Metal Monkey

Another trip to Austria under my belt. This time to attend and photograph the Linz Europa Hafenfest for Hubert von Goisern’s web site.

Before the three-day festival began in Linz harbour Hubert von Goisern and his band took to the streets in the surrounding region to drum up further interest together with a number of the guest bands. I joined them at their street concerts in the Salzkammergut and the sold-out warm-up concert in the Lehartheater, Bad Ischl.

The harbour festival itself was a real musical extravaganza, with performances from artists from across Europe. There was dialect rock from Germany, Carpathian ska from the Ukraine, gypsy brass from Bulgaria … Three days full of very exciting music and a whole host of performers to photograph, including big stars such as Xavier Naidoo, who made a surprise appearance on the last day.

More photos, as well as English translations of a selection of press reports on the event can be found at www.hubertvongoisern.com

This is definitely the biggest print I’ve ever seen of one of my photos! My photo of Marlene Schuen and Hubert von Goisern is being used by the local organiser to promote the forthcoming HvG concert in Bruneck, Italy. But never mind sticking to boring old A2 proportions, this poster is currently on display in the town square at a majestic 5 x 10 metres!

Having taken photos at Hubert von Goisern’s concert with BAP and Köster/Hocker in Cologne last year, one of these shots has now been chosen as the image for the Linz Europa Harbour Festival poster and publicity.

The Linz Europe Harbour Festival is the finale of the Linz Europe Tour 2007-2009, bringing together nearly all the artists with whom Hubert von Goisern has played on his concert ship as he sailed the rivers of Europe these last two summers. From 3rd to 5th July Linz harbour will be resounding with the sound of Europe.

And I’ll be there, camera in hand!