Tim Chuma's Photos

with Slatzapalooza
The Tote, Sunday 3rd March 2023

Due to finding out I was starting a job almost a month before I actually started it and not getting Centrelink as it was taking so long for it to actually go through I wasn't sure if I was going to make it to this one but it turned out it lined up with the opening of Sillyfest down at the Old Bar Gallery and ended up actually being on earlier than I thought.

It was a big enough anniversary that whoever was doing the band's socials was posting about it for months, only once having to be reminded it was me that took the photos that they were posting when they said they could not remember. Frankie coming back to the band was also great as I remember going to his farewell gig and they had a lamb on a spit in the beer garden. This was the first time I had been to the pub since the new owners took owner and I did not expect drinks to actually be cheaper but there you go.

Slatzapalooza was pretty laid back and even though they had to rush off to another gig straight after contributed well to the day. Barbarion doesn't usually play with other metal bands on the same line-up these days and this one worked well with them. I had to go sit out in the beer garden for the last part of their set but could still hear it.

Seeing as I pretty much just talked to everyone in the band before I went on stage I knew they were looking forward to this gig. I don't know why they still do not have a door on the band room next to the stage, I don't need to see that! Was having some issues with my camera during the show but worked it out and ended up taking over 1000 photos I think just of Miles' belly. I also told every single member of the band about being accused of "fat shaming" for sharing photos of the band.

Due to this being a matinee show a bunch of kids were at it right up the front and I think this band works well as a kids' band even if they are metal. They don't really have any bad language and some of the kids even dressed up. I still remember bringing someone to one of their gigs who dressed up better than the band and they were shocked at it.

I did go a bit nuts trying to get photos of the gas jets going off but also managed to get some of my best photos I have taken so far this year and belly-bumped Miles when he came out the front. I did have to go sit in the beer garden a bit due to my leg hurting as no chairs are allowed in the band room. Did not get a photo of the inflatable floppy arms man as I was up the back and there was too much smoke when I came back in, still a great gig though and I went to the show in the front bar after as it was still early when they finished.

Links:
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064174893862
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063660725824