Sigur Ros from Iceland have had as much influence on me as looking at a Gursky or a Bresson photograph. I have long said if you took away all my music and left me with one album i wouldn’t hesitate in my choice. Their first album Agaetis Byrjun had an affect on me that was unparalleled by anything I had heard before. With Sigur Ros’s music and the falsetto voice of lead singer Jon Por Birgisson I can be transported somewhere else. Usually to the top of a mountain or some space in my head where I think this must be what heaven sounds like.

I caught wind of the fact that Birgission known as Jonsi was on a solo tour with his new album ‘Go’ and a show that promised spectacular projections and design. So I thought I’d rekindle the old days of when I was a young whipper snapper rock band photographer and get down there and make some pictures of an artist that has brightened my life for a long time. The Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco was the venue. About 1000 people capacity. The musicians played in what seems like a style only Icelandic or those who submerge themselves in the place can play. Animals and nature moved around the stage chasing each other in vibrant colourful projections. Everything was perfect. The roof was raised, the audience was enraptured.  It was April 16th and about 4000 miles away in Jonsi’s homeland all eyes were skyward and the volcano reminded the world who was in control.

Here’s a slideshow of a selection of photos from the night. You can select a full screen option in the bottom right corner to view.

They’re also available for sale from my Photoshelter site.

Jonsi, Palace of Fine Arts, San Francisco. 4/16/10 – Images by Michelle McCarron