Night Six: Amsterdam
Five shows down, 20 to go and it’s Amsterdam tonight.
If you are spending your Sunday night at the Heineken Music Hall, let us know. As always, we love to know how you’re feeling and how the concert went. We’re such a nosey bunch.
So please feel free to share all the details when you get home. We’re enjoying your thoughts, memories, highs, lows, and all that comes in between.
If you don‘t want to know the setlist, then please don’t read the fan comments.
Caption:
Listen, I don’t mind being frozen for 1000 years for the best of the millenium charity concert, but if you don’t get me to the loo I’m going right here.
okay Fed..this has been bugging me for a while and I was going to wait for when you cover Massey Hall but I can’t wait much longer! I have a major concern about my seating..although I am in the fourth row, it is left side floor (LSF) and is labeled ‘obstructed’. I have been told that I will not have an enjoyable experience at all from where I am sitting but have also been told that the only reason they are labeled obsructed is because of a sound imbalance since they are off center. I am not sure what to believe and what hopeing that you or anyone else familiar with the venue could answer my concerns.
Thanks!
Mikael
[Hi Mikael. First of all, I'm afraid I'm not familiar with the venue, so let's see if anyone else comments. Anyone? - Features Editor]
How come Mr. Gilmour is not going to visit Poland ? His album have just picked number 1 position on the chart, plus it would be a perfect idea to have a show featuring L.Mozdzer and Z.Preisner. Surely it’d be a sell-out. Think about it.
Hope everyone has a great time this evening!
J
Caption…
“I gotta get me some more sleep.Just gonna slide em a few more notes than I’m outa here!”
(Just kidding.I know that David would never think that way but it just seemed to fit.)
Okay, I may..just may have an extra ticket for the Toronto Sunday April 9th show. It is not the greatest seat in the house..LCB row I but it is a seat. It is not with me..I am on the floor and that seat is not for sale ;-)) I bought it through ticketmaster for a friend so it is not scalped. I would be willing to sell it at face value $127.43. I have 2 stipulations, the first is that the buyer must be living in Canada and secondly be a contributer or follower to this website. I think the buyer should be a real David Gilmour fan not a Johnny come lately. So if you are interested e-mail me at htb285@hotmail.com
Cheers, Howard
Damn,
Amsterdam and David Gilmour / PF tunes, it does not get much better than that.
Burn one for me Amsterdamers!
If that chap jce comes on to tell us it was a bit flat – I might just believe him – Amsterdam tends to be a bit flat.
Sorry Features Ed and all loyal viewers
I will get my coat.
It’s been a long weekend.
dave
looking forward to hearing what was played tonight. will david cover another syd barrett tune, i wonder?
Caption Comp: OH MY GOD! the ufos have abducted Richard!!!
Hi everybody, looking forward to another great week checking in on this fab little site!
“If you are spending your Sunday night at the Heineken Music Hall, let us know. As always, we love to know how you’re feeling and how the concert went. We’re such a nosey bunch.”
You say nosey, I say caring
Would love to be in Amsterdam for the show tonight. But I’ll have to settle for a quiet evening at home with homemade tacos and The Sopranos.
But soon, very soon….
Wow. Truly awesome, and better than I could have imagined. The sound and lights were perfect. David’s guitar playing was outstanding, and full of emotive phrases all night long. The arrangements of Echoes and Shine On are quite powerful. The band proves it’s full worth, and then some, during Echoes alone. The versatility David shows in playing solos on three different types of guitars during High Hopes is also quite remarkable. What else can you say but this band delivers. New and old, this band plays with passionate precision. What else can you say but, “Didn’t they do well?”
Set List:
I: On an Island
II: Shine On, Wot’s Uh The Deal, Wearing the Inside Out, Breathe>Time>Breathe Reprise, Dominos, High Hopes, Echoes
E: Wish You Were Here, Comfortably Numb
On An Island is the most amazing collection of music I have heard in many years, and I wish Mr. Gilmour would come to Boston.
Peace.
David Gilmour…Pop culture icon of OUR time, destined to becoming classic (direct quote )
john is right apart form one thing …… david already is a classic icon of the guitar esepcially the fender stratocaster !
there are only 2 guitarists that can play anywhere near as good in the genre of rock music in my book . steve rothery from marillion and brian may from queen . i have never heard any other guitarists bar those 3 get so much emotion from thier imsutrments . if you have never heard steve rothery play click my name and check out their album from 2004 marbles.
sorry fet. ed. i hope you won;t give me a verbal kick in the rear end for advertising another act . won;t do it again honest :-)
Awesome setlist , awesome concert!
Great, thanks David!
What a good show! And how nice to not only hear On An Island in full, but also such classics like Time and Shine On. And of course the surprises: a fresh new take on Shine On, Wots Uh The Deal must have been out of the repertoire for years and Echoes is one of my all-time favourites, thank you so very much for playing it, in full length! And real fiery playing too.
Hint: I would love to see a DVD or CD recording of one of these live shows…….
