 2 cam shot) onto the hallway floor.

        By now there were more than a few Bruce fans watching this meaningless ordeal.I finally thought of powering off the cam and then turn it back on to see if that would allow for the door to eject - and it worked.I avoided jail or a beatdown.they made me destroy all the tapes,except i tried to hide the one good tape in the garbage can,hoping to retrieve it later, but they were on to me.They brought the head of security to deal with me,and he was satisfied that if I no longer had any tapes,I could stay and watch the last 15 minutess of the show.I was let go.I waited for the end,and called Kevin on the walkie talkie and told him where to meet me.He wasn't pissed that I failed to get my angle,as he got a great shot.But I was pissed off that I failed to impress the kingpin of all time bootleggers (20 years and over 3,000 shows taped by him.his name was kevin and he was legendary).I would soon reach international popularity as one of the best and most prolific bootleg filmers within the next year.I would also go onto do some great shows and 2 cam shots with Kevin here in Florida and also in NYC.


 

 

BADFINGER FT.LAUDERDALE,FL. CHEERS 4/02/00 AUD 65MIN A MASTERTRIPOD.SUPERCLOSE..Hi Fi. w/ JOEY MOLLAND.

"COME AND GET IT"!!!!



    
 I shot this from a bar stool ,but made the mistake of drinking some O'doul beers.I never drank or ate anything before shows because I knew I could not leave to use the restroom during taping,sometimes for a couple of hours,sometimes for even 4 to 6 hours if it was a festival.But this time,i had to leave for a quick release,and you can hear me pissing among a black screen.I left it in the video for a comical effect.Well,truthfully,I transfered it to vhs,and left this part in by accident..as I left the room as I rolled the cam to vcr transfer.This is the band where all the leaders killed themselves,and left Joey Molland to tour relentlessly as Badfinger."If you want it,oh come and get"!



 

KISS WEST PALM BEACH,FLA. 4/08/00 AUD 120MIN A- MASTER-MARS MUSIC AMPHITHEATER- (FORMERLY CORAL SKY) SHOT FROM 14TH ROW!!! SUPER CLOSE UPS!!!! GREAT AUDIO!!SOMEOBSTRUCTIONS FROM HEADS AND ARMS.




My cam was in the shop for repairs. I used my friends camcorder, but he failed to tell me he had a problem with a loose connection on the viewfinder,which would go blank.I thought the cam was powering down intermittently,making it a so so shot.I filmed from the main floor and close,holding the cam above my head.Security missed me somehow.Don't know how,but sometimes luck prevails.Gene Simmons despises bootleggers and I felt great when I left, although I thought at the time the footage was chopped up with the tech problem.It was only when I returned home to view the footage that I discovered that I got the whole show.The viewfinder had a loose connection in the wiring and the power was ok the whole time.

SEBASTIAN BACH FT.LAUDERDALE,FL. 4/25/00 AUD 100MIN A+ MASTER-THE CHILI PEPPER-CENTER SHOT,TRIPOD.FROM FLOOR LEVEL,NO OBSTRUCTIONS.A++ AUDIO!

Some call this my best film ever.I stood next to a security bouncer, who was blocked out by my friend Kenny.I stood in front of the sound desk,but below their view.I was rock steady, pretty good for a standing shot.Another bootlegger who befriended Bach (who gave this bootleg filmer permission to film him in St.louis and some other midwest cities only in exchange for copies) showed Bach my film.He was both impressed and angry.He hated bootleggers in general, which was ironic that he befriended one.Well,he wanted to hunt me down,but my midwest friend calmed him down.Funny,the great Sebastian Bach from Skid Row was sitting in his living room watching my bootleg of him,lol.He would later really want to find me when i bootlegged him playing the lead role in the play "Jesus Christ Superstar". I did a 2 cam mix using my own shots from two different shows.They were so exact,that the videos of these 2 different shows matched perfectly.I am probably the only person on earth who has ever done that.




 

CREED  MIAMI,FL. 4/28/00 ZETA'S BONZAI FESTIVAL AUD 60MIN A MASTER-BAYFRONT PARK AMPHITHEATER-

This is a festival at Bayfront Park in Miami Beach. Security pays a surprise visit just as the show starts (I started filming from the grass area in the back)when i sneak and climb on top of a beer tap van where no one sees me.

LENNY KRAVITZ WEST PALM BEACH,FL. 5/03/00 AUD 110MIN A MASTER -SUNFEST-

OUTDOORS SHOW. SHOT FROM THE TREE.

