#pattismithband

[arte-rock]

Patti Smith Band, Paradiso, Amsterdam, 2007

[polaroidyear]

#40 Patti

I started this Polaroid project back in 2014 - that’s almost 10 years ago. The reason I never finished it was Patti Smith. The reason I intend to finish it now, in 2023, is Patti Smith.

In 2015 I actually had the chance of taking a proper portrait of Patti at a book signing in Turku. The owners of the bookstore made it very clear that taking pictures was not allowed and I believed them and did what I was told. But I did meet Patti and got my books signed, and just as I had already walked out the door, I heard her say “I don’t mind photos” to the next people in line. I felt like such a loser for not being brave enough and just telling Patti about my project and asking for a photo. I’m sure she would have let me take it.

I was so disappointed in myself that I ditched this project and regretted my cowardly behaviour for the next eight years.

But you know, sometimes life gives you a second chance. So it happened that I somehow managed to get a front-row ticket to Patti’s this week’s concert in Tampere. The show was amazing, it really blew my mind to see her and the band this close to the stage. And this time I got my photo. I also gave Patti a present - a Fujifilm FP-3000b Polaroid pack film. I still had three packs left in my fridge and it’s the same film Patti used to shoot with until it became almost impossible to find. I think she looked surprised and happy and sweetly thanked me. I was so happy myself.

This is a photo of the last song of the show, called People have the Power. During the show there was a brief moment with a drunken troublemaker further back who Patti silenced very quickly. She finished with saying “Do whatever the fuck you want” to the guy. And then, not into the microphone but very quietly, she muttered “And that goes for all of you”. I was sitting so close that I heard her.

When planning on taking a photo of Patti the last time all those years ago, I would have written this post about how much her music, books and photography mean to me. Instead this is a post about overcoming your fears and the obstacles you build yourself. People have the power, you have the power, I have the power. To do whatever (the fuck) we want, no matter what anyone tells us. And if we mess it up the first time, we get up and try again. So here goes - to Patti, to me and to Polaroids, for 12 more weeks.

#40 Regina

[sysbmore]

cool feeling when your djing w the guy who opened for the Clash, a NY legend (meaning Drew) and Lenny Kaye stops by to hear your set. #nuggets #pattismithband (at Niagara)

[vicmill-blog]

Throwback to two Tuesdays ago. VIP concert.at Carnegie. #iggypop #pattismith #pattismithband #sufjanstevens #neworder #thenational