I read a warning that the tour includes strobe lights. I am attending the April 4 show in NYC. This could cause an adverse reaction with girlfriend
What song’s are stobe light’s used?
How often in the show are they used?
It would crush her if I told her she could not attend the show!
[There are not strobes as such, but there are quick, flashing lights during 'Take A Breath' and a portion of 'Echoes'. - Features Editor]
I just arrived home from the show. And what a show it was!!!
I have been to quite a few concerts, but this one was farmost the best I ever have seen. Everthing was alright. I had a evening that I will never forget.
David and friends THANK YOU, THANK YOU VERY MUCH, and I will see you tomorrow, same time, same place.
Have a good night and sleep well.
Carlos
No The Great Gig In The Sky?
Hi there,
just came home from the concert in Amsterdam….
echoes…. high hopes… what to say? It’s all said with the music!
Thanks!!
…I missed a little bit, let’s say “the back vocals choir” But that’s personal,is it?
Thanks again!!!
Cheers, Oliver
Just got back from the first Amsterdam show. What a treat!! A fantastic band backing a legendary musician playing classic songs (and soon-to-be classics), what else could you ask for!?
(Maybe one thing though: the experience was slightly spoiled by an intoxicated man sitting one row behind me. Not only was he constantly shouting to his friend how wonderful he thought the show was – great, but shut up then and enjoy it instead of shouting how much you love it – but also was he loudly attempting to sing-along to all the songs he knew and didn’t know, not just the lyrics but also the solos. Now that’s annoying!)
Anyway, still had a great time. The new tracks were extra powerful in their live versions, I especially LOVED the melancholy of Where We Start finishing the first set, and the fierce rendition of Take A Breath.
Second half was outstanding. Loved the new arrangements on Shine On and the gorgeous acoustic outro to High Hopes. And as stated before: yes, Echoes was something special. Mr Gilmour going all out with his guitar in the mid-section, accompanied by an eye-splitting lightshow hitting you at full force.
In short: an amazing evening. A huge thank-you to Mr Gilmour and his great band for treating the fans to such a fine performance.
[I went to a concert the other week and had the same problem, Jeroen. What is it with these morons, eh? Luckily he vanished towards the end of the show and never returned. I'm hoping he either a) fell down a hole and hasn't been found yet or b) was abducted by aliens who are still carrying out sick experiments on him as I write. That'll teach him. - Features Editor]
Fantastic concert and sound.
Couldn’t imagine he’d play Echoes basically in its original extent, it was so great and intense.
Great to see and hear Richard Wright and Dick Parry too. Not much space left to Phil Manzanera though.
Thank You David again
P H E N O M E N A L
Thank you very very very very much.
Guy was that you who sang the last line of High Hopes? Sexy voice.
The first half of that show was David Gilmour. Exceptional. The second half was Pink Floyd onstage. P H E N O M E N A L.
Echoes! WOW! Time! EEEEEK! Perfect setlist.
Just at home after the concert in HMH….
still inpressed… driving home no music from my car audio needed. Thanks guys.!
This is in response to Mikael’s post about Massey Hall. I saw David at Massey Hall for the “About Face” tour, from what I remember Massey Hall is such an intimate setting that every seat is pretty good.
Awesome show, highlights for me:
“Take a breath” felt like being at a underground club in the late 60′s.
Wot’s uh deal: Only white lights and beautifully sung by Dave.
Echoes: Brrrrrrrr……..
hey
just got back from amsterdam. david and band we are speechless, it was fabelous.altough echoes in paris also was very very good, tonight comfertably numb was magic.
thank you fore a beautiful evening and can’t wait to see you in Londen!!!!
Caption:
‘Well if I look below this photo and concentrate very hard, I’ll be able to catch up on the latest musings of FEd and those mentalist bloggers!’
It was incredible.. the sound was just brilliant, but then we were sitting dead center in the ‘black box’.
And when they played Echoes the tears were just rolling down my face. Couldn’t stop them and didn’t want to.
Too bad the audience was a bit tame though. I was the only one actually moving to the music.
I owe a biiiiig thank you to the person who did not only point out the show to me (which I would have totally missed otherwise) but got me a ticket as well..
You know who you are and YOU ROCK! :-)
(It was so cool I may actually just jump on a train back to Amsterdam tomorrow and just see if I can get in again.. :-p)
Hugs
Bianca
Hello,
Just back from a wonderful show in Amsterdam.
I never did used drugs but:
we had trip to the Bright Side of the Moon, half way to the stars and back to this earthly heaven….
Gonna take a shower and a cup of coffee.
Nick from the lovely South of the Netherlands.
Who is the Numbnutz that post a setlist at 10;30 pm? The show is still going!
[That was the time in the UK, Dave. Mainland Europe is an hour ahead. - Features Editor]
Hey Mikael, I’m going to Massey also. You have much better seats than I do. I have right side gallery (almost all the way right). It’s okay though. I feel privileged just to be going to the show. I’m not sure if the board supports this, but I’m going to try to post a pic of the inside of Massey Hall. Click my name.