BLUE OYSTER CULT WEST PALM BEACH,FL. 12/02/00 AUD 70MIN A MASTERSHOT FROM THE FRONT ROW!GREAT AUDIO!

I filmed this in the front row against the fence that separated the stage from the audience at Sunfest.At the end of the show,security spots me as the band takes their bows.Two guys hop the fence to try and pounce on me but I turned around and started to run.Since there were rows and rows of people still there packed in on the lawn,I had to run and knock over many people to escape,guarding my camcorder and using my football fullback-like folded arms as my way to force my way out.As I clear the back area near the sound desk,I see a young woman and her baby in a stroller whom I am on course to run over.I am,thankfully,able to leap over the stroller and avoid a collision.I ran out the gate exit with my tape secured."I need more cowbell"!

 

STYX ORLANDO,FL. 2/06/01 80MIN A MASTER 4 CAM MIX-TD WATERHOUSE ARENA


I filmed my shot from the sound desk on a tripod with permission.This is one of several permission shots done for Styx via Kevin's friendship with Todd Zucherman,the band's drummer.We ended up partying backstage with the band several times.Most of these shows were 4 cam mixes! Definitely semi-pro shots as they are know as.

REO SPEEDWAGON ORLANDO,FL. 2/06/01 75MIN A MASTER-TD WATERHOUSE ARENA  MY ONE CAM PERMISSION TRIPOD SHOT FROM DEAD CENTER AND CLOSE,AS THEY OPENED FOR STYX.

JIMMY BUFFETT SUNRISE,FL. 2/10/01 115MIN A- MASTER INC.

NATIONAL CAR RENTAL CENTER- MISSING LAST SONG / SHAKY.



Security spotted me and gave chase as the show ended,but I escaped to Margaritaville.
I filmed a few Jimmy shows.Always a fun show!

SPACEHOG -  MIAMI,FLA. BONZAI FESTIVAL 4/27/01 23 MIN A MASTER

TANTRIC   - MIAMI,FLA. BONZAI FESTIVAL 4/27/01 26 MIN A MASTER

NON POINT   - MIAMI,FLA. BONZAI FESTIVAL 4/27/01 30 MIN A MASTER

NEW FOUND GLORY  -  MIAMI,FL. BONZAI FESTIVAL 4/27/01 25 MIN

DISTURBED -  MIAMI,FLA. BONZAI FESTIVAL 4/27/01 38 MIN A MASTER

LINKIN PARK  - MIAMI,FLA. BONZAI FESTIVAL 4/27/01 23 MIN A MASTER

STAIND  -  MIAMI,FLA. BONZAI FESTIVAL 4/27/01 35 MIN A MASTER

3 DOORS DOWN   - MIAMI,FLA. BONZAI FESTIVAL 4/27/01 5 MIN A MASTER

OFFSPRING -   MIAMI,FLA. BONZAI FESTIVAL 4/27/01 45 MIN A MASTER




I climbed up a tree and filmed all these bands.Yes,many hours up a tree, switching tapes and batteries.Security never spotted me the whole time.I must of wore some good camougflage attirement this say.



The following shows were shot in NYC during my 5 day stay in Manhattan.
BLACK CROWES NEW YORK CITY,NY 6/07/01 80 MIN A+ 2 CAM MASTER -RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL-

OASIS NEW YORK CITY,NY 6/07/01 65 MIN A+ 2 CAM MASTER -RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL-

THE JOHN ENTWISTLE BAND NEW YORK CITY,NY 6/08/01 65 MIN A+ MASTER-BB KING BLUES CLUB- HANDHELD.SECOND ROW.

THE JOHN ENTWISTLE BAND NEW YORK CITY,NY 6/08/01 80 MIN A+ MASTER -BB KING BLUES CLUB- TRIPOD

THE JOHN ENTWISTLE BAND NEW YORK CITY,NY 6/09/01 70 MIN A+ MASTER -BB KING BLUES CLUB- TRIPOD

THE JOHN ENTWISTLE BAND NEW YORK CITY,NY 6/09/01 60 MIN A+ MASTER -BB KING BLUES CLUB- TRIPOD

A road trip to NYC to see "The Ox" and also film the Black Crowes and Oasis at Radio City Music Hall. After the Entwistle shows we partied with him at the Irish Pub as we did the year before after the Who shows.It was the last time we saw the Ox.

