I didn’t end up at this concert by chance — I was invited by their regular photographer, Brian Kasnyik, with whom we had just done a fantastic fashion photoshoot together and ended up chatting about music...
Honestly, I hadn’t been to a rock concert in what felt like a hundred years, but something about it pulled me in. I really wanted to meet the band and get to know their music — and of course, I went, dragging some friends along for the ride.
As soon as I walked into the Funhouse, where the concert was being held, I was hit with super loud music, and to be totally upfront, I didn’t like the place at all. But I was fired up to hear them specifically. And I wasn’t disappointed at all.
First up on stage was VOLORES. The moment Shelby and Nathen so much as touched their guitar strings, chills ran down my spine. Her stunning voice immediately transformed the space, warming my heart, and so it felt like I had known these songs forever, like they were already my favorites. Shelby did her signature backward bend, her hair almost brushing the floor, all while still playing — it was such a unique and graceful moment. Their drummer absolutely crushed it too, playing his part with real mastery. You could feel how much joy and energy they poured into the performance… It was really cool!
https://suleyera.com/music-life/rock-prog-metal/double-vision-in-seattle-a-night-with-johnny-manchild-and-volores.html#sigProId487fef6132
I snapped a ton of stunning shots of them — even their photographer appreciated my eye for it!
After a short break, THEY came on stage. From the very first seconds, Johnny Manchild and the Poor Bastards blew the place up. That tiny stage could barely contain their energy — I swear, if they’d had a bigger one, they would’ve set all of Seattle on fire!
Johnny and Alex kicked things off with such fantastic intensity — the crowd’s cheers and screams were through the roof. Johnny caressed the keys of his synth (piano) so magically and playfully, it was like listening to something wildly beautiful and otherworldly. Alex perfectly complemented the vibe with his killer bass guitar, and the drummer? He was in total ecstasy — you could feel how lit up he was, channeling everything he had into every beat, stoking the fire in the room even higher.
Soon enough, the whole place was singing, dancing, and shouting lines from their songs! Later, Johnny picked up his bass guitar, and he and Alex played a heavy, gritty piece together — even that part was just bursting with brilliance. And then, what a melodic, even romantic, finale! Johnny’s voice is incredibly well-trained and versatile — he really knows how to use it across different tones.
https://suleyera.com/music-life/rock-prog-metal/double-vision-in-seattle-a-night-with-johnny-manchild-and-volores.html#sigProId1ab132c7cc
If you’re craving a true musical metamorphosis, don’t miss a chance to see Johnny Manchild and the Poor Bastards live. Their performances are packed with creativity, raw energy, and emotional depth — the kind that gives the band and the audience an unforgettable adrenaline rush. It’s the kind of show that reminds you why live music matters. Prepare to be inspired, energized, and completely immersed from the very first note.