Can’t wait until Radio City. Features Ed.–thanks for keeping me going until David comes to town. The set sounds incredible!
Hello,
What must I write down in my bad English? That it was an outstanding show? Yes it was, it was more as…
The lightshow was worthed an standing ovation to the crew and Marc Brickman. Well done.
What more… the same set list as the previous shows (no Fat Old Sun and of course no Great Gig, maybe tonight ;-)). After the intro David is there with his guitar… yes he is the guitar of Pink Floyd… great.
The fabulous keyboard- landscapes which were made by Richard Wright & Jon Carin is an other trademark of Pink Floyd.
On Red Sky At Night he plays sax like he plays his famous melodic guitar solo’s. A warm applause from the crowd.
Highlights: The bluesy This Heaven. An awesome Take a Breath (David: “You all must be awake now!”, what a powerful song. With a nice guiter solo of Jon Carin!
Playing A Pocketful of Stones without a plugged guitar and making fun out of it.
Shine On you Crazy Diamond Davids intro on guitar was marvelous. David voice in the second half was absolutely perfect.
The slide on Whot’s .. Uh the Deal.
Richard Wrights voice on Wearing the Inside Out, including another great sax solo from Dick Parry.
Phil Manzanera with special guitar effects in Syd Barretts Domino’s.
Time… the lightshow… the song. Awesome. And please don’t forget Steve DiStanislao, he should get a medal
for his soulful & powerful drumming.
High Hopes is a classical and was played excellent.
Ping, Ping… Echoes… what a great choice, what a great performance from all. And again the light show is one of the most beautiful things I’ve seen.
And there was Guy Pratt groovin’ al around and doing some backing vocals.
Encore:
Standing in the first row just before David Gilmour… could see his eyes twinkle.
Wish You Were Here… did I hear David singing or was it the crowd?
The last one Comfortably Numb… the ultimate PF song and the ultimate guitar solo.
His fingers touching the snares… no words…
The song ends, applause, madness, hope this star event is carved on the inside of my skull, but think my brains are to small to get the whole sence of this all.
A Top team. An unforgetable night.
Another beer at the bar, chatting with my friends and wife, trying to realize what was happening.
Thank you crew, band and all at one fifteen (best regards to Andy) you all did a splendid job, we will not forget.
Nick from the lovely South of the Netherlands.
PS T-shirts!
Guy Pratt was wearing his “didn’t they do well” t-shirt again tonight. Nice humor.
Did you liked my “Eclipsed On An Island” shirt too Guy? I was standing under the nose of David Gilmour during the encore.
Maybe we can switch?
After the show I met two fans from Wales! I spotted them because they were wearing both T-shirts I got too; Mostly Autumn shirts. And that’s my favourite band after the gentleman who did a impressive gig tonight… fun…
Hope they have a save trip back to Wales and hopefully we meet again.
Maybe in London 29th of May?
Nick From the lovely South of…
Everything began in 1994, when adiquiri the first disk of Pink Floyd(Delicate Sound of Thunder), ever since I am trying to know everything on Pink Floyd and atragetoria of your members.
I like su work David Gilmour a lot and I am your fan, I am from Brazil and it would like you a lot to enter in contact with me, to know plus, and if you will make show here hereafter in Brazil.
At once I thank, and I apologize for my English, I await your answer thank you. . . Ronaldo.
Caption -
Inexplicably, David starts doing ‘the robot’ during Shine On.
[Now that's a good one! Nice one, mate. That's tickled me. - Features Editor]
Could anyone please tell me if “Echoes” is being done full length?
I was fortunate enough to have seen it done in 1973 at Olympia Stadium (that building has since been demolished) in Detroit during the “Dark Side of the Moon” tour and it remains the greatest piece of work I have ever seen! It lasted close to 45 minutes and totally blew me away…truly a masterpiece. I am one of the millions of unfortunates who will not be able to see this current tour unless an act of God allows it so if someone could be so kind to describe what it was like I would be forever grateful.
Good news. OAI has topped #1 Sunday in Canada, hope all goes well in the Netherlands. Dear Fed, how can you play guitar and be in charge of all this. HEE. For Mikael, if you are in the the fourth row at Massey Hall. What can be wrong with the view? Unless Guy Pratt is in the way. You’ll be fine.
Dear Features Editor, are David’s previous two albums going to be rereleased?
[Yeah. - Features Editor]
Dear Polly,
Great photo Polly – I really like this one a lot. All of the elements really come together nicely and for me it’s a great black and white shot. David’s hair sidelit and shining white, set against his black t-shirt and guitar. His posture, his looking down, all adds to a beautifully moody photo.
