I like this series too. Very expressive. The high background contrast is what you would expect. Whether a hint of background shadow detail would add anything is debateable. In the satisfaction image there is background detail but I don't think it makes it a better image than this one.
Could we have some details of your metering technique and what film speed setting you used for these images?
Rob, I was using spot metering TTL in the Nikon. Film was Delta 3200 rated at 3200, dev'd in Rodinal for 10% over normal.
There was a projected image on the screen in the background which was changing in colour and intensity which threw the TTL a few times but generally the Nikon coped very well. The 50mm f1.8 worked wonderfully. This is the 3rd gig I've shot and I learn stacks each time. Good Fun!
Very well done. Too often I have seen images of musicians where the highlights are blown in favour of the shadows. The satisfaction image would have been a little better if the brighter part of the background was behind his shadowed side and the darker bakground behind his lit side, but obviously that would take some luck or arranging at a live gig. But it is something you can look for in future as it makes the subject really stand out when you get those subject/background contrasts right.