{Originally published in the Opinion section of the New York Times, Aug 10th 2017}
The front row, the sacred space between fan and idol. The separation so thin, so close, you can feel the artist’s sweat. From the stage or the photo pit, I capture the most passionate devotees, a view rarely seen by anyone but the performer. They are willing to be crushed against a metal barricade, hundreds, maybe thousands of people swaying and pulsing behind them, an aspen grove all connected to the same rhythm.
These photographs are mostly from Hip-hop shows I’ve shot over the last six years, as well as a sampling of other concerts I’ve been sent to photograph. In the midst of prime summer concert season, I reflect on how gripped I've been by the starting line at these shows, and the dedication of those lucky enough to make it all the way there, to the front row.