I’m really enjoying your photography, but this one stands out for me as one of my favourites so far. When you’re back from the tour and life returns to relative normal, is there any chance that I could buy a print? Otherwise a lovely book of your photos would I’m sure sell v. well
Best,
N
p.s. Caption competition: “Fender award eh? I’ll show ‘em…”
[It's one of the best, isn't it? - Features Editor]
I have to say I’m UNCOMFORTABLY NUMB. I’ve been watching and contributing to the site (with enthusiasm) since its inception. An awesomr site, with an awesome host in Fed. Just as jealous as can be reading all the posts on the tour. If anyone has an extra Chicago ticket Pleeeaaase let me know. I would just give both of my arms to see it. Can’t give my legs or I wouldn’t be able to get there. I had thought I had a ticket but it fell through. Please anyone. Guess I’ll go listen to the CD again. Simple pleasures. Thanks for listening.
[Awesome, am I? Now I feel like a Ninja Turtle. Thanks anyway, mate. I hope you get that ticket. - Features Editor]
Caption Competition:
“I said a razor, not another damn guitar, I’m growing a beard here!!!”
Hi David
I would say my chances of you reading this are pretty slim.
Please if you are considering a South Pacific tour of On An Island,come to Wellington,New Zealand.
I and many others would love to see you down here.
Regards Steve
Hello Howard, I’d like to buy the ticket as a surprise birthday (April 16th) present for my brother who lives in Burlington. I’ll email you.
John in Vancouver
hello
i spending my night in the heineken music hall
great show ,but i also love to know what you fined off it are the shows the seem for you ,where ever you pleay so please let my no this
thanks krijn (terneuzen)remember 68 david do you remeber it ???????
can’t wait til chicago!
Reassuring to see some subjective and constructive views on Davids work. All this adulation and idolising was making me think he isnt human! Concerned on his voice – dont over do it David, take care of yourself.
Looks like it will be a good summer of bootlegs-I know, mustn’t promote such thoughts but even David accepts this, re comments before “Smile” to audience at “Meltdown”
As for DVD, well of course there will be one, this year next year, who knows, there will be one. For what reason could there ever NOT be one? Technical-I dont think so, not with todays equipment. Artistic, no way, not with any “public” performer. In fact if there isnt a DVD then I will strip naked, tie myself to a stake at John O’Groats playing “This Heaven” on the bagpipes whilst eating a raw haggis!
Good idea to ask about fav tracks “OAI”. Mine is “Take a breath”. What about least liked? Mine’s “Smile”
Ian Pearson
I agree with all the gushing, and I can’t wait to see David on the last show in London in May. But…
Isn’t this a “David Gilmour” tour? It seems more like a Pink Floyd tour with OAI thrown in the beginning. Same band, same songs, mostly same lights, smaller venues. Even David says he’s tired of the Floyd machine, there are so many other things to be happy about like his new album, of course. So why play so much Floyd? I think he loved Floyd, the playing and the songs, he was just tired of all the marketing commotion around touring with Floyd.
About Face was a tremendous album, I personally would love to hear more material from it and his first album. oh well.
CAPTION: “Zzzzzzzzz”
I was playing On a Island and i thought about my resent trip to Saint Tropez, France
I spent some time on the beaches and now i see where david was coming from at least from a theortical point.
on a island (DG)
zarbriskie point (crumbling land)
meddle (fearless) (saint tropez)
more (wots the deal) (cirrus minor)
i saw the “obstructed seat” warning and opted for the ninth row on the floor. i hope it’s alright. i’m sure just being in the building will be enough. cheers. see you in toronto. you awake with a start…
Last night was outstanding. Shine on, Echoes and wearing the inside out were played beyond imagination.
Now the right thing to do for all mankind is to make a live album!
Thanks David, Richard, Jon, Phil, Guy, Steve and Dick for a great evening last night in Asterdam.
Great sound, great balance.
A night to remember! What more can I say.
Great concert, better than I even imagined before.
Speaking for myself Echoes was the high light of the show. Excellent interaction between David and Richard and in the morning I have watched the DVD Live in Pompeii where they also played this number. One of the best numbers I have ever seen live. I only missed a little bit the intro keyboard of Shine on you crazy diamond.
I also find it really remarkable that the crowd was silent until the last notes of every song, GREAT. Thnaks David and band for this magnificent concert!
[Sounds like you had a good crowd. Doesn't that make a huge difference? - Features Editor]
Wow, was this show in Amsterdam great or what? I’ve been sitting on the edge of my seat all evening with goosebumps all over!!! The music on it’s own is great, but the way it was played yesterday evening…awesome! There was so much passion, which for me came to a climax in Echoes (intermezzo lasted at least 9 minutess!!!) and Comforably Numb. Only downside was that the silence between some of the songs played was sometimes a bit long. One would expect it to flow more smoothly. But hey, that long forgotten now since this concert was one of the best I’ve been to. Not only was I surprised by the quality of David’s voice ;-), but it was a nice surprise to see Rick on stage.
19 march Amsterdam: it was truly unbelievable!
What a show, what a band! We have seen the master at work, and a master he is! Same goes for the other members of the band. They are building a fantastic atmosphere.
The lightshow is really amazing, especially in Echoes, wich in itself is a higlight.
