“There could be world peace if everybody just went to rock concerts all the time.”

This week on Dropped Among This Crowd, Sara J. welcomes world-renowned and iconic music photographer Richard Beland for a captivating two-part conversation that dives deep into music, memory, and the magic of live shows.

In Part One, Richard takes us on a journey through his early years in a border town, where mischief and music first intertwined. From discovering his mom’s record collection and obsessively tuning into Detroit radio, to finally getting permission to attend his first concert in 1983 — Richard traces the roots of a lifelong passion.

He shares how flipping through rock magazines planted the seeds for his legendary photography career and recounts the moment that changed everything: bringing a Nikon camera to the Grateful Dead, Bob Dylan, and Tom Petty show at Rich Stadium in Buffalo on July 4th, 1986 — a day that set his creative path in motion.

Sara and Richard also explore the welcoming spirit of the jamband community, his experiences as a devoted Deadhead (with over 150 shows under his belt), and his heartfelt journals filled with memories from the road. Along the way, Richard opens up about losing his father just three days after his 20th birthday — a pivotal moment that reshaped his connection to touring and storytelling through images.

Plus, hear behind-the-scenes tales from his nearly 20 years as house photographer at Fallsview Casino, from shooting rising star Yungblud to an unforgettable (and hilariously awkward) photo session with Art Garfunkel — complete with a ten-minute apologetic voicemail he’ll cherish forever.

Get ready for a warm, nostalgic, and insightful conversation about the shows that shaped a career, the people who made it unforgettable, and how the power of live music can change a life.

More from this week's guest:

Website: https://richardbeland.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/richard.beland

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/14LapA4SrHW/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Liss Gallery Presents: Richard Beland Our Immortal Stars Vol. 1: VIP Book Launch and Artist Reception: October 25th, 2025 - https://www.lissgallery.com

Listen to Richard on The Tragically Hip Top Forty Countdown (Song Number 4): https://kite.link/song4

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