Tame Impala Expand Minds on the Slow Rush Tour

Kevin Parker at the Forum, LA by Jacob Alvarez and edited by Paige Strickland

EVENTUALLY TERRIBLE MEMORIES TURN INTO GREAT ONES

Okay, one of the best nights of my life. It was almost too much to take. I wanted to cry at some points, but I stayed strong and kept my cool. I started MMC* in late 2018 with the idea of just having a space to unload my feelings, ideas, and whatever else into, with the hopes that maybe people would like it. Come not even two full years later, and now I am standing in front of the stage, in the photo pit, at the Forum in LA waiting for one of my favorite bands to play. Never would I ever have thought I’d be here. Luckily I was able to leave work early and meet up with fellow music-enthusiast and phenomenal photographer, Daniel Leka (@danielfleka on IG). We talked for a bit and caught up, then we got our photo pit passes which is now hanging proudly on my wall. Seeing that sticker made me want to break into tears. How did I fucking get here? No clue. Couldn’t tell you. We went in and stood in front of the stage, awaiting Clairo to play. A few guys tapped me on the shoulder from the barrier and said they liked my shirt (shout out Uncut Gems), and they asked for a pic. I was like wtf why? but ok. Then a few more people behind them showed me my Instagram profile and asked if I was MMC*. They were so excited and started talking about how long they’ve been following my work and stuff and it made me feel so good but odd as well. I never expected this, nor did I know how to react to it but I was definitely grateful. Then Clairo came on. So many photographers moving in the small pit, yet after the set, I felt super proud of the shots I got. I went in and bought a bag full of merch and waited for Tame. Once Kevin came on, I was in awe. A new set up and lighting design with new material to play, I mean, damn. Spectacular to say the least. I was happy with what I captured and after enjoyed the set, dancing the night away to new tracks and getting to hear fucking “Expectation” finally after all this time. I also Facetimed a few friends to share the experience. Probably my proudest moment next to getting my Bachelor’s degree lol. Many photographers in the pit were telling me how lucky I am to be taking pictures for Tame at such an early start, but honestly I feel like I have always been working towards this. I really hope this is the beginning, because I still need to have an Interpol and Radiohead photo pass on my wall next to the Tame one. Just want to thank you all for supporting me and my goals. I would be nothing without you. Thank you Tame Impala.

PS: Check out our gallery of photos from the performance!