If you’ve ever been to a music festival, you know things in the pit can get pretty wild. Music photographer Nic Bezzina has noticed this too and is releasing a photo book, titled “Release The Crowd,” to celebrate.
Speaking of festivals, Bezzina admitted his love for photographing them, “because I feel it is a place where people can be freed of their inhibitions” – and he’s not wrong. Seeing a lack of audience photography in the industry, Bezzina recognised the importance of participating in and documenting this culture, with no lack of dedication – “getting into the mosh pits and being part of that energy was important to capture these shots.” As you can see below, some of the crowd members completely loosen up in terms of expressions, body language, and dress.
Not to be exclusive, Bezzina took photographs for the book over five years, in “five different countries, and over 11 unique music festivals.” According to promo material, the festivals captured include: Wacken (Germany), Download (UK) Sonisphere (UK), Bloodstock (UK), Hellfest (France), Primavera Music (Spain), Big Day Out (AU), Future Music (AU), Soundwave (AU), and Splendour In The Grass (AU). Given their names, it’s 
no doubt that some of the best images come from Bloodstock and Hellfest.
Book launches will be happening in Sydney and Melbourne with, besides the book, large-scale prints being the most impressive way to take in the shots. You’ll also get a chance to grab a drink and get a signed copy of Release The Crowd.
SYDNEY OPENING
Saturday, December 10 – Goodspace Gallery
MELBOURNE OPENING
Sunday, December 18 – BSIDE Gallery
Check out a preview of the book below – soundtracked by Melbourne’s own, High Tension!
