“The Dresden Dolls Mini Tour” – Melbourne - 8/1/12

The day started with another early start and a taxi drive to Sydney Airport.This time, my destination was Melbourne.

Whilst waiting in the terminal I was catching on tweets from the morning and discovered that the Dolls were going to be performing a "Ninja Gig" at the OCCUPY MELBOURNE site at 2:30pm. I was hoping I would make it in time.

After a plane, airport bus and train I made it to my hotel which was by pure fluke, a couple hundred metres from the ninja gig location.

I checked in and then made my way to the gig with cameras in hand.

I bumped into Bryan and had a quick chat about the previous nights gig, both agreeing that it was fantastic.

After a short while, the lovely Amanda Palmer rocked up with her ukelele. We chatted briefly about the hickey incident from last night and then did a quick shot for the Occupy movement.

The ninja gig was great, with a really chilled crowd and a rather impressive tree for both Amanda and Bryan to perform under and in.

Afterwards I walked back with the band to The Forum to have a quick chat with the Tour Manager to discuss an idea I had with regards to shooting the gig. I wanted to join the band on stage during their cover of "Fight For Your Right (To Party)". The previous night they were joined by the support bands and some selected members of the audience for an all out "rock fest" on stage. I thought it would be a great chance to get some different photos. Luckily the TM agreed and I was given permission to go on stage during that song.

I went back to my hotel room to organise for the nights gig. Even managing a quick nap.

The concert was fantastic again with a few different songs being performed from last night. One of which was a great cover version of "The Mercy Seat" by Nick Cave.

When it came time to go on stage I made my way up and joined the rest of the crazy crowd. It certainly was a different experience shooting on stage whilst surrounded by 20 or so people singing and dancing along.

It was another really great gig and I was once again blown away by how good the band is, performing together like they are one person, with subtle (and sometimes not to subtle) glances at each other during the gig.

I would like to personally give a huge shout out to SuperKate, AFP, BV and Jaron. Thank you all so much for making my mini photography tour so fantastic.

Can't wait to see you guys again.