Slayer Concert At Nationwide Arena In Columbus Ohio

The Slayer concert lit up the stage at Nationwide Arena, on November 12, 2019.  This was the wildest concert I have photographed in my 5 years as a Dayton, Cincinnati, and Columbus concert photographer.  There were numerous pyrotechnics and dozens of crowd surfers.

When we approached the stage, it was apparent that this was a unique show.  The stage was about 7 feet tall and had 30 feet between the stage and the pit.  I was warned that moshers/crowd surfers would come across the barrier during the show.  The Slayer Concert was the first time I have ever experienced such craziness.

Additionally, I was given a heads-up that the pyrotechnic show would be on point.  Slayer’s concerts are known for being outrageous and filled with high-flying flames.  It is incredibly difficult to correctly photograph someone with flames behind them.  In general, bursts of flames only last one second.  Timing is everything when photographing something like this.  Future me here: In a couple of years, I’d get to photograph KISS.  Knowing how to photograph the flames would be critical at the KISS show.

Check out more concert photography here.

Slayer Members:

Tom Araya – vocals, bass

Kerry King – guitar

Gary Holt – guitar

Paul Bostaph – drums