Night 23: London
David and his band play the first of three concerts at London’s Royal Albert Hall tonight. Although these have been ‘sold out’ since day one, the RAH has released more seats in the choir area, right behind the musicians, for all three nights. See davidgilmour.com for more details.
If you’re going to this evening’s show, do let us know how you’re feeling at the moment.
When you get back and feeling has returned to you your fingertips, do let us know how the night went.
You know what we’re like here at davidgilmour.com – we want to know every little detail, so don’t be shy.
As always, the setlist will be mentioned among the fan comments below. If you don’t want to know which songs were performed, don’t read the fan comments.
As you know, tonight’s concert is being filmed for inclusion on David’s new DVD. Please refrain from using cameras and mobile phones! They will be especially irritating tonight.
You’ll see posters around the Hall requesting the same thing. Please pay close attention to them.
RAH staff will be particularly strict over the next three nights and anyone found to be breaching these rules will have their offending camera/phone confiscated immediately.
No matter how many pictures or videos you record, they won’t match the quality of the DVD that will be out later this year, so please don’t use any cameras during the performance.
This request comes not only from us, the people who will be filming, the RAH staff and the fans who have already commented on how annoying people with cameras are. It also comes from the band members who have been irritated by flashing lights throughout the tour. They are trying to perform for us, after all.
So no cameras tonight, thank you.
Enjoy the concert, everyone. If you want to meet with other fans before the show, then the Queen’s Arms at 30 Queens Gate Mews seems to be the place for it.
I’ve just managed to obtain a ticket in the stalls direct from the RAH for tonight’s show (30th)and having just read through all the comments above, my excitment has gone through the roof! Right now I have got On An Island playing on the CD and the Meltdown concert playing on the DVD simultaneously! Good on yer to the RAH, and David, have a bloody good one tonight!!!
Mark
I yay yay, have become Comfortably Dumb(founded)…
A BRILLIANT day had by all, me thinks…
My dear friend, John the Bruce, yesterday had his intiation into the David Gilmour “experience” and savoured every moment.
Remembered to pick up Simon, presented his missus with some PINK carnations to celebrate her pregnancy news..
Had a hassle free journey down to old Londinium, which was nice…
Made it to the Queens Arms for 16:30, couldn’t see Rippers “shiner” anywhere? but hung on long enough to meet and chat with Bianca & Rado. Only wish there had been more time to get acqainted, they had over-indulged with their afternoon tea at Park Lane Hotel, so they didn’t turn up until 45 mins before showtime. Bianca lived up to her billing and was very chic, Rado looked very suave also in his 1966 Pink Floyd cap(that’s seen some wear…), it was a REAL pleasure to meet these two guys, what dedication to the cause, staying over to see all 3 RAH shows, you lucky buggers…
Hey Bianca/Rado, how did last nights show compare to Amsterdam/New York? Enhanced or what??
Other folks will probably provide a more “scrutinised” review than I, but the “stand out moments” for me personally were:-
- A “giggling” Gilmour, fluffing his lines in – On An Island.
- Redeeming himself with a great performance on the sax, for – Red Sky At Night.
- Then I Close My Eyes – with fine renditions from Dick Parry & Robert Wyatt.
- Take A Breath – certainly took mine. Sounds, Lights, Camera’s(The LEGAL ones), ACTION! WOW this REALLY ROCKED, a new “classic”.
- Shine On – Now with added nuance…
- Wot’s… Uh The Deal – Really pleased to hear this, it’s SO underrated, the lyrics get me every time I listen to it.
- ECHOES – What more can you say, AWESOME springs to mind. Aurally and visually STUNNING. The senses were well and truly ASSAULTED. Rick was having it Large. Guy was doing wonderful things, even though his bass had slipped off his shoulder a bit, the copious amount of dry ice seemed to be a cause of some amusement:-P
- Find The Cost Of Freedom – You could have heard a pin drop… Crosby looked chuffed at the end, swingin’ a right hook when exiting, stage left – that’s wrap, then.
- Arnold Layne – WOWIEEEEE, BOWIE… Thousands of jaws drop to floor in total disbelief.
I thought he could have done the Laughing Gnome whilst he was there …(Shut up):o(
…Then back again for – Comfortably Numb. Wow, Wow, WOW…!!!
Not mentioned Phil, Jon & Steve but they were ticking all my boxes…(Did I really say that, I’ll get me coat) sorry guys, you were GREAT in your own ways.
David,
Thank you.
Thank you, for On An Island.
Thank you, for THE BAND.
Thank you, for THE MUSIC..
