Night 24: London
Finally, after reading what seems like thousands of reviews, I see what you mean about these shows being a bit of alright. David’s not a bad guitarist, is he? Not bad at all…
But bias aside, we do love reading what you thought of the performances, so please keep it up.
The setlist will obviously be mentioned, blah blah blah… If you don’t want to know what will be performed tonight, then please don’t read the comments below.
Tonight’s concert is being filmed, so please don’t use cameras, mobile phones, PDAs etc. to try and capture footage of the band. These things are incredibly annoying for the people sitting behind you, not to mention the people on stage who put their hearts and souls into the music for you.
A DVD of the London shows will be out later this year, so whatever you film is going to be pretty pathetic in comparison. For everybody’s sake, just don’t bother.
Have a super time tonight, everyone. You are surely in for a treat.
Once again, if you want to meet with other blog readers for a drink and a chinwag before the show, then pop in the Queen’s Arms at 30 Queens Gate Mews.
Things are afoot? How exciting!
Nice one, Rudders…:o)
[12 inches]
304.8 millimetres
So much going on! I have to say, my skin is turning a weird shade of green over here across the pond. I can’t wait for the DVD to hopefully see some of this in person!
Hmmmm…I am quite intrigued by Guy’s post….I just love surprises!
Have a great time tonight all! We’ll be glued to the site tomorrow afternoon!
Oh…and FEd…Have a MANGNIFICANT time…You deserve it!
[Bless you. - Features Editor]
Hi FeD just to say the blogs have made great reading…I dont know about you but after seeing Monday’s breathtaking RAH show I think DG has raised the guitar/vocalist standard to new heights..(perhaps even ABOVE the RAH ..and fly that standard in BLUE my man !!!):)
SO we can safely Forget all the ‘who is best guitarman debates’ and concentrate and appreciate the REALITY that in DG we ARE witnessing the GREATEST living & STILL developing guitarist/musician of our era.
Long may he Reign …I feel ‘Castellorizon’ is ALREADY an all time CLASSIC and fits nicely alongside CN and SOYCD:)
Hi to ‘GUY’, and have a GREAT night all you DG/RW fans.
Peace
[Martin, I would have dearly loved to have had Eric Clapton seated to my right, Jimmy Page to my left (and Jimi Hendrix hovering about in spirit), during Monday's show. I would have taken great pleasure in giving a little nudge, a cheeky wink and saying "See? You have to admit, he is better than you, isn't he? Hmm?" - Features Editor]
Hi all,
Long time reader first time poster. Just thought I would thank David and the band for a stunning show on Monday night. Out of all the shows I have seen by any artist Davids is firmly set at No.1 now. Best show ever for me.
Only thing that spoilt it for me were all the people taking photos with flashes. As I was lucky enough to have one of the choir seats I could clearly see just how many people were taking photos. I was annoyed at the people who blatantly ignored the request at the start.
Such a great night that I will never forget. Was also great to hear my Dad (whom I took along with me) raving about the show. Was even better to hear him continually going on about seeing David Gilmour & David Bowie on the same night.
Once again thanks to David and the band. Pure brilliance.
[Watch this space I'll have a big post for you tomorrow...
Things are afoot...
xxx
Guy]
Guy! Let me guess: an exact to-scale replica of Stonehenge to be dropped from the ceiing during “Echoes.” Or Rolf Harris guesting on a last-minute addition of “Flaming”?
xo
Deborah
I was at last nights show. It was absolutely fantastic. My god that man can play! Mica Paris gave her rendition of great gig that was truly emotionally powerful but for me, the highlight of the night has to be the performance of Echoes in full. I never thought I would see the day. Even when he made a glaring mistake in the intro to Shine On, he seamlessly continued as if it was meant to be there. My wife didn’t even notice! I came away awe stuck and am still buzzing and listening to the master right now.
Superb concert last night, especially the second half. The rendition of Echoes was simply awesome – even better than Paris Olympia. I have to say, however, that Mica Paris’ performance of “Great Gig In the Sky” fades into insignificance when compared to Sam Brown’s. Also, what was up with David’s throat during the first half? Hoarse? Get the man a Strepsil.
