Concert images often become generic--- sweat beads dripping, drummers and their grunting bad-boy expressions, veins popping out of guitarists' arms [except maybe for Keith Richards--- we know why his veins are probably bulging out], and singers' neck muscles thickening as they strain their voices---it all becomes mundane after a while. What is exciting are the images created outside the concerts, when the music is not blasting, the spotlights are not glaring, and the crowd is not applauding or mimicing the singer's every move. It is during this time that the stars really shine, and reveal themselves---and sometimes, if the photographer is lucky, the artist trips up and flashes that most intimate but innocent little smile that fans typically do not see hidden beneath the wild and outlandish facades that catapult the musicians to stardom. 
Incomparable pioneers of electronica, the genre-bending gods of synth pop and rock. . . Depeche Mode, the quintessential band. 20 years strong, they have survived Martin's metamorphosis, Alan's absence, Fletch's paranoia, and most notably, David's heroin addiction and suicide attempts. 
Their best and least known tune is their cover of "20th Century Boy." They like friends with weed. They have an edge but their absurd cockiness on and offstage essentially makes us want a substitute [placebo] band personality. 
This Atlanta-based band with an English frontman oozes early Brit-pop, the good stuff like Suede and Charlatans with a touch of Bowie and Buckley. Jude Law-lookalike frontman Ian's silky vocals provide an exciting contrast to the guitar-driven Idols' music and tonal variety. 
The new Smiths, the old Brit-pop faves, the poetic and brazen masterminds behind some of modern rock's best love songs, tragic but enchanting. Gene's impressive international following, flanked by praiseful press and roaringly devoted fans, even includes Morrissey among their fanclub. 
SHAG #2's cover boy, Jaime Harding, of Marion is perhaps the lovechild of David Bowie and Barbara Streisand. The Manchester five-piece rock outfit blends pop, rock, nostalgia, poetry, and tradition. Marion, who got their name from Harding's late grandmother, were by far one of the best indie bands to emerge from the UK. 
They may be has-beens in 2001, but they photograph well. And yes, it has been reported that Gavin Rossdale and No Doubt's Gwen Stefani will marry later this year. 
A Norweigan trio that approaches music with sheer artistry and mindful yet wispy sounds led by delicate vocals from frontman Evan. **Interview** 
NANCY BOY 
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