BLUE OYSTER CULT FT.LAUDERDALE,FLA. 11/10/01 1 CAM 90MIN A+ MASTER

This show was alot of fun.Guitarist Buck Darhma looks right at me right before the encore and points me out.I decided that it has to be paranoi.You think he recognized me from Sunfest?This was a small small club called the Culture Room and I was filming very close to the band from the balcony.I saw security climb up the stairs and situate themselves behind me for the imiment bust,so i knew this was no paranoia.But i was near a staircase,and as the show winds down during the encore,I decide to bolt before the ending chords. As the band took their bows ,I flew down the stairs knocking people over who used the stairs as a place to stand and watch the show.I saw security take chase,and since my brother was watching the show on the main floor,I quickly handed him my ejected tape and continued out the door.Security caught me but they could not find any tapes on me and had to let me go.My brother was in a separate car with a friend,and gave me the tape when I got home.That's twice -"i need more cowbell" again! :)

JANIS IAN SUNRISE,FL. 11/10/01 1 CAM 35 MIN A+ MASTER

 

Janis's lawyers sent me a letter to "cease and desist" in any distributions of copies of this show, after a fan on her message board rats me out to her Lawyers.I would receive about a half dozen of such legal letters to comply to from these actions via various bands, like Cheap Trick,Journey,etc in the future.

LIVE SUNRISE,FLA. 11/16/01 1 CAM 80 MIN A MASTER


A fan spots me from behind doing my stealth filming.I guess I wasn't so stealth this night.He kicks my seat to try and ruin my shot but I get it all and it comes out steady anyway.When the show was over,I video taped him for a second and shot a bird at him and told him to fuck off.


 

BILLY JOEL & ELTON JOHN SUNRISE,FL 3/5/02 180 MIN A MASTER

BILLY JOEL & ELTON JOHN SUNRISE,FL 3/7/02 200 MIN A MASTER

A young beautiful woman comes up to me and seems to be flirting with me as I film the show.She was too hot for me to worry about her ruining my shot, because I already had the first night's show "in the bag".She was drunk and the flirtation turned into a lecture about me taping the show.She was getting really angry,shouting slurred profanities and other non flirtatious words.Thankfully her friends restrained her and I was spared being exposed to the unwanted wrath of security or the cops.I had to move of course.I missed one song due to this interruption but overall this was another good shot.

 

BARRY MANILOW SUNRISE,FL. SUNRISE MUSICAL 4/12/02 1CAM 110 MIN A MASTER

 I was now transferring these onto the new dvd formats by this time, which made for faster copying and making selling of mass copies alot easier!

-

BLUE OYSTER CULT HALLANDALE,FL 4/13/02 75 MIN 2 CAM A MASTER


No problems with the cowbell at this show.I learned to keep back a little further for BOC shows for now on.

 

KID ROCK MIAMI,FL BONZAI FESTIVAL 4/26/02 82 MIN A MASTER

JERRY CANTRELL MIAMI,FL BONZAI FESTIVAL 4/26/02 40 MIN A MASTER

PUDDLE OF MUD MIAMI,FL BONZAI FESTIVAL 4/26/02 45 MIN A MASTER

SEVENDUST MIAMI,FL BONZAI FESTIVAL 4/26/02 40 MIN A MASTER

ROB ZOMBIE MIAMI,FL BONZAI FESTIVAL 4/26/02 60 MIN A MASTER


Filmed once again on top of a beer tap truck on the festival grounds.Got kicked off by a cop once,but ended up back on top within minutes with no interruptions.Lying face down like a sniper,and nailing these unobstructed shots, were some of the best times ever.All the while checking out the babes and the freaks from a nice aerial view.



 

NICKELBACK W.PALM BCH,FL SUNFEST 5/3/02 1 CAM 70 MIN A- MASTER


I ended up filming on a library rooftop with cops just below me.I was just out of their view.Many other Sunfest shows were filmed in a tree, but red ants would put an end to that one day.I later make fake All Access passes to the VIP grandstand up close,and film clear shots without too much worry.


 

PAUL McCARTNEY TAMPA,FL 5/15/02 STAGE/SCREEN 163 MIN A MASTER

PAUL McCARTNEY FT.LAUD.,FL 5/17/02 7TH ROW FLOOR!! 55 MIN A- MASTER INCL

PAUL McCARTNEY FT.LAUD.,FL 5/18/02 STAGE/SCREEN 155 MIN A MASTER



All these shows came out great.The middle show floor shot was an experiment with a rigged  binoculars cam I created.I was a partial success but security battles from there was difficult hence me missing half the show's footage.When I was spotted I was able to disappear the cam and only have the binoculars in hand, mystifying the security people who could of sworn I had a cam secured to the bino's.They were right,they just couldn't catch me in time.Awesome shows.Paul is my second favorite live artist to see other than The Who.