Just got home from seeing both concerts on 29th and 30th……what can I say, just sheer perfection and absolutely exceeded my expectations !!
Echoes was by far the best piece I’ve seen played live both musically and visually. David you are a genius and I’m only sad that I can’t be there again tonight.
Please, please David don’t let this be the last tour you do……….there is still life in the old dog yet and it’s appreciated by all your fans as displayed by the rapturous applause last night……we love you !!
Thank you for two great nights – can’t wait for the DVD as a permanent reminder.
Jacqui, Coventry
[Who are you calling an old dog?! - Features Editor]
*Wow, Wow, Wow* is all I can say!! Still gobsmacked and blown away by last night – a m a z i n g!
I was in the choir seats, and although steep we were really close and had a clear, unobstructed view right through, what a treat!! The camera thing…grrrr.
What bugs me more is that I did the right thing by leaving my flashless camera phone at home, but many, many, many others didn’t and now have their own personal momentoes now that I don’t. Yes I KNOW the pix will be crap, that’s hardly the point of a personal photo!!! So I will always be taking my phone to every gig in the future now. So much for ‘really strict’ security!
Another thing for people going tonight, if you are thinking of standing outside the stage door for an autograph – don’t. You’ll be wasting your time like I did last night for over an hour as the temperature dropped. Only the staff, press and assorted friends with backstage passes come out that way. There’s an underground carpark for the band to escape from.
RAH is an amazing venue – glad it’s not kept soley for classical music purposes!
Have a FABULOUS night tonight everyone – I’m really looking forward to seeing the highlights on DVD, but I have my own memories locked away too.
David – you are an amazing musician – keep on playing for a looooooong time please!
Hello everyone!
I had read months ago that Nick Mason could be in the attendance of one of the shows in the RAH.
Will be this the surprise?
greeting from Costa Rica FEd!!
(sorry for my english)
[Interesting... - Features Editor]
When can we expect the DVD to be released? i hope its not too long oh and when IS pulse coming out? it keeps gettin postponed… wish i could go tonight if i had any money i would be there in a heartbeat
[We hope that David's DVD will be out towards the end of the year. We don't really care about 'PULSE' right now. - Features Editor]
Thanks Guy, can’t wait to see what’s afoot.
Speaking of which, my left foot is healing fine and I am ready to join up with Wayne Rooney to compete in the World Cup. LOL. Fed, I’m sure the fans will behave,and make sure you keep the WOOHOOS to a bare minimum,okay? Good Luck you fortunate person. You deserve it.
[Thank you very much, Frank. Have you been sleeping in an oxygen tent, too? - Features Editor]
hi there, im at work and paronoid my boss may catch me, but i meant to say davids comfortably numb solo was amazing and had some new little rifts in, free style,
also i did notice robert wyatt sware and i wana know what guy has in store…
maybe john squire to join david or jimmy page for a mega final, of pure guitar madness!!!
[Or maybe Page and Clapton, to put this silly Q107 thing to the test. - Features Editor]
wow what a night last night was awe inspiring comes to mind i was blown away by Echoes just awsome the lightshow and lasers was on par with Pulse but waaaay better.
Thanks for a wonderful night Davind and the Band you all were enjoying yourselfs and it was me who shouted out Nick Mason David.
Again thanks for a top quailty show as always David have fun on the tour and i look forward to buying the DVD when it gets released
Take care aaron burrows (slough)
Superb, absolutely superb!!!!!
i had a ticket for the choir for last nights gig (30th). Got to the RAH about 3 and nipped into the box office to see if I could exchange for a better seat. No problem got a good seat on the left behind one of the cameras filming the gig. Well worth checking at the box office!!!
The highlight for me had to be Echoes, and David’s playing on Comfortably Numb was sublime.
I heard Robert Wyatt murmer “oh F…” as well.
One bone I have with Mr Gilmour is that when I down loaded the Island Jam track from this site I immediately went & bought a Les Paul. I already owned a Tele and after last night I’m going to have to buy another Strat.
One last thing I know it was kinda warm yesterday in London (spent 2 hours lounging by the Albert Memorial) but why was Graham Nash barefoot on stage (Sandie Shaw syndrome???)
Once again SUPERB!!!