Thank you, for THE SHOW…
Thank you, for MORE GREAT MEMORIES.
Thank you, for BEING YOU.
THANK YOU.
FEd.
THANK YOU.
Bloggers.
THANK YOU.
Will life ever be the same…
“Remember that night…So much behind us, still far to go.”
Good bye, cruel world…GOOD BYE…
Posted by: Features Editor at May 30, 2006 04:08 AM
Good Morning, dear Sleeping Beauty!
This make me think that you went to the show, yesterday night…what a great show! The White Duke too! Wow! What a lucky people, these british! So, tell us Fed: which was your favourite song? This night I thought about a joke…but I wasn’t able to find some funny story to make you laugh…maybe tomorrow!
L!
[I don't know. It was all so magical. I have too many posts to publish, I haven't got time to think! - Features Editor]
What a show!
Personally I enjoyed the second half more than the first half – this is down to the choice of songs and the lighting/lasers being better after the break.
David couldnt resist smiling when he forgot parts of the lyrics for “On an Island”. Guess yesterdays version wont make it to the DVD. :-)
Bowie did a brilliant version of Arnold Lane, whilst I kinda wish David performed Comfortably Numb himself.
Greetings earthlings!
Last night´s concert at RAH was a triumphant return of a true master musician, DAVID GILMOUR.
I feel very fortunate to have been able to experience such a concert in person.
Christmas Eve came early this year.
The assisting elves did some memorable work.
None mentioned, none forgotten. And what great joy it was to see this magnificent line-up live.
The set list did include some very surprising choices. I was completely hooked from the very start as “Time” includes one of my very favorite guitar solos. Together with “Money” ( which well be hearing tonight or tomorrow?)
I have actually damaged a pair of good speakers because of these songs.
But I won´t press any charges Mr. Gilmour!
“On an Island” and the rest of the new album tracks proved to be of great value live. I´m sure many, like me, will go home and listen to the album again, but this time from a new angle…
“Shine…” was extremely handsome with an pleasant adagio feeling in the beginning. BRAVO!
A brave choice to include “Echoes” which was performed with a rarely heard vivid force.
Mr. Bowie made us all look like question marks when entering the stage for the final. A great come back of an important artist. What a performer he still is!
And finally a grand long version of lovely “Comfortably Numb”. A highly underestimated song if you ask me…
And please Mr. Gilmour! Don´t let us wait too long for your next album again.
How about a simple down-to-earth-home-made-on-the-boat-acoustic album?
I bow my head in deep respect and admiration.
Tommy Silverros
SWEDEN
Please Get Bowie Back tonight
Go on, I’m sure he would’nt mind.
WOW! I’m so happy for all the lucky people who went to see the concert last night and for the next two nights.
David Bowie is my second favourite singer (no prize for guessing who is first) and to see both of them together must have been truly amazing!
Please, please include this on the DVD if possible!!!
Hi all,
Firstly, apologies for my extended posting last night. Was full of excitement and was braindumping the joy
Last night’s show was probably my favourite ever (no mean feat!).
A quick word on the behaviour of the audience – I think considering how much excitement David generates, the crowd was very well behaved. Yes there were the idiots who just steadfastly refused to turn off camera flashes, but they calmed down as the show went on (maybe they had their cameras confiscated by staff). The only time it became a problem was during Castellorizon when the spot lights on David were perforated by flashes. It definitely screwed up my night vision a little and distracted, but it was soon forgotten with David’s guitar.
As for banshees, there really weren’t any – or any near me. SOYCD and CN inevitably became sing-a-longs, but it was v. tolerable – as if everyone was singing it quietly to themselves rather than shouting lyrics. Considering how many people love those songs, I’d say it wasn’t too bad at all…in fact it contributed to a really nice atmosphere in there – and I don’t normally like that kind of thing.
Roll on tonight
N
Well after that breathtaking performance I just have to go again. The wallet is burning but I don’t care.
Even if its the same set with the same guests it will still be money well spent
Is the start time for wednesday really 8.30pm as opposed to 7.30 for the other albert hall dates? does anybody know the reason for this?
I’m now so excited i think i’m driving the people at work potty…..
Slightly dissapointed i missed david bowie (another one of my hero’s i’ve yet to see….) but really exited at the thought of what my evening holds.
See you all there,
Ila
x
[Please go back and read through the comments. This question has been answered at least three times this week. For the very last time... It's an 8:30pm start on Wednesday because the RAH is playing host to another event in the afternoon and more time is needed to get the sound, lighting etc. set up. So it will be a later start and a later finish. - Features Editor]
Manchester – what more can I say. I think the girl with tears rolling down her face sums it up. Extraordinarily moving…
Did anyone see the free sleeves – I feel a little cheated. Someone, somewhere now has a boat load of these. Ebay will be the winners again. Can Ed. tell us the contact at EMI.