ROBERT PLANT MSG NYC,NY 8/01/02 1 cam superclose! 55 MIN PLUS 7/31 2 SONGS A+

ROBERT PLANT MSG NYC,NY 8/03/02 60 MIN 1 cam Superclose!! A+ MASTER



I went to NYC to see The Who's four shows at MSG.Plant opened up for them each night and I filmed him from the lower level,close to the stage for jaw dropping shots! Since many of The Who fans were still in the lobby,I had no problem with obstructions and filmed sitting down using my lap to steady the cam, which was the normal way I filmed from the more common balcony area shot.

THE WHO MSG NYC,NY 7/31/02 2 CAM MIX 125 MIN A+ Hi8 MIX MASTER

THE WHO MSG NYC,NY 7/31/02 1 Cam 125 MIN A+ MASTER

THE WHO MSG NYC,NY 8/03/02 5TH ROW OFF FLOOR 125 MIN A+ DIG8 MASTER


These show films ruled.Kevin and I filmed the show from different spots.The next morning I woke up early and hopped on the subway to his Queens apartment to mix our master tapes together.I had to walk thru a hot Summer 8 blocks thru China Town.As far as hilights of the show , I caught a closeup of Daltrey getting hit with a full coke bottle by some drunk in the balcony.Daltrey wanted to fight and was really pissed off.Townshend calmed him down eventually.All these shows I filmed came out amazing!

THE DOORS 21ST CENTURY TAMPA,FL 5/22/03 2 CAM MIX 120 MIN A+ MASTER



My brother joined in as the second filmer for about 20 shows,including this gem! On the way home , we broke down about 1am on I-75 in Tampa and had to be towed home by a flatbed that only went about 30 mph.I had AAA Plus thanfully.The driver looked like Freddy Krueger. It was a mildly harrowing experience.

 

THE DOORS 21ST CENTURY HARD ROCK ORLANDO,FL 5/23/03 1 CAM 72 MIN

INCOMP. * A MASTER

Lesson learned this day.We left for Orlando much too late and missed 40 minutes of this show.A traffic accident and one wrong turn didn't help either.If we hadn't nailed the Tampa show the previous night I would of been beyond pissed off.

RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS "TD WATERHOUSE" ORLANDO, FL 6/3/03 2 CAM MIX 96 MIN D8 to dvd master.


An amazing 2 cam shot by my brother and I. We filmed from each side of the stage.Since the band faces to the sides with their unusual stances, especially Anthony, it looked like we filmed from the front of the stage.

HEART MIZNER PARK BOCA RATON, FL 6/24/03 104 MIN A+


A 1 cam shot with great audio sound! I sat on a wall in the back of the outdoor theater,got my cam above the heads and literally had to balance myself from falling onto a walkway that was about 12 feet below, but got a steady great film!

BOSTON SOUND ADVICE AMPH. W.PALM BCH,FL 6/25/03 1 CAM 148 min MASTER



Although I forgot my mosquito repellent for this outdoor show I still didn't expect a mass swarm of them in the hundreds and hundreds.I ended up with over 100 bites all over.This is not an exaggeration.Great shot from the lawn with great audio too!

 

MARILYN MANSON + KORN W.PALM BEACH, FL 8/28/03 AUD 82 MIN A- MASTER

I filmed this from a VIP section in the middle of the main floor where I was able to sneak in to.I could not believe when a mud slinging war started on the lawn when the crowd started to sling mud at those of us sitting in the seats.The mud reached me and was wailing me pretty good,including my camcorder,even though it was covered with a shirt.Of course I couldn't move,after all I had a movie to finish!



 

OZZY OSBOURNE W.PALM BEACH, FL 8/28/03 AUD 90 MIN




I had moved out to the mud field after getting chased out of the VIP section just as ozzy started.Figures.I had to go sit in the mud and film the big screen, which was a bit hazy from the weather.The rains came again,and I was muddy and wet but nailed a decent passable film anyway.It was so hot out,the rain felt good though.I actually sunk into the mud like it was quick sand.My car was a mess when i got home.

I would continue to film shows from 2004 to April 2009.But my days of filming have slowed down to a rare show here and there by 2009 and the trading and collecting days are just about over in this age of Bit torrent uploading and down loading.