Mike
Hello
i just came back from london ( i’m french )and i just want to say one thing : FANTASTIC . This was my second show for this year , not the last , and David and the band play better than ever . The solo on fat old sun was simply amazing like echoes of course . See you end of july in Munchen . Please go fast for the dvd !!!!!
Hi all,Fed
After pondering the RAH performence witnessed on the 29th,I have come up with a few ideas that may help David and the rest of the band at such future events.
First of all;Richards second keyboard appeared not to be level? a few decent sized books would be sufficent to correct this imbalence.
That Nash fellow?,surely the band could have had a whip round and got the chap some shoes, It was painful to watch from our angle because from our seats we all thought we could see drawing pins on the stage I reckon that DG may have put them down for a laugh.
A full sized mirror directly infront of David.
A trampoline for Guy during Echoes[stunning playing].
A little man with an endless supply of towels for Steve.
Free membership to CAMERA for life to Crosby”looks like he can sink a few”.
A big torch for John just incase he drops something.
And a crown for Phill Magnifico[pleasure to watch].
Thought the Audience were great as well until the last minutes of Echoes start of Shine etc.And get that Dome removed or fill it with that foam stuff, Techs wouldnt have to mess with the sound then.
All in all though Marvelous Absolutly Marvelous.Thanks to the band and crew and a Big thanks to the Unseen.
Tuesday night show. What a dream !!! What a great experience and musical feast. David is THE best guitarist out there. It is not often that one gets to see him (or for that matter PF), but never has the saying “quality not quantity” been more appropriate !!
T
Hi all
I never got to see PF live, I did not have the funds to do so when I was younger. Within the space of minutes on Tue 30th (Breathe/Time) I had welled up, much to the amusement of my wife. Being 15 stone and heavily tattooed adds to the lack of dignity. By the time David played cn I was achieved a state of happiness I have not experienced since my daughter was born. This was for me a life event.
I thank David , Richard and everyone involved for giving me the opportunity to play catch up. Thank God for the odd blunder to remind me this was live.
Chris – aren’t you sorry you ever questioned the expense of the gig?! Seriously, it was TOTALLY worth it – I hope you’re there tonight and don’t miss out.
I bet tonight will outdo both of the previous concerts – what could better Bowie…?
Anyone else going to see Roger in Hyde Park? I LOVE DSOTM and don’t know what he’s going to do to replace DG, but I reckon he’ll find a way of making it BRILLIANT! Can’t wait!! Can only dream of a reunion, but not likely…
Enjoy tonight you lucky people at the final RAH gig – I’m soooooooooo jealous!
What a fantastic experience!
The highlights of the show for me was The Blue, Fat old Sun(the guitar solo rocked!) and Echoes. My mate Steve realy enjoyed it!
Hi Bianca, Matt and Martin, it was great to meet you and put faces to your names, hope you enjoyed the show too?
Thank you features Ed and Nancy for sorting the tickets out, it was a great night.
Cheers All.
Adrian.
[So glad that you enjoyed, Adrian. - Features Editor]
What an evening was had on Tue 30th May!!
A couple of downers….
Touts – was harassed outside the RAH when my brother and I went for a stroll around the outside of the RAH in the afternoon, a few hours before the gig. Also got harassed when we arrived at the RAH in the evening.
Cameras – what is it with those idiots that cannot read or listen to what is asked of them?? I was bloody annoyed with the amount of ‘flash’ photography going on. If I was annoyed away back up on one of the tier’s heaven knows how the band felt!
Anyway rant over…..
As for the gig – words cannot describe how good it was, it exceeded all my expectations. The On An Island tracks sounded phenomenal live. As for the second half, WOW!!! Echoes – thought I’d died and gone to heaven – the light show with was superb!! The jam at the end of Fat Old Sun was cracking. Really can’t wait for the DVD. Judging by some of the images on the monitors at the sound desk – they’ve got some cracking footage!!!
F’ed – hope you enjoyed the show tonight (Wed) – wonder what the surprise will be!
Just got back home to Brussels after seeing the gig last night (30th). Some thoughts:
- on the Eurostar, just before arriving in London, there right in front of my eyes was Battersea Power Station – I could almost see the pig floating there. A good omen.
