ION INDIE MAGAZINE September 2015, Volume 16 | Page 76

Story and Photography by Timothy Schumann Here is the show that I have waiting for all year long and rightly so--it’s the show of the year here in El Paso! Nothing else compares to the “TEXAS SHOWDOWN--The West Texas Biggest Tattoo and Music Festival" held at THE COUNTY COLISEUM. This is a three day event that was held on the 17th, 18th and the 19th of July, and it’s the 6th time for this fantastic outing. Truth be told, the line up over the years has done nothing but get better and better and this year was no exception! Promoter GEORGE GALINDO, owner of HOUSE OF PAIN tattoo shops here in El Paso, really outdid himself--with top national acts such as: YELAWOLF, FUTURISTIC, HOLLYWOOD UNDEAD, OTEP, POP EVIL, I WRESTLED A BEAR ONCE, ICE CUBE, LIMP BIZKIT and THE OFFSPRING. A couple of locals got in the action, as George never forgets our local talent. Thus, ANDROMED THEORY and BASH were on the bill as well. Now, on a personal note, I want to thank George and his entire staff for treating me as the professional photojournalist that I am, with complete “All Access” credentials, including back stage, on stage and Green Room access. In other words, I wanted for nothing and was treated like gold! There were tattoo artists from all over the country tattooing inside the coliseum, freak shows and suspension piercing (not for the faint of heart) and the finest national music acts outside on a huge stage for your listening pleasure. George is the sole owner of the INK LIFE TOUR and takes this show all over the country. ERNIE BUSTAMANTE from TATTOO MAGAZINE also covers these shows with his ultra-fine photography. In my opinion, he's one of the best shooters that has come down the pike in a long time! It was my sheer pleasure to be shooting next to him in the pit! In closing, make no mistake, I am already counting down the days to next year’s show--this event is second to none! If by chance, the Ink Life Tour graces your town, do yourself a favor, get to the show, get tattooed and enjoy the best music money can buy. I promise you, you won't be sorry…take my word for it! http://texastattooshowdownfestival.com/ www.facebook.com/HOUSEOFPAINTATTOO http://www.tattoomag.com/