There was a “minor technical glitch” as Mr. Gilmour called it: “lost a bit of guitar”. At the end of A Pocketful of Stones all went suddenly very quiet: Mr. Gilmour had unplugged himself somehow! A little bit of Brittish humour and the show was on the road again!
What stikes me: in the quiet parts of the show 3500 people are completely silent! Great!
Fat Old Sun was traded in for Dominoes: great song.
I have never seen Pink Floyd or David live before and the opening tunes of Breath/Time/Breathe Reprise brought tears in my eyes: I had a long time ago given up hope to hear that ever live on stage. And High Hopes and Comfortably Numb (“you might know this one…” Mr. Gilmour said) and… the list goes on.
I can only quote Mr. Gilmour at the end of his fantastic show: “Thank you very much indeed!”
Ever since I heard and saw Echoes for the first time on the Live at Pompeii film I have been waiting for the moment to experience it Live. It never happened in all the shows I’ve been to in the past and …. tonight it did !!!! In it’s full length!!
It was so incredibly touching to hear the vocal harmony of David Gilmour and Richard Wright and then the pumping baseline definately made me think about Roger Waters. It was truely a very very special moment for me.
Thank you Mr. Gilmour, Mr. Wright and the whole band for creating such a meaningful event.
My good friend in Germany told my this weekend that in Germany on the 31st May at 21.30hrs a live pay per view of the 3rd night from the Royal Albert Hall show will be broadcast live from London.
Is this true, or his he winding me up?
The first 2 shows in London both start at 19.30hrs, while the 3rd night starts at 20.30hrs in London.(time in Europe 21.30hrs)
Gary.
[He's winding you up. That's not happening. - Features Editor]
I was there last night. One word “brilliant”
Thank you David, Bandmembers and Crew.
I hope that their will be an Island tour DVD
Gr. Sven
What can I say more…. Absolutely wonderful
The setlist was the same as in Hamburg. No special guest this time.
David had from time to time problems with finding the right tone, both for the vocal parts as with playing the guitar.
Echoes is the absolute highlight of the show.
Great great concert!
I expected something like this and I got it so I am fully satisfied. But there’s a few things I gotta say-slash-ask:
- During the concert, David announced it was the last song before the break. People started to leave the room. Okay with that. But after the break people just did not return. It’s such a shame for those people who couldn’t manage to get tickets.
- Is it anywhere or is it just dutch people that have to yell at the stage? They should know that it was not a live request and with a little of brains they would easily figure out which songs where still to come… Anyway, if you’re planning on doing this during the next shows, you might just leave it…
- Why do people have to film the concert on their cell phones (which is forbidden btw), and not concentrating on the concert? Are they big fans of the PULSE video team and want to approach the video quality?
- It was clear already with PULSE but some of the higher tones are hard for David to reach. Why did he include similar parts in On An Island, knowing that it might go wrong live? Or why did he not play the songs in a lower tune?
- Also big applause to Phil and Steve for performing so well in the pink floyd songs, although these were all new for them.
- At times I had tears in my eyes. Not because I was that emotional but because the light effects were over the top. I don’t have bad eyes at all at times it was very hard to watch…
But it was worth the 2 hour drive (single) very much and so much thanks again to the person who cancelled his/her ticket(s)!
Koen
The highlight of the evening was definately ‘Echoes’ (Full length)! What a trip!…
sounds like an amazing show. wish i’d been there. can’t… wait… until… may…
I DO love today’s photo. It’s nice and grainy, the range of tones is perfect, and it’s consummate David Gilmour.
Thank you kindly, Polly.
Thx David,
it was a great concert, first your new album that i like very much and then after the break the old songs. What a night, Echoes one of my favourites.
The keyword for this evening to me was guts. (or just saying this is my show and i’ll do what i want).
To start out the first part of the show with just playing On an Island showed some considerable guts. I knew that some songs would be included but i had reconned they would be intercut with a ‘Greatest Hits of Pink Floyd’ show.
To take the first part of the evening to showcase the new album was amazing. Especially the song Take a breath. Allready one of my favorites of the album really kicks in hard in the live show.
After the break: i can only concur with the rest of the posts here. Echoes Full length. AMAZING. Comfortably numb: AMAZING.
The people fliming with their phones were bloody irritating. No respect what so ever. Too bad on what was bassicly a great evening.
[You're right, Dimitri. No respect whatsoever. - Features Editor]
Dear,Gilmour
I don’t know maybe you will read this note or not, but this is important for me and for a few my friens. we have been shared your music,soul of love ,feelings, to act with solidarity our lifes, sometimes on an island, sometimes on an lighthouse, foot of a mountain, or on open country, whatever you imagine. Years has gone, you and your music remains as most valuable for us. I wish for you that you will continue as you want, bye Nejdet Avci from Turkey
…just checking in to see if Echoes is still on the setlist…okay. Good. Getting nervous about that.