[No, but if you let us know your seat number, booking reference number, the last four digits of the card you used to buy your tickets (obviously this applies to authorised sellers only) and, of course, your name and address, Ed will make sure that you get one, two or however many you should have had depending on how many seats your party occupied. It was one slipcase per person and I'm afraid we do need all this information. It's only fair, otherwise every Tom, Dick or Harry will expect one and will say they were at the show, even if they weren't. - Features Editor]
Hi everyone !
What a Gig !
Precisely at 7.30pm the warrior entered the arena. From the emotional opening of breathe to a rapterous ending of comfortably numb absolute pleasure ! The energy and deliverance of echoes was just blinding. Even the neutrals would be blown away with the grace and statement of echoes. A true masterpiece.
Fancy the Maestro forgetting the words of On an Island !!! Shows we are all human ! Perhaps he needs an autocue !!! This didn’t however detract from a majestic performance overall.
From Dicks powerfull mastering of the Sax’s to Stills and Nash harmonies, even Mr Bowie accreditted himself well although i am not a great fan of his. It was pure brilliance.
Power, energy, precision, masterfull, the total performance of David was appreciated by everyone. And i am lucky to have another 2 nights of this !
The cheers for the classic Shine On made the mostly grey hairs stand up on the backs of everyones heads !
One annoying factor Fed were the pricks with the cameras. Once one started the ignoramous amongst the audience like a flock of sheep followed. Mostly in the second half. Maybe a further announcement at the start of the second half ???
Mr Bowies entrance was treated with raptures, and the introduction of the band showed the affection everyone has for this project and indeed Richard Wright. Lets pray it is not his last !
Fed, didn’t see you in the Queens. Are you there tonight ??? You should wear a pink t-shirt with the lettering “I know who the guest is” on it. We will all know who you are then and you can buy us all a drink for keeping you in a job !!!
I’ll be in there about 6ish !
To another enchanted evening of perfection and of course drink !
I am on my way !
Regards,
Timbo !
[I couldn't make it on time, I'm afraid, and I'm not going to tonight's concert (so yes, your posts will be online tonight). - Features Editor]
The world stopped yesterday when David Bowie appeared on the stage…
Wow, that was amazing, specially when he started singing Comfortably Numb, first verse all alone and second with Rick. One of the advantages of being on the west choir was that I could see the artists on the backstage before they came in. Bowie was holding a white guitar, but he finally seemed to discard to use it.
Apart from that, the end of Then I Close my Eyes with Wyatt and Parry’s interlaced solos was thrilling, and what to say about Wearing the Inside out. David’s guitar plus Dick’s sax were brilliant!. My best moment? David’s voice at the beginning of A Pocketful of Stones. It almost made me cry. And Echoes…. and how Rick embraced Guy at the end of the show!
Rick seemed to be very uncomfortable during the whole first set. Apparently a speaker behind him was having some kind of issue… he was constantly looking backwards and pointing at it. The technicians tried to repair it during the intermission but it kept on bugging Rick. I hope it does not interfere in today’s show.
FEd, fellow bloggers, I did not manage to read where you were to meet yesterday before flying to London! I would have loved to meet you all! I’m thinking seriously to try to get tickets for Venice’s concert, yesterday’s one was well worthy but I want more!!!!
Enjoy the rest of the shows!
A very tired but smiling César from the sunny Madrid.
David and David. Wow. Can’t wait to see that. Great to hear the crowd behaved as expected. How was it for you Fed? My suggestion for today, Fed. Anyone who has seen a show. What was the highlight memory of the concert? Here’s mine. During the introduction of the band, Richard was introduced. The audience applauded at least a minute or two at the first show in Toronto, sending chills up my spine. The second show wasn’t even close to that.
[The crowd was pretty good, but could have been better. I had six people in front of me who kept sticking their cameras, mobiles and PDAs in the air throughout the concert - and there were only four rows of people in front of me. That's really annoying. - Features Editor]
I LOVE RICK WRIGHT !!!!!
( oops…did I say that outloud? )
Sorry, my inner monolouge is on the fritz again…
Just arrived back in Glasgow after this show — pretty damn ace. I was surprised at just how slow (and just plain tardy) the RAH was at getting people in, despite the lack of security checks. This disappointed quite a few people who couldn’t get to their seats in time for the show to start. Also, I was surprised at the number of spare seats — hopefully not people who couldn’t make it at the last moment, for one reason or another. I even had a pair of seats free next to me. Odd. Hopefully they’ll be better for the next two nights!
