Alex Atonio, the lead singer of Hollace, one of the bands that I have photographed many times, was diagnosed with glioblastoma last year. It was in remission for a while and came back again a few months ago. {CORRECTION: The tumor had not grown after treatment and then had recently tripled in size.}
He was one of the rare gems of frontmen that I have seen – a combination of the best lead men in rock and roll all rolled into one great rocker.
Many times we spoke before he would go on stage with Hollace. He listened to suggestions and we made sure that he always found my camera when I was shooting.
Alex gave me great shots. Really great shots.
His stage presence is unreal, capturing an audience and even getting them to sing along.
Hollace has some great songs with incredible hooks delivered them to my soul.
I left many of their shows singing the songs that I had just heard.
Blue Flowers is one that always stands out for me. Here’s the link to one of their YouTube videos; shot by me and clearly I can learn more about video…I forgot that once I passed a certain point by the stage, I would lose vocals from the monitors. Oops. Here’s the video anyways. Alex really delivers… https://youtu.be/eVBCHQcUyWk
At a birthday party for one of the best lighting and sound guys in the valley, Greg Little, I got to do an acoustic version of the Dylan song, Knocking on Heaven’s Door with Alex. It was truly an honor to be singing with him. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x7B8PeS-H7g
On November 19, 2017, The Hood hosted a benefit for Alex to help with cancer treatment costs and other expenses.
I got there late as I had a previous commitment to handle.
Upper Class Poverty – this is one of the great punk bands in our area and I hope they get some more attention – came on stage right after I got there.
Michael Keeth was up next and he’s one of the true musical treasures in the Coachella Valley.
Here are the shots from that night at The Hood: [Modula id=’13’]
Other shots that I have done are here: [Modula id=’10’]