(heh, David doing the robot during Shine On! Big larf over here.)
xo
Deborah
Nick from .nl – great review, many many thanks!
Raises an interesting discussion point – how does David feel about having an entire auditorium singing/shouting/chanting the lyrics to WYWH?
On one hand I’m sure it’s amazingly flattering, touching and possibly connected to the audience…but on the other it can divert attention from the performance. I know this sounds a little uptight, because most people in the very least can’t help mouth the words!! (that’s me – I’m a mouther – probably us introverted Brits!) I just find it interesting… Guy, any thoughts?
Also, I’m not sure that I’d like DG to be described as a ‘pop icon’ as I think someone posted. Michael Jackson, imho, is a ‘pop icon’, and DG transcends ‘pop’ by infinite degrees! I like to think of him more as a legendary musician, with far more range/talent/ability than just ‘pop’. Besides, ‘pop’ is SO hard to define.
Personally I put David in with the likes of Clapton, Page, Hendrix, Green as one of the greats of our time. Rock? yes…. Blues? yes…. Prog Rock? yes… Pop… no chance!
N
[Well said, Nick. I agree with you on both counts. A stern "No!" to fans behaving like banshees when mouthing the words or singing along quietly will do, and a rather worried "Hell no!" to David being labelled as a 'pop' icon. - Features Editor]
… To me it felt like going home… and ‘Echoes’ was breathtaking!!
To David and the band: THANK YOU so much for the amazing experience.
Dear Mr. Gilmour, Bandmembers and crew.
Just like MLK I had a dream….
This dream was to hear once in my life the songs Breathe, Wish you were here and Comfortably Numb in an outstanding performance of Mr. Gilmour.
Thanks everyone, for making my dream come trough!
Alien captain speaking to alien crew member after abducting unruly drunk concert-goer: “Pull on it harder! It MUST be a dipstick to check its’ fluid level!”
Tim
[Exactly! - Features Editor]
Ok then, a quick review of last night’s concert (march 19th). I’ll skip over the set list (no surprises here, same as the other concerts in this tour – read the other reviews!) and about how brilliant it was. That speaks for itself. I’m so glad I was there!
What amazed me was the presence of Rick during the whole show. Not just for a few songs, no special introduction… not like a special guest, but as part of the band. Please understand that I’m a great Rick fan, but sometimes I wondered what he was doing there, especially during the PF songs. All the keyboard intros and sounds that I thought were typical for Rick were in fact played by Carin, while Rick was frantically fiddling with the buttons of his keyboard, guided by the flashlight of a road crew member. This happened on several occasions during the show. They even had to pause in between songs because he didn’t manage to start the pre recorded Breathe intro.
David’s voice was surprisingly good during the whole concert. No problems during the first songs like in previous shows as I’ve read.
The Great Gig In The Sky was not on the set list, nor was there any surprise guest. Although the appearance of the one and only Dick Parry was a very nice surprise for me (I didn’t read any of the other reviews before I went there).
Right before starting the last song of the first half David’s guitar strap came loose from his guitar. A road crew member looked at it and simply walked away, leaving David to put the screws back himself, by hand, joking “It’s hard to get decent staff these days”.
The sound was only so-so in my humble opinion. Too much focus on the mid range frequencies, which sets the focus very much towards vocals and guitar. Nice for the people who like David and wish to ignore the rest of the music, but not well for the overall soundscape. In addition a loud humping bass and bass drum. I could hardly hear the bass melody, or Manzanera’s guitar. And Dick Parry deserved a lot more volume. Overall it wasn’t bad, but not perfect either.
The audience was tame and reserved. No standing ovation when he came on, just a mild round of applause. I was dumbfounded for this weak reception for such an artist! Very mild applauses in between songs of the first half; could it be most of the people didn’t even listen to the album before hand? only a few German drunks roared up the place by shouting names of PF songs, cheerfully ignored and parodied by David. People got more excited in the second half, with a standing ovation after the last song, before the encore. Af the two encores people gave the musicians a hand for a dozen of seconds and sped of towards the parking lot.
Nevertheless, for me this was a great concert (I just skipped al the positive stuff, it’s covered well enough in the other reviews) and the first (and I’m afraid last) change to see David perform live. I can’t tell you how good it was to be there. Please share your thoughts if you were at the same show.
Echoes rule(s)!
Live sound
As The tour goes on, it’s interesting to see the way the songs are played during the concerts. Some of them are played in another way. Some others are sounding differently. During the Olympia show in Paris, I’ve noticed that “Take a Breath” had a faster tempo with a heavier sound. In fact the whole songs of OAI were revisited, except maybe (if I remember well) Castellorizon, Red Sky at night and Then I close my eyes.
But the differences between the stage and the studio version were felt.
I’m currently listening Fat old sun (played last thursday). This was really a different track with the original : faster tempo, heavier final with two guitars and also a “dancing David Gilmour”… Very fun !
And what about Shine on you crazy diamond ? The mix between the original live version and its accoustic (with David alone singing and playing the guitar it is really beautiful). I think it is renewing the song.