The screens showing the captured film footage were looking good. The DVD should be excellent, if that’s anything to go by…
Bowie was an amazing surprise. He was announced while the crowd was cheering, so we weren’t sure who was introduced — lots of hushed whispers and squinting eyes managed to deduce Bowie up there in front of us. Very random, very surprising, but surprisingly welcome!
All in all, a great show. Echoes stole the show for me, as well as Take A Breath. This song has really grown on me, especially after seeing it live.
Hope y’all enjoy the shows tonight and tomorrow — they’ll hopefully be equally ace…
WOW!, what a finale, a real surprise with Bowie coming on, he did Numb and Layne superbly. Show was worth every penny, just wish I was at tonights as well. Great view from row 3, felt like I was on stage with them, RAH was a great venue.
Hey Fed! You are really sleeping too much! I start being worried? What strange food have you eat yesterday night? Have you met some wicked person while you was coming home from the show? I hope you decide to have a day of holidays….oh my god! Have David boot out you from the blog? In this case, I hope I’m not guilty! Come back soon, mate! In the meanwhile…sweet dreams!
L!
[Sleep? I wish! It's not wise to leave the blog for a few hours, never mind a whole day and night as I did. I haven't been sleeping, I've been adding comment after comment after comment.. - Features Editor]
Wow…another suprising treat to remember. David Bowie dueting on Comfortably Numb!!??
Wish I was there….
BradN
P.S.-Hi FEd…miss talking to you. Been so busy can’t even Take A Breath…I know, cheesy to the nth degree….
[Ah, bless you. - Features Editor]
Hi FEd & everyone,
What a great show!! Bowie is quite the surprise guest … I wonder who else might be waiting in the wings for the next shows.
I look forward to more show reviews and experiences and I hope everyone is having a fantastic time, including the band and you FEd!
Peace!
Gabrielle
Washington State
Hey All
IT’S HERE!
I’ve baled out for a while because I couldn’t cope with the brevity thing. I’m still labouring under the misapprehension that “brevity” is a type of toasted sandwich maker.
See you all there …
And F’Ed? We still need to negotiate my full book deal for the forthcoming concert review!
Stall L, Row 10, Seat 118, a pregnant wife and a blue plaster cast to match the “On An Island” theme.
Come and say “Hi” …
I wonder if the Bowie encores will be featured as one of the extras on the DVD, rather than within the main concert footage, similar to the RFH DVD.
Watching the encores as represented for the vast majority of the tour, with just the six regular band members and Wright & Gilmour singing verse & chorus would seem a better option.
wow, what a night! im only 18, so i never had the chance to see the real floyd play live, but i guess seeing half of the real floyd ain’t bad…
it was a great idea to start of with breathe/time, as it really got the crowd well and truely settled in.
the second half was just increbile. my personal favourite was ‘echoes’. just as soon as rick played that first note, the crowd went ballistic.
and having david bowie as the suprise guest was genius. his singing on ‘comfortably numb’ was great and david’s playing all through the show was just spot on.
all in all, the sound, the lights, the singing, the mood, the songs were all perfect. thanks to the whole band for putting on an unforgettable show. and david, thanks for being a legend.
cheers.
mike
ps. those smoke machines were a bit noisy werent they?
[And smelly! Maybe that was the person sitting next to me. - Features Editor]
Travelled from Scotland for last nights show because everything was booked before the Glasgow show announced. So glad I went last, the whole show was fantastic. Echoes was out of this world and the encore, well, you had to be there. I’m not a religious person but if there’s a heaven and I end up going there, David Gilmour will be playing the guitar solo of Comfortably Numb at the entrance gates !.
First off, my congrats to Mssr Gilmour for placing 4th in the Q107 Most influential Guitar player poll. I’d hoped he placed higher, but considering the names and established history of those players therein, I can see where the “popularity” vote would put them into the ranks they are in. Sadly, but understandably, no Syd. :O(
Next (and onwards towards more relative blogging ground), the RAH shows sound extremely wonderful! I’ve got a feeling that those guests will be included onto the upcoming DVD (pending their approval/signature to release their performances). Bowie on Comfortably Numb and Arnold Layne? Verrrrry nice! Nice to hear R Wyatt came along to blow some brass during Then I Close My Eyes.
After watching the Jools Holland performance of Take a Breath, On An Island, and Arnold Layne, I can easily see how the RAH shows could be so special; the intensity and enthusiasm on stage (Jools Holland) was palpable, showing especially in Dave’s playing. Hats off to R Wright for a killer vocal on Arnold Layne. Who knew he had the pipes to belt that one out… outstanding!
