http://www.sevenbyfive.net/help/first-3-songs-a-complete-guide-to-music-photography-ii/

This is the sort of information I wanted. And his photos are really incredible - clear and full of action and power. Thanks, Bruce!

Yep the ear plugs hint is a good one! And dealing with the delicate egos of the musicians is another skill in itself!

Yeah, on a local level you are correct Andrew..however, when you get to the national level concerts..promoters, agents, security and managers are who you deal with. There is a growing trend where artists demand the rights to what you shoot.. I refuse to shoot those shows. I had an opportunity to shoot a poplular "jam band" last year. The photo policy so restrictive, I had to decline. They actually escorted you out of the building after the first three songs. Maybe I would agree to something like that for a true superstar..BUT, not for that show. Those that work the "pit" know the drill, most are respectful of each other..Working a crowded pit can be quite challenging !!..

Good info...nicely done photos..worth the read. Thanks.  Tom

Thanks.

Good article, thank you for sharing.

I photoshoot concerts for some time few thing i would added to his article :

• Have powerbar in your bag, my logest concert was last over 12 hours, two stages, non stop. (Rockstar and powerbars did the job for that day)

-Have more that one earplug set in your bag, many times i share them with security guys or other phtographers, best way to make freinds

-About friends, don't be afraid to speak with security and stuff, make friends.

-If possible meet the preformers before, friendly chat. That will help them interact with you at stage.

-Smile, be friendly

-Good Gear does matter

-Extra memory cards, normal concert I am using at list 3 cards 32Gbt each, extra power. Can afford second camera, get it. Set one with Tele lense, second with wide or 50mm.

-If preformer just standing, not activly moving, use creative camera position, till it slightly add action.

-No flash on concert, but keep with you. many times i was asked to take fotos after concerts.

-Outdoor concert, be sure to get emergency plastic camera protector.. just in case

-Respect everyone

I need to write some day what in my bag, so what you have in your bag?

List can be long. I have few concert fotos on my facebook (http://www.facebook.com/geekatplay ) if you intrested to see them.

making friends is important..especially since I tend to shoot a lot of "metal" shows..The security keeps the bodys comming over the wall from hitting you and your gear..I found a nice little aluminum wallet to keep my cards in. a couple of weeks ago I shot two 8 band shows back to back..Usually I take a day to let my head clear before I look at what I shot..I had to transfer after the first and before the second. I have a two battery grip that works well, and a spare beseides that. 

One other thing I like to do, is carry my very small point and shoot..It's great for casual shots..Normally after I exit the "pit" my gear goes into the backpack..the point and shoot is nice because people will pose for shots with that backstage..simple because it's not "pro" looking..

I've spent most of my adult life working in the music business, so I tend to leave folks alone backstage..It's their time to chill and be "normal"..No pressure..

Last year at "Moedown"..I had lunch with Grace Potter and her band..No pictures..But as stated above..I got a nice little wave from the band onstage..