And at last but not least. We have Echoes. Probably the most expected song to be played. Not different from the album (even if it was shorter), but it was the case of the atmosphere it gave into the Olympia. In live, this new version was sounding different and like the other songs, it was much better. This is the secret : simply sounding different than the albums.
Hello Dear F.ed,
And you. What is your opinion about the live sound ?
And by the way, how do you do ? Not to much work ?
PS : Still four days from the Olympia show, my god ! Time flies
[Hi Antoine. I'll give you my opinion on 1 June! I'm afraid I can't comment until then, as I'm waiting for the London shows. This version of 'Shine On' is very nice though, isn't it? - Features Editor]
What a pity….
Why David Gilmour is not giving a concert i Greece (eerr…after all Kastelorizon is a Greek island!)
It was a great night in Amsterdam. Hopefully there will be a dvd of this tour recorded.
Hi editor, Soon after i came from the show in Amsterdam , I could’nt wait much to post into this great site.. So I post with the mindset from the empty spaces , maybe like 12 night. ( just hardly 1 hr after the show) did’nt see the post though! but peace out .. “cos itz floyd and Gilmore that matters to me.. Happy days of my life..
[Hi Noby. You left your post at the Heineken Music Hall entry. I'll add it below for you. - Features Editor]
Wow ! Just came from the DG concert in Amsterdam. Too good.. the songs and the lights. the first half from the the new album and the second from the good ‘ol floyd. Echo rocks.. After the show the whole crowd was comfortably numb! Peace to all Knobz ” And who knows which is which and who is who. Up and down But in the end it’s only round and round”
ECHOES! Thank you mister Gilmour.
Hello,
can anybody tell me how late the concert started yesterday. Did it start exactly at eight or later. As tonight I am going to the concert and I would like to know when I should be there.
kind regards,
Alwin
I have tickets for both glasgow and the royal albert hall
can anyone let me know if speak to me is done, leading into breathe??
Somewhat off topic, but hey…
Saturday morning, my new washing machine gets delivered and as the two guys struggle to get it up a flight of stairs and into my flat, my iTunes (which is on shuffle mode) begins to play ‘Castellorizon’. 2’16 into it and as we know, the remarkable guitar sound of David kicks in.
Delivery Man #1: Wow!!! Who is that? It sounds like Pink Floyd….that guitarist…what’s his name? Gary Gilmour isn’t it?
Me: (Spluttering after nearing choking on my cup of tea)…Erm, David…David Gilmour actually.
DM#1: Yeh, that’s the one. I like the sound of this, I think the wife will too so I’d better buy one on the way home then.
So hopefully he managed to find the correctly named CD and that he and his wife are enjoying the new album as much as the majority of us seem to be.
Favourite Track: Castellorizon (Goose-bumpingly fantastic)
Sees ya’ll on the 29th May.
CJD
It was a great show last night! I really liked the way ‘On an Island’ sounded live. And than an awesome performance of ‘Echoes’ and the cherry on top…’Comfortably Numb’. David’s playing was marvelous…so was his voice. It was great to hear Rick sing ‘Wearing the Inside Out’.
I hope there will be a DVD of the concert (just not with the guy who kept asking for ‘wish you were here’).
Thank you David and all the others, who made this a mesmerizing show!!!
Greetings from Holland
Thanks Jess for the photo of Massey Hall! We’re driving in from Cleveland for the April 9th show, and had no idea what our seats would be like! I think we’re up in the gallery, but after seeing the photo, it looks like a great place & all seats are good!
Any suggestions from anyone as to what else we should see while in Toronto would be appreciated, as we’re coming in Saturday. So excited to see this show!
The Amstdam show was great!!!! Just wondering why he didn’t play Fat Old Sun, which was on the setlist. He played Dominoes instead. Echoes and Numb were amazing, as was Richard Wright on Wearing The Inside Out. Wish I could go again tonight!!!!!!!!
[It's good to have a change every now and then, that's why! The setlists are not revealed beforehand, so no one knows for sure which songs will be played. Fans are reporting on the shows as they see them, so you probably saw a setlist for a previous show. I believe 'Fat Old Sun' has only been played in Frankfurt and at the Olympia, Paris. - Features Editor]
Dear Editor, I got a question.
I was at the Frankfurt concert, but missed the chance to buy one of these working shirt.
Do you know, where to get the merchandise beside the live shows??
Any help would be great! Thank!
[Those very shirts will soon be available to buy online at http://www.davidgilmour.com, Sebastian. As soon as everything's set, I'll be sure to let you know. - Features Editor]
Dear features editor,
Normally I would agree with you on my question why Fat Old Sun wasn’t played last night.
Fortunately for me, I have a copy of the setlist of last nights show, which was given by someone from the productionteam to one of the photographers, who happens to be a good friend of mine.
But that’s really the only reason why I was suprised that they didn’t play the song. It’s not a bad thing that they didn’t play it, the show was amazing no matter what.