I can’t wait to hear what else is in store for the UK fans!!
(FEd, toys still in the pram? watch where you’re waving that pointed stick!)
Darren
It sounds like an incredible show. Crosby, Nash, Wyatt, and Bowie making guest appearances. It couldn’t get much better. I cannot wait for the DVD. I am also looking forward to Feature Editor’s review.
To everyone going the next two nights–enjoy yourselves.
RAH 29 May.
HOW DARE !! David Gilmour and Company be so superb.WHAT else is left for anyone else to do ??
The (nigh on) 40 year musical journey that we witnessed and experienced was quite simply SUBLIME.
PEACE….and Careful With That CAMERA Eugene ..coz it’s NOT NEEDED (honestly !!)
Martin,Trudy,Tasha and Stef.
Bowie.
I’m speechless.
(begins thumb twiddling and toe tapping in await for the release of the DVD)
Seriously, BOWIE?!?!?!
I’m just blown away.
Fantastic show, loved every minute. Going back tomorrow!
A friend of a friend was in a pub in Richmond recently and he reckons David Gilmour came in and played a couple of songs…. Any truth in this or was it an imposter??
[Gosh, I've no idea. - Features Editor]
These reviews are excellent and are really reflecting the joy and emotion that was enjoyed by the majority but FFS please give it a rest with the picky little requests for this, that and the other on what is proving to be an outstandingly successful tour…
(Fedmeister… I would have passed a message on acrostically to the nit-pickers but I can’t be a*sed…)
“Gilmour wins Floyd battle” Article…
Proof that London is years ahead of everyone else… two years ahead! :-)
Après Paris…(grand rex) Londres (rah) enfin… Aucun mot n’est assez fort pour qualifier ce concert…on ne voudrait que cela ne finisse jamais…on en redemande…!!
et avec David Bowie en plus….génial…great…beautiful…!! Frissons et larmes de bonheur garantis…
Merci pour tout Mr. Gilmour et Wright ainsi que tous les autres…Merci d’exister…
Grosses bises à tous
Nadia – Switzerland (Geneva)
I know it’s a bit of a cliche, but when Wish You Were Here starts and the whole of the audience chime in and start singing along…that’s a pretty big buzz!!! It made the hairs on the back of my neck stand up…
What a fantastic night!! I only wish I could make it up there for another…I was totally blown away by the standard of the performance, set list and light show. I’m no sound engineer, but down on the arena floor it sounded pretty damn perfect to me!
Had 2 numbnuts with cameras a couple of rows in front of me in the rear of the Arena floor bit and I got very p**sed off towards the end as they were holding the cameras up so high to get good video that they were blocking the view…Some people are just so small minded and selfish. Why the hell would want to stare at a 2″ video camera screen trying to get a good clip when the greatest guitarist in the world is 50 feet in front of you giving it his all?
I’d have thrown ‘em out…but to my mind the staff at the RAH just seemed to be turning a blind eye. (maybe they were carried away by the show!)
Well done to all concerned, that was the gig of a lifetime!
Sorry for rambling – but I’m still up in the clouds!
Emma
(all the happier for meeting DG at the Guy Pratt gig last weekend – shame I couldn’t get any of the right words out….Maybe some other time!)
I see we’ve been added to the ever growing insulted list that you and Rudders have put together!
[The Royals are here! First George Bush, now the Royals (I forget their names). We are lucky. - Features Editor]
dear ED.I just wanted to let you know i cancelled my holiday to ibiza i took my brother to manchester fri 26 my partner katrina could not make it as her mum has been ill in ireland. kat and i were due to fly out to ibiza 08/06/2006 but she needs to fly home again during these dates. So what we aim to do is take off and go and see dave g in europe anywhere but if we can we would like to see him in italy. Does anyone have tickets or are they still on sale can you advise. i have been on a bit of a downer since manchester same feeling i had after the wall concert all those years ago.
[I think they're still on sale. Have a look at the Live Dates page of http://www.davidgilmour.com for details and my best wishes to your partner's mother. - Features Editor]
Oh how I hope they show the Bowie footage on DVD!
Now that’s what I call a surprise guest!!!
wow! i don’t know what else to say other that i’m honoured to have been there. david was on fire.
Further thoughts on the revised, laid-back delivery of “Wish you where here”. This has attracted some negative comment elsewhere, but the more I think about it, the more appropriate the current delivery becomes.
Mr. Gilmour sings about an old friend whom he misses, and the slower version just brims with pathos and a sense of “what could have been?”
