Theory of a Deadman Brings the Heat to Hampton Beach
There was something particularly meaningful about photographing Theory of a Deadman at the Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom in Hampton Beach, New Hampshire, on August 28, 2026. Opening for Sevendust on the sold-out second night of The Dead / Seven Tour, the band brought an energetic performance filled with personality, crowd interaction and unexpected moments. For me, the night carried an added significance: Theory of a Deadman was the opening act at my very first concert, and years later I found myself photographing them from the photo pit.
Lead singer Tyler Connolly kept the Hampton Beach crowd engaged throughout. At one point he pulled out a Polaroid camera while still singing, photographed a fan and handed them the finished picture. Later he turned an old video recorder toward the audience, capturing the crowd and making the fans part of the show. The band also mixed original material with portions of several covers, adding a spontaneity that kept the performance moving.
From behind the camera, the constantly changing lights, smoke and movement created both challenges and opportunities. My 70–200mm f/2.8 was the lens I relied on most, letting me isolate individual moments while following Connolly and the rest of the band across the stage. My favorite photograph came during a moment of heavy backlighting, with Connolly front-lit as smoke rose in front of him. Getting it meant anticipating the smoke machine and waiting for the precise moment when the light, the artist and the atmosphere aligned. A moment too early or too late, and the shot would have been lost. That brief window is exactly what makes concert photography so rewarding.
About the Artist
Theory of a Deadman is a Canadian rock band from Delta, British Columbia, blending hard rock, post-grunge and alternative rock. Fronted by Tyler Connolly, alongside longtime members Dave Brenner and Dean Back, with drummer Joey Dandeneau, the band has built a career around hits including “Bad Girlfriend,” “Rx (Medicate),” “Not Meant to Be,” “Santa Monica” and “History of Violence.”
Since forming in 2001, they have kept a strong presence in the rock world and a reputation for energetic, personality-driven live shows that pair a recognizable catalog with spontaneity and humor.
About the Photographer
Jeff Kulis is a Massachusetts-based photographer with a passion for capturing the energy, emotion and authenticity of live music. Specializing in concert photography, he combines a love of music with a documentary-style approach, looking beyond the performance itself to capture the moments, expressions and atmosphere that make each show unique. From intimate club stages to packed arenas and outdoor festivals, he focuses on creating images that make viewers feel as though they were standing in the crowd.
Through his work with Frontlight Magazine and Jeff Kulis Photography, he has photographed a wide range of established and emerging artists throughout New England. Beyond concerts, his photography extends to landscapes, wildlife and street photography.
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