Art Beyond the Glass: Eugene Lee

Morrissey at the Los Angeles Sports Arena - May 10, 2014. | Photo by Eugene Lee

Whether he’s behind the stick and producing themed events at Big Bar, or capturing world-class musicians with his keen photographer’s eye, Eugene Lee is the epitome of an Art Beyond the Glass bartender. Eugene is planning something very special for everyone at Art Beyond the Glass III, taking place at Sadie Kitchen & Lounge on Sunday, June 29.

Read on for Eugene’s wonderful story about a special moment from the Morrissey concert at the Los Angeles Sports Arena on May 10, 2014. View more of Eugene’s work at eugeneshoots.com.

After being kicked in the head by a fan sailing his way through the barricades / photographers / security... all so he could give Moz a hug, I checked my camera to make sure it wasn't jacked up. At this point, Morrissey had been going around reaching out to the crowd and giving them a little something to remember the show by - Moz touch! Song after song, he pulled the L.A. crowd into his Mozziness and it was a sight to see.

At one point I felt him coming toward me. Great, I'm gonna take a million photos. As he stepped closer and closer my shutter slowed and I was getting a little anxious. He was right up at me and was leaning right to my head. My face was glued to my camera so I sort of followed his hand into a back bend - like mega limbo all-star backbend - and I see this hand materialize in my viewfinder and Morrissey grab on. It was amazing! Then they released and I spun around and yelled, “Whose hand was that?” This guy kind of reluctantly said, "It was mine." I threw him one of my business cards and told him, "If you email me tonight, I will send you that photo." Then I spun around and went back to shooting.

Besides the shooting, this was a great takeaway for me... because as someone who grew up going to shows and being totally mystified by what musicians can do, I never had the opportunity to savor that moment beyond the night. I would have LOVED if someone had a photo of me with one of my favorite artists during the whole act... so, I feel so stoked to be able to give that to someone. Especially a Moz fan. They're fucking crazy.