- sitting next to me at the RAH was a little girl around 12 or so who was totally into every number. How’s that for fans across the generations? I didn’t even have the heart to tell her to stop taking photos (OK, she didn’t do so many …)
- I’ve seen Pink Floyd on the last 2 tours, and this band was better! Absolutely rocked! Sorry Nick, you weren’t missed
- ECHOES ECHOES ECHOES, absolutely unbelieveable, it was just perfect, David and Rick’s vocals were superb and the lighting matched the music perfectly. The 22 minutes felt like about 3.
- My favorite songs from OAI (OAI, Take a Breath, This Heaven) were even better live. Take a Breath was supercharged.
- I was so-so about Castellorizon and Red Sky at Night on the CD, but live they sounded much more powerful. A pleasant surprise.
- I’m a Rick Wright fan, and he didn’t let me down. Excellent vocals on all the songs he had or shared lead vocals on.
- Dick Parry has a tough job, he’s only on stage for about 2 minutes so it’s either sink or swim. But his playing at the end of SOYCD was great (nice switch of instruments in the middle).
And just a couple of minor complaints:
- Crosby and Nash, sorry, for me they were “superfluous to requirements”. Sure they’re great singers, but the band has six vocalists already, why two more? The stage really seemed crowded when they were up there, normally the singers doing the harmonies are at the back dancing when not singing but they were right at the front. Crosby stood there with his hands in his pockets looking bored, and Nash just threw his arms around a lot.
But of course, the biggest problem was that when they were there Guy didn’t have any space to dance
- SOYCD, I prefer the original version and wish they’d played it.
- Then I Close My Eyes, it’s the one track on the album I really didn’t like and unlike other tracks, it didn’t improve being played live. Seems to me a lot of bits of music that don’t really jell.
Overall, one of the best gigs I’ve ever seen. Can’t wait for Vienne now, what will the light show look like in an outdoor arena?
Don.
ps I was sitting in front of the stage in Arena B, on the left hand side – in the next section to my left there was somebody wearing glasses going just crazy – that had to be one of you out there, right?
pps PLEASE PLAY WEARING THE INSIDE OUT IN VIENNE!!
Andy,
Yes I noticed Robert Wyatt`s little rant aswell, I don`t think he thought it would be a audible(and I was at the very back of the hall!), as it was though!
And Nickster is right, Mr. Gilmour made a slight phaux par during the start of Shine one, and being the true magnificent talent and professional he is, he got out of it in complete style!
The tuesday gig was fabulous, bar the odd bum note. Still shows these guys are human after all. Sound wise, Glasgow was better at the front of the hall, although RAH is a superb setting.
Having told the chatty American contingent behind me to “shut the f@£k up” (trust me it was deserved, there is a big difference between listening and hearing) the gig was great, apart from MICA. Sorry David, she is no Sam Brown, McBroom, or Torry, and I think she knew it. Saved only by Richard, clearly enjoying one of his finest pieces.
I thank the band for ECHOES. I waited 27 years to hear it live, and it was worth every note. I look forward to the DVD, and wish David every happiness and success.
For those attending, didn’t we do well???
David Bowie and Mica Paris?? Wow! That’s so awesome. Mica has such a wonderful voice.
Fed, thanks so much for your work on this blog. It has been a pleasure reading everyone’s comments, and I’m sure sometimes we made you want to jump out of a window.
I’m glad so many people got the chance to see David and his great band, because there will be no other artists that can rival their performances. Thanks!!!
Marty G.
[Thanks, Marty. The thought has briefly crossed my mind, but mostly I prefer to think of pushing people out of windows. We've had a few candidates, haven't we? No names, of course. - Features Editor]
Glad to see David introduced Guy last night with his full title… ‘Bass player AND bloggist’
I have a question for Guy, what on earth was Rick doing on that second verse of Comfortably Numb, it certainly seemed to make you all laugh (and me!)
These shows have been great, thanks for a wonderful three nights.
An amazing performance, totally awesome.
[Mica Paris absolutely butchered Great Gig. most disappointing indeed.]
Butchered is not very subtle, but I didn’t like this version either. Too many differences with the original. But many others liked it.
[- SOYCD - Rock Solid, but did God actually make a mistake in the opening ?]
