January 24, 2023

My music photography career began in 1971 and I retired as planned at the end of 2022. I didn't realize that my last show would be with my favorite musician, Jeff Beck, this past October 23rd. Fitting, but a sad way to end a photo career. I will continue with Indy Car and IMSA photography along with other special projects.

If you know me at all, you know my favorite musician and the world's best guitarist is musician Jeff Beck. Jeff passed away quickly from bacterial meningitis on January 10th in England. Born in 1944 he was 78 years old. I was just gutted and didn't really sleep the night I found out. Still have a hard time knowing he has left us.

I first photographed Jeff Beck on May 10, 1972 at the Riverside Theater with the Siegal Schwall Band as the opening act.  I was working for the Bugle American newspaper at that time.  The Seigal Schwall band members were friends, so after the show I went backstage and got to meet Jeff.

Wish I would have taken some backstage photos that night but I've always respected the backstage area for photo access unless we did an interview for what ever publication or record company I was working for then.

That night my life was changed watching Jeff Beck play guitar. He made it look so easy! He was the best ever guitarist or the G.O.A.T. as some people like to say.

Through the year's I've photographed Jeff Beck 5 times. I believe I met him 3 times and he was always so nice, shy and just a normal guy.

The Riverside Theater-Milwaukee, Wisconsin--May 10, 1972

Turner Hall-Milwaukee, Wisconsin--April 18, 2009

Milwaukee's Summerfest--June 25, 2010

The Riverside Theater-Milwaukee, Wisconsin--May 22, 2015

The Chicago Theater--October 23, 2022

I also remember just going to a few of his shows to see him play. Felt naked without a camera of course!  One of those times was when he was playing with guitarist John McLauglin. I got to talk to both of them that night. They are both great guitar players.

Enjoy a few photos of the master from the shows listed above and see if you can figure out which photos go with what show?

I also added the set list from the Chicago show this past October with Johnny Depp. Notice the 2 arrows on the left side of the song/set list. Those are the only songs I was allowed to photograph- Jeff's first song and then the 12th when Johnny Depp came out for a 45 second song which he spent most of the time exchanging phone or room numbers with a girl in the front row!  Because of where I was standing,  I only got to really see Jeff and bass player Rhonda Smith and not the rest of the band.  From stage left I never even saw the drummer or keyboard player.

The politics and ridiculous rules for photographers are why I have ended my music photography journey...

Almost forgot!! If you haven't seen or bought the book BECK01 that I was a part of from Genesis publications please check it out! Photos of Jeff's cars and guitars. I have 3 photos in it and it is the best built book also! Comes in a pouch in a beautiful box with a License plate on the cover! Printed in Itay.

Thanks and RIP Jeff.

Rich Zimmermann

November 23, 2020

Continuing with Joe Walsh blogs, here is another one!

Joe played a show at the Riverside Theater in Milwaukee on March 19, 1975.

This was towards the end of his solo career as he was to join the band The Eagles in December of 1975.

He is an amazing guitar player and this show did not disappoint.

His microphone stand has an interesting display of a horn, a mask and even a bicycle handlebar.

Enjoy a look at one of Joe Walsh's last solo shows.

Have a happy and safe Thanksgiving!

Thanks,

Rich Zimmermann

January 27, 2020

One night way back in 1975 I witnessed some of the greatest Rock and Roll I have ever seen! This trio called Rush was amazing.

Neil Peart is still one of the best drummers I've ever seen and he has been voted by some people as the greatest drummer of all time. His drum set grew bigger every time I saw them!

Inspired by Keith Moon I would say because of the way he played, but not as crazy of a guy!

Neil Peart died a few weeks ago when a brain tumor took him from us. He was only 67 years old, too young for this legend to die.

Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson, his band mates, haven't played in a few years.  I suspect that is probably because that was when Neil said he was going to focus on his medical treatment for his brain tumor.

Prayers to Neil, his family and to the Rush family.

Enjoy a look back at 1975.

Thanks,

Rich Zimmermann

February 1, 2016

If you have followed my blogs and photos, you know that I like what Jeff Beck can do on a guitar.

On May 10, 1972, The Jeff Beck Group played at the Riverside Theater. They opened for The Siegal-Schwall Band.

I have shown photos of Jeff Beck and his band before, but always knew that I had more pictures somewhere.  I did.

I have been scanning the Siegal Schwall band lately and was surprised to find my lost Jeff Beck photos!  It's only five shots, but they are pretty good.  In fact, I think that they are better than the other ones.

Enjoy a look at The Jeff Beck Group and the lost images from 1972!

Next week, the blog will be about the Siegal Schwall Band from that show.

Thanks,

Rich Zimmermann

July 2, 2012

After an audition to become the lead vocalist for the band King Crimson didn't work out, Brian Ferry formed Roxy Music in 1971.  Robert Fripp of King Crimson was impressed enough with Brian Ferry's audition that he helped Roxy Music get their first record contract.

On February 26, 1975 I photographed Roxy Music at the Riverside Theater in Milwaukee.  Also playing that night were the bands StarCastle and Babe Ruth, which is another story sometime soon.

Brian Ferry, with his signature look of the white jacket, bow tie and cumberbun was dressed for the night.  He was amazing but the clear plexiglass violin played by Eddie Jobson was really something to witness.  Plexiglass or composite violins like the Vivo2 Clear played by Vanessa Mae are fairly common these days but in 1975 I had never seen one before.

The saxophone playing by Andy MacKay and the drumming and percussion by Paul Thompson were also excellent that night.  It was a night of Roxy music by Roxy Music!

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Thanks,

Rich Zimmermann