© Bao Nguyen

Hours of pent up energy explode at New York’s Madison Square Garden as Bao Nguyen captures the moment Arcade Fire finally takes the stage. This crowd shot was included in the winners gallery of the 2010 Ultimate Music Moment contest.

© Kevin Tachman

Karen O of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs executes her signature water spray into the air during an intimate performance at the Music Hall of Williamsburg. Kevin Tachman’s  portrait was included in the winners gallery of the 2009 Ultimate Music Moment contest. The 2010 Contest is currently open for entries until October 18, but enter today to avoid late fees. A Fans’ Favorite winner will also be selected.

© Rich Gastwirt

Music photographer Rich Gastwirt captures James Hetfield of Metallica handing his pick to a lucky fan. The band “had a theater in the round situation and were running all about the stage, making photographers chase them around whack-a-mole style.”

This image was the People’s Choice winner in the Ultimate Music Moment Contest. See more rockin’ images here.