Hahahaha ..
[- Great to see the red EMG strat back in action on SOYCD]
Just what I was thinking! Good ol’ days of the 80′s ;-)
[Did anyone else notice Robert Wyatt murmer "oh f**k" when he split some notes during his cornet solo?]
I did. Hilarious.
Tuesday was marvelous. Absolutely marvelous. I really had a great time. I Saw David & team in Amsterdam, but wasn’t pleased by the sound, seating, flashing cameras & rude people. Came especially to London for a second David concert and it was worth it. Besides from better sound, better seating, etc, the show was much better. I really liked the David/Rick solo on Echoes. That was the highlight for me (well, all of Echoes was in fact..).
Crosby & Nash gave me goosebumps all over. Very good. I was wondering about the average age on stage: David, David, Graham, Dick, Rick, Robert. Centuries of rock experience. Wow! Much respect!
Unfortunately, I’ve been waiting for 1,5 hour at the stage door, but I’ve seen noone. Only 20 people were waiting, so I was hoping this exit wasn’t avoided :-(
Great show, guys!
Does anybody know when (date) The Great Gig In The Sky was last played (before the 30th May)?
I went to the show on the 30th and it was absolutely mind-blowing. Echoes was the highlight and lived up to it’s full potential.
Also, when David made the mistake in SOYCD, did he go back and repeat some of it again? Or did he just carry on playing? I was a little bit confused.
['The Great Gig In The Sky' was performed in Paris in March with Sam Brown. - Features Editor]
[the gig was great, apart from MICA. Sorry David, she is no Sam Brown, McBroom, or Torry, and I think she knew it. Saved only by Richard, clearly enjoying one of his finest pieces.]
i still can’t believe that mica didn’t do the song justice. ed, what did you think of mica on the final night?
[I thought it was very brave of her get up there and not replicate the original, as everyone else does. That takes some guts. I liked it. It was coming from the heart, which is where it should come from. - Features Editor]
tuesday albert hall: gig was amazing even better than glasgow and i did not think that was possible……nuff said
Hy there,
Are there any plans for more tourdates then the ones published now… Especially switzerland would be great…
Otherwise Ill travel to Munich. I just have to see david live!!!!
(Ill go to see Roger Waters playing TDSOTM in Berlin, but I think it’s a must to listen to some Pink Floyd songs with the original guitar and piano players… and on an island for sure too…)
Greez, Thomas
[There are no plans for more dates at this time, Thomas. - Features Editor]
Well, what can be added to the above comments. I saw Floyd in 94 in Paris, and spent years recovering, now I’ll have to go through it all again after Davids concert.
Only things to add are, yes great jam on Fat Old Sun, Echoes was so good it had better make the DVD. Mica Paris did her version of Great Gig, and as I was only seven seats from her, it gave me goose bumps!
Apart from Davids strange ‘bum’ note and Roberts four letter word, which if you caught Ricks face caused a look of panic, what about the start of the concert?
The band played the intro to Time, and when Steve looked up from his drums for the cue to go into the mainpart of the song, no one looked at him, he got flustered, then returned to the roto toms again, which brought huge grins to David and Guys faces, had they set him up? I think they might have.
Oh well, back to life…
The Spirit of the 60s lives on and what a great band to have Crosby and Nash backing singers, Phil Manzanera, Rick Wright and a rhythmn section so solid. Great songs. David’s guitar was like Miles in that the notes were struck upon a star. And the touch David has – solorama never felt this good or long lasting. Still got that inner glow. Thank you.
Oh and that light show always great too. Nigel
Flew in with aircrew friends from Vancouver, Canada and enjoyed the concert on Monday night. What a blast with the extra special guests! First time at Royal Albert Hall too. Architecture & laser beams. Thanks for the memories and music!
Sammycat & crew
ps Met Bowie this winter when he was going sledding in Canada on my flight. Told him that we’d met 9 years earlier… at Mme. Tussaud’s Wax Museum
Wish to thank all of the people at the David Gilmour Tour camp for offering fine tickets for the RAH gigs. I took the opportunity to attend the show and also take my family for a UK Holiday. We saw castles at Warwick and Hever, visited Stonehenge, Durdles Door, Stratford-on-Avon, and finished our stay in London.
