NOTE: All photos are copyright of Howard Shiau Photography 2025
Starting off part two of my top shows of 2019 with three shows at Madison Square Garden. As I noted in my previous post, it’s been an epic year.
The Who at Madison Square Garden – September 1, 2019
When a legendary band from your childhood comes to town, you have to see them. This was the case with The Who at Madison Square Garden. As they near the end of their touring career, I was lucky enough to cover them for this show. Unfortunately, they didn’t offer a pit shoot so waaaay back by the soundboard would have to do. However, since it was my very first photo pass at Madison Square Garden, I was just happy to be there. See my photos and write-up here.
Vampire Weekend at Madison Square Garden – September 6, 2019
How do I get to shoot my first two shows at Madison Square Garden within a week of each other and see Vampire Weekend raise the roof with a 2.5 hr long show? Damn if I know but it was pretty incredible. My phots and write-up can be found here.
Peter Frampton at Madison Square Garden – September 13, 2019
Another legendary guitar player from the 70s on his final tour due to health issues, Peter Frampton put on an incredible show…at least based on the four songs I was able to see/hear since MSG did not provide a ticket with my photo pass. I am extremely glad I was able to see even a part of that show. My photo gallery can be found here.
MUNA at Music Hall of Williamsburg – October 11, 2019
LA band MUNA self-styles themselves as the “greatest band in the world”…yes, it’s tongue in cheek but their latest record “Saves the World” builds well on their debut record “About U” and their infectious energy translates incredibly on stage. Their anthem “I Know a Place” reflected how many people were feeling back in 2017, especially with frontwoman Katie Gavin’s amended lyrics. They’re probably my favorite discovery in 2019. Check out my photos and write-up here.
Sunflower Bean at Dr Martens Union Square – October 17, 2019
Dr Martens started doing shows in their stores a couple of years back but this is the first time I’ve seen a mosh pit and crowd surfing IN THE SHOE STORE!! Sunflower Bean is one of my favorite local bands and their fans usually put together the happiest mosh pit I’ve ever been a part of. See my photos and write-up here.
Starcrawler at Music Hall of Williamsburg – Octobert 25, 2019
Sometimes, when you’re seeing a show through a camera’s viewfinder, you miss the big picture. You have to balance “missing the scene” and “missing the shot”. LA punk band Starcrawler is one of these bands that you have to experience live. Their recent album “Devour You” is one of my top albums of the year but singer Arrow de Wilde and guitarist Henri Cash make their live shows so incredible. But buyer beware…if you’re in the front couple of rows, you’re in a splash zone. It may be water or it may be blood (ok, red dye). My photos and write-up are here.
Karen O & Danger Mouse at Kings Theatre – November 14, 2019
It’s been awhile since I last saw a Yeah Yeah Yeah’s show so the return of Karen O at a one-off show with Danger Mouse supporting their collaboration, “Lux Prima”, from earlier this year was very welcome. Not everything was smooth as there were a couple of false starts but the performance of that record from end to end was spectacular. My photos and write-up can be found here.
Gloria Gaynor at Paste Studio – November 21, 2019
It wasn’t a full concert but was definitely an honor meeting the legendary Gloria Gaynor. Her story is inspirational and she can still belt it out. How often do you get the chance to chat with such an icon? Check out my photos and write-up here.
Pandora presents Halsey at Avant Gardner – December 10, 2019
Pandora knows how to throw a holiday party and this year was no exception. Waiting on line at Avant Gardner in the rain with no bathrooms nearby is no fun but Halsey was nice enough to send out some food and snacks. I was asked to put my camera away after about 3 minutes. Luckily, I shot non-stop for that brief time. See my photos and write-up here.
Kat Cunning at Bowery Ballroom – December 11, 2019
Dancers, costume changes, balloons and confetti…nice way to wrap up my 2019 top concerts. Kat Cunning has a small group of dedicated fans but I only expect that to grow. Looking forward to see what she does in 2020. My photos and write-up are here.
And that’s all I’ve got for 2019! I hope you’ve enjoyed perusing and had the chance to read my write-ups and look through my photographs. Perhaps I’ve introduced you to some artists you weren’t familiar with previously. For any musicians with new music or touring in 2020, hmu if you are looking for a photographer to document your journey. Happy New Year to everyone and I look forward to seeing you all in 2020!!