This is one of the tracks that has been going round in my mind since monday night.
A very fine song, very well delivered.
[Hear, hear! - Features Editor]
Getting excited FED? I know we are, last night and all that. Pressume there be fancy hats,choruses of Rule Britannia and Jeruselem, similar to “Proms”. How do you plan to unwind eh Fed? Does the band chill out or just party til dawn smashing wine glasses, bottles TVs etc…Itll be good to hear how you think tonights show goes compared to Mondays but knowing how sensible you are you will respond by saying that each is different and shouldnt be compared-quite right. Whatever just enjoy and do let us know all about it including how long you had to queue for the toilets!
Ian Pearson
[I haven't been called "sensible" in years. Thank you, Ian. - Features Editor]
FEd,
RE: the “SMILE” CD wallets on the seats at RAH.
On the 29th I was seated in the Stalls, Block H, Row 11, Seat 23. Not very far away from me were TWO seats which remained VACANT, ALL EVENING(can you believe it!!). Anyway, at the end of the show I picked up the wallets, No’s 6173 & 6174.
Do you have it in your wonderous powers to establish who the recipients should have been.
Assuming they were genuine fans and not caught out by the EBAY scam. I would be willing to forward them on to the rightful owners. If they had missed the show of a lifetime, for genuine reasons and to then miss out on these “exclusive” freebies would be doubly gutting.
Had I have left them, they would have probably only been binned by the cleaners (or would they?)
If you can’t, well fair enough…
In which case I propose you allow me to dispatch one of them to RUDDERS, for services rendered on the blog.(You’d have to give me some contact details)
You wouldn’t say no, would you Rudders…??
I’d be obliged to retain the other copy for myself, although not for Avaricious reasons you must understand.
Enjoy the final RAH show tonight, FEd….
I notice on the inside back page of the programme you get a “Special Thanks” mention and quite rightly too. You have nurtured a WorldWideWeb community which has brought thousands of kindred spirits together.
Will your identity FINALLY be revealed tonight???
Yours in anticipation…
Ken Carter
P.S. To Bianca and Rado, enjoy tonights show and have safe journeys home…
[You lot are too kind (but not so kind as to make me want to reveal my simple and quite boring identity, so I shall continue to enjoy my anonymity and wonder why on earth it should matter to anyone who I am). I did notice a few empty seats that night and wondered what would happen to the CD cases. If people missed out, they missed out. If they were turned away because they had dodgy tickets, as unfortunate as that is, it's not my place to help to arrange free gifts for them. I won't let the blog become a trading area, with addresses being swapped. Once that starts, it won't stop and there could be all sorts of problems with bootlegs and the like. You can do whatever you like with them, but I'm afraid it's nothing to do with me and I'm not prepared to help. Everyone will want one if we encouraged people to pick up more than one so that they can send one to a blog friend. We'll gladly help those who missed out in Manchester and Glasgow, but there were plenty of slipcases lying around in the RAH (a shocking waste of paper, but that's another thing). If people missed them, tough. I know it's harsh, but there are only so many hours in a day and this blog can take up an entire day quite easily without me being overly helpful. Sorry! - Features Editor]
Point taken FEd. Apologies…
Just me being naive, I guess…
Rudders, if your’e interested can YOU give me your contact details…
[No need for apologies, mate. In trying to be fair to everyone, it must seem as though I'm being quite unfair at times. I'll turn a blind eye to any reasonable trading or selling, just as long as it's conducted away from this blog. - Features Editor]
KenF
Thank You!!! :-)
Yes Please :-)
Will do :-)
We Understand Fedmeister ;-)
First half: Breathe/Time/Breathe (Reprise), Castellorizon, On An Island, The Blue, Red Sky At Night, This Heaven, Then I Close My Eyes (with Robert Wyatt), Smile, Take A Breath, A Pocketful Of Stones, Where We Start.
Second half: Shine On You Crazy Diamond, Wot’s…Uh The Deal, Inside Out, Coming Back To Life, High Hopes, Echoes.
Encores: Wish You Were Here, Find the Cost of Freedom (with Crosby & Nash), Arnold Layne (with David Bowie), Comfortably Numb (with David Bowie).
FANTASTIC!!!
I was at the 29th May show and I got back from London today.
