Last week I had a press pass to Duke’s Cameron Rocks! concert, a revived DUU Major Attractions event at Cameron Indoor Stadium. After three years in remission following rapper T.I. and indie-rock band Clap Your Hands Say Yeah in 2007, the concert came back in full swing with an impressive lineup. Headlining the concert was the hip-hop group N.E.R.D.—consisting of Grammy-winning producer Pharrell Williams, Chad Hugo and vocalist Shay Haley. Also on the bill was Grammy-nominated hip hop artist Kid Cudi.
Pre-concert
Around 6:15 I swung by Duke to pick up my press pass from the Press Liaison. All the parking was free so I was able to park at the lot right there. Even an hour and 45 minutes before there was already a significant line coming from Cameron. Even though the doors opened at 6:30, I did not think that many people would get there right away because everyone had a seat, even in the G.A. section. In Cameron, there really is not a bad seat. The stadium is not that big at all, so even the upper seating was a lot closer than many other concerts I have been to.
After picking up my pass, I rushed home since I invited a bunch of my friends to meet up before the concert. Fortunately, they were running late so I was able to get home first. Once all my friends arrived, it was been time to go. We all caravanned over there and found great parking. By that time, I had left my friends and agreed to meet up with them afterwards; I had a job to do.
The Concert
As I turned the same corner from the parking lot that I had come from two hours before, I was met by a mob all trying to get in. I believe they were supposed to be in different lines, but there was honestly no telling. There was a DUU girl trying to get everyone back into lines and reassuring the crowd that the show wouldn’t start until everyone had gotten inside. However, I did not think that was going to happen.
I figured my best approach was to come from the side. I found a DUU member and weaved right behind him until I got about seven people from the door. I then had to wait in line until the security officer saw my pass and let me through without searching me.
I was relieved when I finally got into Cameron, until I looked up and saw who was coming onto the stage, Kid Cudi! No one was in their seats, students were jumping from the upper sections onto the floor and mosh pits were starting. Security did a decent job keeping everyone contained, but after a certain point, you can only do so much. I was able to make it all the way to the front surprisingly easily. However, when I tried to get to the pit, the security guard would not let me through. I showed her my press pass and tried to explain to her that I was allowed to be in the pit for the first three songs, but she wouldn’t budge. She let me on the bleachers on the left side that some of the VIP and DUU members were at told me I could not get any closer. As disappointed as I was, I realized that I still had to get my pictures. I took a test shot and the very first one turned out well.
Kid Cudi at the begining of his set during his concert at Duke on Thursday,
April 1, 2010 (Photo by Al Drago)
After a few good pictures, I wanted to get closer. I found a DUU member and explained my situation. He was very friendly and was able to get me into the pit.
Photo Tip: At most concerts, photographers only get to be in the pit for the first three songs before getting kicked out. The idea is that that is enough time to get all the necessary shots. Performers look best and are usually the most energetic at the beginning. You have to stay focused and work fast.
I took about 200 quick shots during the four or five minutes I had. I started with my 70-200mm IS f/2.8 lens before switching to my standard 17-85mm f/4-5.6 lens. My zoom lens was wonderful as usual, but it was at times when Kid Cudi was right in front of me, I caught myself using my standard lens more. Unfortunately, with f/4-5.6 on my standard lens, many of the photos were blurry, even with that much light. I would complain about wanting a 17-55 f/2.8 lens, but I’ve realized:
Photo Tip: It does not matter if you have the expensive top of the line camera and lens, sometimes you just have to work with what you have and be creative. You can make it work if you are willing.
(Photo by Al Drago)
Nonetheless, I was pleased with the result of my photos and once I was kicked out of the pit I had a chance to breathe for a while and enjoy Kid Cudi.
Kid Cudi’s performance was outstanding. It was apparent that more people were there for him, as he is newer and geared more towards the age group of those college students. I found myself singing along to just about every song, including my favorite “Soundtrack 2 My Life.” The choice and order of the songs was great too, mixing from David Guetta’s “Memories” into his hit single “Day ‘n’ Nite”. He was so pumped I think he was just about ready to jump into the crowd while singing “Make Her Say.”His awesome set concluded with “Up Up & Away” and “CuDi Zone.” The crowd was definitely in the Cudi Zone by the time he finished. I think him alone was worth the money.
After Kid Cudi exited the stage, the security made everyone go back to their original seat before N.E.R.D. came on. During this time, I talked to a couple cool people. I saw my friend Lawson again, still shooting for the Chronicle and doing his thing. I also met a few people from Duke’s yearbook that were friendly and we had a nice conversation.
Once we had a nice conversation going, it had drawn time for N.E.R.D. to take the stage. This time I entered the pit with all the other photographers and had ample time to get the shots I needed. The trio was all over the stage, so I had a fun time trying to follow them. Before I knew it, my three songs were up and it was time to return to the bleachers. I continued to take zoom pictures from the bleachers and enjoyed the music.
- Shay Haley of N.E.R.D. gives it his all during his concert at Duke on Thursday,
April 1, 2010 (Photo by Al Drago)
N.E.R.D.’s lineup included hits “Rock Star” and “Spaz” as well as my favorite “You Know What.” It was apparent that Pharrell was having a good time, dancing around and at one point spraying his water bottle out onto the crowd during “Everybody Nose.” They sampled different songs from their three albums as well as other hype music. Towards the end, Pharrell invited about 20 girls to dance with him on stage during the song “Lapdance” and later guys got a chance to break it down on stage. As the show ended, the crowd was a sea of smiles jamming out with every word. This was such an energetic and fun concert that lived up to its name. Cameron truly did rock.
Pharrell Williams of N.E.R.D. looks into the crowd during his concert at Duke on Thursday, April 1, 2010 (Photo by Al Drago)
It is rumored that Kid Cudi will have a new album out this year entitled either Cudder and the Revolution of Evolution or Man On The Moon: The Ghost in the Machine. Pharrell announced backstage that N.E.R.D. has gotten rid of the 27 songs they had planned for the Instant Gratification album that was planned to be released later this year. He told a Duke Chronicle journalist that the new album would be entitled Nothing.