Even made a pilgramage to Pete Cornish’s Hawkhurst shop to pick up some guitar cables. Pete’s really far out there in the county and while I was there a chap from Roger Waters camp had to call in for directions as he was lost. I didn’t want to tell him that this country boy from the USA had no trouble finding the right spot.
David’s show was great. Seeing Arnold Layne performed live was the highlight of my trip. David and Guy provided nice backup vocals to David Bowie’s performance for a super arrangement. Thanks for performing some old material. Even though I have seen every Floyd show since the Animals Tour (my first concert at age 15) I never thought I would hear Echoes, Domino’s, or Wots..
My web ticket got me 30 yards from stage. Great seat! With the help of opera glasses I was able to make out that David does indeed play with Pete Cornish cables, as well as that he uses his middle and ring finger at times to play finger vibrato. As a guitar player myself, I never did this – I have always used only my index finger. Suffice to say that by the end of the show it was like I had a mini guitar lesson. Now if we could only see one more studio recording from David, Roger, Richard, and Nick where they all equally contribute. That would make my day and a thousand other fans as well.
All the best,
Mark Owen Nutto and the Unemployed Teachers
Tues 30th What a brilliant night. Thanks to all involved. So great to be there and witness Echoes – been revisiting ‘Pompeii’ footage – so it was magical to hear it all live and faithfully reproduced.
Also thrilled by the appearances of Crosby and Nash.
Bet Robert Wyatt’s cursing Tuesday version doesn’t make it onto the DVD – which would be a shame! Doesn’t have to perfect.
Addicted now all over again. Wish I had a ticket for Venice!
My sister and I were in town from Seattle for my sisters 30th birthday. We decided to try to get in the show on Tuesday night. well, I scored two prime seats together – 2 rows off the floor. What a great show! David Crosby and Graham Nash singing background was a great surprise. I had not seen any Floyd’s since the Wall in NY in ’80.
A memorable night that we will not forget!
Royal Albert Hall is a jewel
Scott from Seattle.
HELLOOO!! Hi David, I come from Argentina, Live in Mar del Plata And soy one of your fans in this great contry. I have 15 years and desde hace tiempo te escucho. Me encantaria que vengas a la Argentina seria uno de los priemros en ir a verte. gracias por hacer una musica tan maravillosa. Sos un grande. Gracias. Thank you. Lautaro
We went to NY to see what we werent able to get to in London, then once tickets were available for the RAH, we went there too. Neednt say more than the fact that if the budget will stretch to it we will go to Venice too (I hope my wife is reading this).
So… at the RAH we were right behind the mixing desk, can anyone tell me what the guy near the middle (who looked a bit like like he was “conducting an orchestra”) was actually doing? The band couldnt see him, could they?
[I suspect that concerned the lights and lasers, George. - Features Editor]
Attended the gig on the 30th at the RAH and, well…
I guess it’s that old thing of wanting so much from an experience that in the end it can only fail to deliver. Some problems I had were -
-the audience, the vibe. little kids in the audience and the people shouting ‘go on dave’ made it all seem a bit pub rock. We were pretty well stoned but it didn’t seem that anyone else was, that’s fine and everything but it did give us a certain ‘us and them’ feeling.
-the first half! I’m not in love (don’t mind it though) with the new album and at times I felt truly bored by it all. If he’d simply played half of it I would have probably had no problem with it.
-crosby and nash. waddling on stage to sing four words and then waddling off again, I didn’t like their contribution to ‘shine on’ either, kind of spoilt the song really, it wasn’t anywhere near as good as on the gilmour live 2002 dvd.
-robert wyatt. I mean what was the point, I know he had issues or something with his trumpet, but it was all a bit ‘jobs for the boys’.
-comfortably numb. no suprise really, i was expecting it to fall short because of the arrangement david always seems to use. Too grungy on the verses and no acoustic guitar on the chorus. Rick wright tried his best, but his voice is too similar to daves for it to work. Anyway I’m horrendously picky about this song, The Wall Live is the only version that gets the dynamics right IMHO (including the studio version).
-the drummer. I’m sure he’s a talented fellow, but he just didn’t do it for me.