Setlist:
Set 1:
1. Breathe
2. Time / Breathe (Reprise)
3. Castellorizon
4. On An Island
5. The Blue
6. Red Sky At Night
7. This Heaven
8. Then I Close My Eyes (with Robert Wyatt)
9. Smile
10. Take A Breath
11. A Pocketful Of Stones
12. Where We Start
Set 2:
1. Shine On You Crazy Diamond
2. Wot’s…Uh The Deal
3. Wearing The Inside Out
4. Coming Back To Life
5. High Hopes
6. Echoes
Encore:
1. Wish You Were Here
2. Find The Cost Of Freedom
3. Arnold Layne (with David Bowie)
4. Comfortably Numb (with David Bowie)
I did notice one thing during “Shine On..” the fact that Phil [Manzanera] “cocked-up” at one point and he and Guy [Pratt] laughed about it.
Apparently, rumour is that this is the best version of “Echoes” that Dave has done on the tour.
CANT WAIT FOR THE DVD!
I went to the first night at RAH and I didnt expect to get such a fantastic treat as was provided!
David was brilliant and his voice had that great live edge to it. Crosby, Nash and Wyatt were great additions, but the biggest treat until the encores was hearing David and Rick doing “Echoes”, this with the stunning lights was truly heaven, thankyou. My jaw dropped and I am still pinching myself that David Bowie guested and sang Arnold Layne & Comfortably Numb!!!! The hairs on the back of my neck are tingling now thinking back on it!!!
Thank you all. SM.
Oh by the way I meant to say to David….Please please please release “Take a Breath” as the single after “Smile”. For me, “Take a Breath” is possible the best track he has written fro years, because it ROCKS! It reminds me of early PF, even sounds of Syd, you know how coffee wakes you up? this track has the same effect!!
Was sitting 6 m from david’s right side…say no more. What a night!!! Thanks.
Monday night was amazing. My brother and I were right at the top, near the side. The way the lighting was done ‘pulled’ you towards the stage at times, and then threw you back.
We liked the way the lights were around the hall, creating a very cosy atomsphere, very complimentry to the music. Stunning show. The quality of sound was superb and the music spoke for itself.
Well done to all involved since these events do not just happen. Hairs are still standing on back on neck!
I have just read the review in the Sunday Telegraph – the critic must have been on another planet. I went to the third RAH date, and I got exactly what I paid for, a night of pure bliss!!!
I last heard Echoes played live at Wembley 1973,and it still brings a chill to my neck when I hear that first note! Nick Mason playing the last few numbers was the cream on a very very great night. I look forward to the DVD so I can relive a memorable night.
5500 people cannot be wrong – long may David Gilmour play!
Hey,
My boyfriend went to the concert and hasn’t stopped telling me how amazing it was, does anyone know where I could get a concert tshirt for him as he didn’t get one on the night.
Cheers
[Click your name below, Nic. You'll see the link to the web store on the left. - Features Editor]
Erm… am I allowed to say that I thought the lighting was really ..really messy… and I have to be honest.. there were a lot of mistakes on Monday night.. I wasn’t convinced I got my £65 worth… sorry
Unfortunetly you never played in Hungary. I’d never have thought that I’d have the chance to see you.We spent a few days in London with my wife,the first thing I did was to go to the RAH box office,and what a surprise!we could get tickets(for the choir)-we were amazed!!!And the concert…Everything was so beautiful right from the beginning,getting higher and higher to the top…ECHOES.Thank You All.
FEd..in the past you have been so kind to help me with some situations that I am almost afraid to make this post. Please believe that I intend this in the softest of terms and only from another point of view. I do not wish to be labled another ugly American, as I am offended by bad behavior as much as the next person.
A post from ‘Bob at May 29, 2006 03:31′ caught my attention. I felt his comments were put rather badly,but I was, also, offended by your comment ‘just be grateful that David visited the US at all.’
Believe me, I am extremely ‘grateful’ that I was able to go the the ‘concert of my life’. I can not tell you how much this music moves me. I know we were very fortunate about the Island Jam and the Mermaid cinema.
I felt your comment was rather hurtful, as well as Bob’s. I don’t like to see the whining, and yet if you look at the numbers of people going to the 3 London concerts and compare it percentage wise to the population and then do the same with the U.S. maybe it shows that in actuality fewer of us got to see him. More shows does not necessarily mean that it was a balance.
