Photographing Diva Purple at The Six Six Bar: A Night of Pure Rock Energy (Live music photography)

Some gigs hit you like a freight train in the best way possible and my night capturing Diva Purple at The Six Six Bar in Cambridge was definitely one of those. Before the first chord even struck, I found myself cozied up in the green room with the band, sharing laughs and soaking in those wonderfully human pre-show moments: last-minute tuning, shared jokes, and that little buzz of nervous excitement in the air. They welcomed me into their world with open arms, and we snapped a few laid-back group photos that perfectly captured their essence, spirited, warm, and ready to rock the place to its core.

Susie had massive stage presence.

Meet Diva Purple

The UK’s All-Female Deep Purple Tribute Diva Purple is the UK’s first all-female tribute to Deep Purple, bringing serious musicianship and a fresh twist to the classic hits from the early ’70s that shaped rock history. Their current lineup is a fantastic mix of talent and personality:

• Cara Bruns – Keyboards The band’s sonic mastermind, channeling Jon Lord’s iconic organ sound with both precision and flair. Her classical training and genuine love for Deep Purple shine through in every swirling solo.

• Maisie Glessing – Guitar Maisie brings the unmistakable fire of Ritchie Blackmore. Originally a drummer, she made the switch to guitar as a teen and never looked back — and you can feel that passion in every riff and solo.

• Pera Frank – Bass A versatile bassist whose musical range spans jazz, funk, rock, and fusion. Her basslines hold the whole band together with groove and style.

• Laura Allison – Drums Laura is pure power behind the kit. She’s featured prominently in Diva Purple’s live showreels and rehearsal films, and her playing is packed with energy, punch, and personality.

• Susie Brown – Vocals The band’s dynamic frontwoman, who recently joined as their lead vocalist. She’s already making waves, from her debut show footage to interviews diving into her journey with the band.

Laura (drummer).

Live music photography at The Six Six Bar Cambridge

As soon as Diva Purple stepped onto the stage, the atmosphere transformed in an instant. They dove right into the Deep Purple classics that fans adore  “Speed King,” “Highway Star,” “Strange Kind of Woman,” “Child in Time,” and, of course, “Smoke on the Water.”  From my vantage point behind the camera, it felt like trying to capture a bolt of lightning: Laura pounding out thunderous, driving drum grooves Susie owning the stage with her raw charisma Cara’s keys swirling like a tempest Maisie’s guitar riffs cutting through the mix with precision Pera anchoring the whole sound with deep, melodic basslines.

The Six Six Bar’s moody lighting of rich purples, fiery reds, and sharp beams made every shot feel like a moment pulled straight from rock history. Throughout the night, I managed to capture: Explosive solos bursting into the spotlight. Tight rhythmic snapshots of the band locking in. Close-ups of fingers dancing over fretboards and keyboards. Candid moments shared between the band and their audience. By the time the final note rang out, the crowd was buzzing and honestly, so was I.

Why Diva Purple Are Something Special

What sets Diva Purple apart isn’t just the “all-female tribute band” label  it’s their genuine passion for the music. They’re not just mimicking Deep Purple; they’re celebrating their legacy. They perform with heart, power, personality, and that kind of authenticity that makes a photographer’s job feel effortless. When musicians are truly in love with what they do, that energy radiates into every shot.

Final Thoughts Photographing Diva Purple

From those warm, hilarious green room moments to the high-octane finale on stage was an absolute delight. They’re talented, passionate, and a joy to capture in their element. If you get the chance to see them live, don’t hesitate to grab a ticket. And if you need someone live music photography with the same energy and care, I’m always ready.