However two things pretty much made up for all of that,
-echoes. For twenty minutes I was in a different place. Everything that left me cold or annoyed was forgotten the second the first ping rang out. Without any doubt the finest song i’ve ever seen and heard live.
-David’s playing. He was my favourite guitarist going into the concert, but I was really blown away by his control and style. He is just amazing, he really does get more emotion out of those instruments than anyone else.
So all in all it was a mixed bag. Half of me is glad because all in all it was a good/great gig. The other half wishes I hadn’t gone so that the myth i’d created hadn’t been brought down to earth. I had tickets for roger waters DSOTM but I’ve sold them now. (of course if the floyd reform for that hyde park show, I will probably kill myself or someone nearby)
I’m a bit late with my review of the show, on Tuesday 30th, but better late than never right?
So what did I make of my first experience seeing David live? It was a wonderful evening, but be warned, my review is not going to be an exercise in ‘sunshine blowing up the proverbial’.
The first half was brilliant, and in my view I think it might have been better (in my opinion) than the second. The new songs were, after all, the reason that David was on the road, and the intimacy of the music from OAI seemed to be at home in the RAH setting.
Special points of note from the first half. ‘Then I close my eyes’ with Robert Wyatt was a really lovely song. Made me feel like I was sitting around a campfire with friends…not a care in the world. I noticed Robert’s expletive, and he took a little while to get going, but that made it all the more human. I saw the AOL performance of ‘Take a Beath’…and it didn’t take my breath away at all…why was everyone saying it was so good? At the RAH…I realised why everyone was saying that…David pulled out all the stops on this one…and I think it was one of his best efforts on the fretboard all night.
Second half? I think the most enjoyable stuff for me was the older material…Fat Old Sun was simply extraordinary, and is tied in first place with ‘Take a Breath’ for best performance of the evening. I’m not really a fan of the pre-meddle Pink Floyd…but Arnold Layne was brilliant too…and seemed right at home in the RAH.
Shine on was good…but I’ve heard it many times. I enjoyed when the full band rejoined the fray towards the end…just before the sax solo began…very nice.
Coming back to Life and High Hopes I’ve heard a million times in various forms, and I wasn’t all that gathered up by them, truth be told.
It was very cool when Mica Paris came out to sing Great Gig. It wasn’t an earth shattering performance…but it was still very good, and I enjoyed seeing and hearing Rick and David playing it.
Echoes was brilliant…suddenly the stage was owned by those two old friends…I was witnessing a moment (or many moments) in history. I noticed Rick give a big exhale of breath during one of his keyboard changes towards the end…and realised he was actually looking a little weary. I guess a 20 minute song isn’t as easy to play as it was thirty years ago. The ending was magic…and I was on my feet with everyone else at the end.
WYWH and Comfortably numb I’ve heard a million times as well, and there wasn’t anything strange or startling about these performances. Maybe it was just me…but David and co seemed a little tired by this point in the show. Find the Cost of Freedom was gorgeous (as were the harmonies provided throughout the show).
There were a few downers to the show. I had been told that the accoustics in the RAH were fantastic. Maybe it was another RAH they were talking about, because I didn’t think the sound was outstanding. I could hear each drum-beat reverberate / echo, and the smoke machines (or something) were VERY noticeable at the beginning of several songs (great gig and echoes).
Now’s the part where I commit blasphemy. I was at a Roger Waters show in 2002, and on the whole it pipped David’s concert. Maybe it was the sound…the drum solo at the beginning of ‘Time’ shook one’s bones at Roger’s show, and it was quite weak in comparison at David’s. And Roger used the quad system during his show…which added so much to the experience. I think David’s performance really would have been enhanced if he had used a quad set-up. On an Island is very atmospheric, and would lend itself to a surround system very well…and Echoes / Fat old sun / Arnold Layne would also have been even more impressive with the old azimuth coordinator doing it’s thing.
On the whole, a brilliant evening. Worth twice the price of admission, and I will certainly be repeating the experience if David is kind enough to treat us again.
Thanks to David, Rick, and the rest of the crew (you included FeD) for months of joy that came to such a great climax for this little black duck.
No ‘Rainbow Connection’ though