Yes, he is one of you, and lives there and did not need to come here at all. I am just feeling that perhaps this is rather harsh in view of the huge population difference and the view that we are doing all of the whining. Isn’t the whining coming from all over? And, yes, I certainly have read of the countries that have been entirely left out. There is no easy answer. Just sometimes seems we are unjustly criticised. (or maybe I am just scared that the next time he will leave us out)
And, now I will lay awake tonight wondering if I will be considered, as you put it ‘selfish, dull and ignorant’. And wondering if we are so awful over here that David Gilmour and family and band will find no reason at all to come back.
signed..Wishing I Lived in London
[Jan, let me first stress that the band had a great, great time in the US. Now, let me apologise for offending you with my response to Bob ('German radio', 29 May, 15:31). Having read my words again, I understand your misunderstanding - and certainly do not consider you selfish, dull or ignorant for bringing it up. However, many of the comments about the "limited" tour are unfair, unreasonable and unwelcome. They are often intended to stir up trouble and I am not interested in refereeing the oh-so predictable 'The USA versus the Rest of the World' contest (it seems that President Bush has an awful lot to answer for, not just the state of the planet). I did not want people to attack Bob for his views with accusations of being a selfish, ignorant American. I did not want people to find what would inevitably ensue (when Americans snapped back at Bob's critics and accused them of being anti-American for the umpteenth time) to be as dull as I would no doubt find it. I did not want to ignore his point, because he is entitled to make it. Above all - and at the risk of opening another can of worms - I do not feel that fans have the right to vociferously demand so much of David at this stage in his career. There have certainly been requests of all sorts from all corners of the world, but the largest number has always come from the USA. That's fact. Comments such as Bob's are particularly annoying to me because I see how much effort went into the American tour. Of course, I also get to see (very often, thankfully) the positive and deeply thankful comments that came from the US... and still come on a near daily basis. The simple fact is that the US is a vast country and to tour it to the extent that fans would like is absurd. The tour was never about making money and neither was it about putting David's face on every advertising board or in every magazine. It was always going to be a short tour, for the sake of performing David's new music in beautiful settings. Either way, the US did very well out of the tour - far better than any other country - and, like it or not, people who fared less well are irritated by what is (mis)interpeted as constant ungratefulness. This has all been covered many times, hence the fact that my initial remark to Bob was to either go back and read our clear reasoning in the 100-odd blog entries that came before the one he decided to contribute to, or to just appreciate what has occurred. Now is too late to complain. The tour is over. What does he want? More shows in the US because the US has one of the world's largest populations? David didn't visit China, India, Brazil, Mexico, Russia... Incidentally, sales in the US were rather disappointing. There were just two shows in Canada, where sales were far, far better. If this were entered into the equation, one could reasonably question why David put as much effort into touring the US as he did. I know this. If others also knew it, and could appreciate it, maybe I wouldn't have to reply to comments such as Bob's in the first place and risk offending people like you, for which I once again sincerely apologise. - Features Editor]
To Bob at May 29, 2006 03:31 PM & jan at June 9, 2006 11:12 PM
You can fool all the people some of the time, and some of the people all of the time, but you cannot fool all the people all the time. – Abraham Lincoln.
The tour was never about making money and neither was it about putting David’s face on every advertising board or in every magazine. It was always going to be a short tour, for the sake of performing David’s new music in beautiful settings. Either way, the US did very well out of the tour – far better than any other country – and, like it or not, people who fared less well are irritated by what is (mis)interpeted as constant ungratefulness. – Features Editor.
If people had wanted to see David and the band perform that much, they would (and in many cases) have travelled from the ends of the earth. – Me.
Now this is not the end. It is not even the beginning of the end. But it is, perhaps, the end of the beginning. – Sir Winston Churchill.
FEd…Thank you very much for your comments. Your points very well taken. And understood. The same words can have as many different interpretations as there are people.
I, also, agree with you about the very dismal showing for OAI in the U.S. I’ve tried calling stations, bought it for friends. Have posted the poster for OAI in my cube at work, anything to get more interest going. It’s been a frustration for alot of us who want to hear this and can’t seem to get past the hip hop and rap generation (please no offense intended to those who love it, I just don’t happen to and would rather hear other new music.)on our radio stations. They seem to have a’carved in stone’ play list. I don’t have Sirius and maybe need to talk my husband into this.
As I mentioned in my post, you have always been very kind, and am glad again for your response and reply to my entry. Extreme tact on your part. A good lesson for all.
I consider it a privilege to be able to post on this blog, and have enjoyed it immensely. And your attitude has kindly alowed me that.
[Thanks very much for that, Jan. It never fails to fascinate me how the written word can be interpreted so very differently. It's a good thing, because it makes life interesting, but I'm sure that none of us intend to offend quite as often as we do. My apologies again, as well as my thanks for posting. It's as much a privilege for me to be able to read all these wonderful, varied comments. Please don't hesitate to question anything. Every opinion is equally valued. - Features Editor]
At the concert on 29th May, RAH had a fantastic night!! When is the DVD release planned?
[We hope it will be ready by the end of the year. - Features Editor]