[In that case, good question! - Features Editor]
at the risk of having my head bitten off like the last time i posted, i’d also add that it’s much nicer to be in a quiet crowd than a noisy one. everyone has paid for their ticket and wants to enjoy the show. the majority of people want to be able to hear the songs and applaud at the end. they don’t want to be surrounded by drunken idiots wailing and whistling and waving their cameras about. above all, there’s no need to shout out pink floyd titles! i hardly think david and his band would drop their plans and fit in a request or two for these morons! to do that is so rude and disrespectful, not only to the musicians on stage, but to the people in the audience who just want to enjoy the show for what it is: a david gilmour concert. if anyone wants to bite my head off for saying that, then go ahead and bite me.
[I'll give you my opinion on 1 June! I'm afraid I can't comment until then, as I'm waiting for the London shows - Features Editor] – Awww FEd, will this mean we won’t have the pleasure of your company at the Manchester show. Such a pity that I won’t be able to buy you that beer I promised a few months ago (you will have to send Guy to pick it up for you!).
Cheers!
[I'm afraid not. More beer for you, by the looks of it. - Features Editor]
I did have high expectations. But it was even better than I expected. Thanks a lot for a brilliant show. Brilliant guitar-playing!!!!
David,
It has been a fantastic, amazing, unforgettable, great concert!!!!
A big THANK YOU for sharing your music with all of us!
Hello Polly,
I’m looking forward to more pictures of the concert as I didn’t take my camera with me yesterday. I saw you taking some pictures while I was standing just a few meters from David.
Thank you! Luciana
Reading these comments on Dave’s shows is really starting to build my excitement even more. I am attending the Chicago show on 4/12 and hope to talk to a lot of the folks who have been submitting.
The set-list looks fantastic; some old classic with new. For those who have seen Floyd, I think you will agree that one of the great live songs is “On the Turning Away.” Dave’s guitar solo at the end is fantastic!! Would love to see it in Chicago.
Can’t wait to see you Dave!! Congrats on a fantastic new album and tour.
Billy, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
I can’t believe how diverse, disrespectful and negative some of these comments are about the concerts.
I do hope David is enjoying his tour, despite all this.
LS
I have mixed emotions when reading show reviews. I am upset that I am missing these brilliant shows, but also excited that soon I will see David in New York and get the experience.
I am a VERY amateur guitarist, just can strum some chords. But I have a 9 month old son who reponds very well to the song Smile. Both when the CD plays and if I sing it to him. Since, like I said, I have no real musical knowledge, might someone help me out and give me the chords to Smile? I would love to strum the guitar while singing to my son. The smile he makes when he hears it melts my heart.
Can’t wait until April 4th.
BTW my wife never really understood Pink Floyd, but once I made her listen to OAI, she now has her own copy in her car. (hehe) Well done, David.
Hey Folks,
The spare ticket has gone. Thanks for all your interest.
Cheers, Howard
[quote Hello,
can anybody tell me how late the concert started yesterday....
Alwin end quote]
Excately at 20:00 hours, so make sure be there on time, it’s not nice when people are walking in an out when the Castellorizon starts.
Echoes had a full length run, and is worthed a stand alone dvd version… really madness. It’s coming out the speakers now, but sorry no yesterday was much more impressive, I must close my eyes to look at my skull and experience it again.
Ron a nice critical report, I don’t agree with everything, but nevertheless well written. And good to hear that your overal opinion was GREAT.
Nickster from London, thanks. Maybe we should meet in London 29th of May?
Echoes an epiloge, the day after.
Impressive show last night… I wrote before that I didn’t like the sticker, voice and guitar of Pink Floyd, but yeah I must admit it is true, astonishing the whole show that amazing guitar playing, not over the top just the right level the right amount.
But the funny thing is I’m singing “Wearing the Inside Out” over and over again. Rick voice was so amazing, I love that cultivated English, his pronouncing his feel for rhythm.
Looking in Davids eyes during the encores, that was unbelievable too.
A tear is sitting in the left corner of my eye the whole day… sun is shining… kids and wife are coming home…
… this earhtly Heaven is the Place for me.
Thanks x!
Nick from the lovely South of the….
“Still four days from the Olympia show, my god ! Time flies”
C’est vrai, Antoine. And it’s a real tragedy. Time flies…
By the way, there is one thing I did’nt say about the Olympia show. Et j’aimerais savoir si vous avez la même impression que moi: David ne jouerait-il pas encore mieux qu’autrefois? Pas seulement techniquement. Il doit avoir encore plus à dire (l’âge, sans doute, l’expérience, la vie..), comme un peintre, un écrivain,… , un vin,… , se bonifient avec le temps. Ai-je tort?
Ikkar, with love.
I watched the Meltdown Concert DVD over the weekend and watched the Miscellaneous Extras section which I had never watched in its entirety before and was completely kocked out by Sonnet 18! “Don’t” was pretty good as well!
If DG is looking for songs to swap in and out then Sonnet 18 would be a beautiful song to use…