The summer of 2008 was one of my most memorable; not because of the weather or the Olympic games but because it was a summer when I had my eyes opened to the music talent that is out there just 5 minutes drive away from my home in the middle of Aylesbury.

I photographed well over 30 bands over the summer, some were tolerable but there were some astounding acts that I could shoot and hear for free! One of these bands were The Swamis; 3 lads from Buckingham who are all unasuming when you first look at them, but when the amps are hooked up, and the strings are being thrashed they electrify the senses.

Dan, Paul and Matt give their best performance everytime I have seen them (which I believe is 6 times in 2008). I have never walked away from their gigs thinking that could have been better. The last time I saw them play was probably at the end of August. I had opportunities to see them since then but I had other commitments, besides I thought these lads would have their break in 2009; they were winning competitions and seemed to be gigging everywhere.

Alas, all good things must come to an end and rumours spread a few weeks ago that the The Swamis were no more. Even their MySpace page says R.I.P.

There are other bands out there that I support, notably The Red Bullets and Slashed Seat Affair, but the 3 lads from Buckingham were more edgy. They seemed like a band who gave their souls on the stage then get wasted with you afterwards…that’s the rock and roll I always imagined.

Who knows if they will reform. The had been together for several years and perhaps it was a case of enough is enough; with the recession in full effect there has to be something that gives. As a photographer I will miss their energy and passion, as a fan I will miss their electrifying sound.