Night 25: London
David brings his triumphant three-night residency at London’s Royal Albert Hall to a climactic close tonight.
If you’ll be there, cheering the band on (at all the right moments, of course: not until ‘High Hopes’ has fully ended being just one example), let us know.
There have been some surprises throughout the tour and who knows what’s in store tonight?
As always, the songs performed will be revealed below. If you don’t want to know which songs were performed, please don’t read on.
Judging by the comments made, and general reaction by, some fans during the shows, it seems that many people are genuinely surprised to hear certain tracks. Naturally, we don’t wish to spoil the surprise for anyone who might be clueless as to the possible set.
Here’s a surprise that we are happy to spoil…
Tonight’s concert is being professionally filmed for a DVD, which is hopefully due out later this year, so we would be very grateful if you could leave your cameras, PDAs and mobile phones at home.
People putting their arms in the air and bathing white light everywhere has been a constant topic of discussion since the tour began in Germany on 10 March. The consensus appears to be that it’s selfish, rude and disrespectful to wave something that emits a bright light at eye-level and above, thereby blocking the view of the person or persons sitting behind you.
RAH staff will confiscate your equipment if you repeatedly annoy audience members, so please show some common courtesy for the people seated around you and let them enjoy the concert without bothersome distraction.
If you are being irritated by such actions, please let it be known by discretely requesting the assistance of a member of staff. Other fans will no doubt thank you for it.
The blog’s meeting place of choice is still the Queen’s Arms pub, located at 30 Queens Gate Mews, so drop in at around 7PM and see who’s there if you have time before the concert.
Have a wonderful night and don’t forget that tonight’s show starts an hour later – at 8:30PM.
Please note that no comments will be published until tomorrow afternoon.
To Bianca & Stephen Radovanovich,
Enjoy your Third night at the RAH, you lucky people and have safe journey’s back to Holland & New York.
Get yourselves a Limited Edition poster(only 1000 printed), if you haven’t already.
It’ll help you savour the memories in the weeks, months(I won’t say years), before the OAI DVD hits the shops…
BabelFish Translation Services – this is what is actually being said… :-)
Night 25: London
There have been some surprises throughout the tour and who knows what’s in store tonight? NO seriously… who knows? because we don’t, the band don’t and DG promised that he would ring Geldof but he forgot so WHO IS IT???
It’s costing us a stack of money to film this concert so if anyone… yes anyone messes it up they will be taken out the back and introduced to Carmine and his colleagues who will “smarten” the perp up!
And finally… The Fedmeister has shares in the Queen’s Arms so if you drink anywhere else Carmine and the boys will be around to see you…
(Within 30 seconds of this blog being posted 20 PF Fan sites will be saying that Geldof is the guest!!!) :-)
[Oh, the fansites say a lot of things. - Features Editor]
Hi all,
Ridiculously excited about tonight…
The guest appearances so far have been pretty special, no?! Not that just seeing DG & co. wouldn’t be enough…
Been having a hellish house-moving experience over the last few days, so the excitement has been a bit slow in building. Catching up with all the comments on the blog from the last few nights has solved that problem!!
Hope everyone has a great time tonight, especially you FEd – see you there!
Kxx
As the concert is starting a hour later will it be the same length as the other previous nights?
[Yep. - Features Editor]
To FEd, Bloggers, David, Polly & The Rest Of The Band,
Two brilliant shows so far and I am very excited for tonight’s show!
This trip has been amazing so far with the DG concerts, London sites and more DG concerts!
Also took in Guy’s show in Salisbury, fantastic! Guy keep the jokes coming.
Have met many fellow bloggers and I am having loads of fun with Bianca.
What a trip, each day gets better and I will fill everyone in upon my return to NY.
Best Regards,
Stephen (Rado, as Bianca notes)
NY, USA
Fedmeister
It’s just struck me!
What if I did correctly guess “Bob” as the guest? I’m sure you’ll either delete or amend the blog…
But then if you do delete or amend it I’ll know it’s “Bob” and if you don’t then I know it isn’t him at all…
Unless of course you are double bluffing…or you may not know…. AAGggghhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!
[Welcome to my world, my friend. You just can't beat a bit of over-analysis several times a week. - Features Editor]
Hey all, 29th was amazing. Echoes was out of this world, were 6 rows from the front and the lasers were fantastic although they seemed to fail for comfortably numb :’-( Just white lights for that.
Im not a big bowie fan but his voice was perfect for arnold layne, really brought it to life.
Crosby and Nash were were great, at one point, after wish you were here i think they did one of their songs with david, whole thing was one big vocal harmony, was beautiful. Well done guys.
Mike
Whos that Guy..?
Me again, they recorded the concert, probably make a dvd out of all the bits from the 3 nights. Really funny thing happened, the way you do me and my mate were standing around trying to find someone from the trucks outside to talk to about the recording so were asking just about everyone. Well on the spur of the moment my mate asked this ‘guy’ with a pass if he was with the recording crew and i was like err no thats guy pratt. was very funny, my mate is so embarrassed and will probably kill me for posting this, he he. Anyway if you read this guy, you were wicked as usual, is really nice for the audience to see someone who enjoys playing as much as you do. Bring on some bass solos!
Mike
[Mike, a friend of mine thought that legendary promoter Harvey Goldsmith was a bar man. She almost gave him her glass. I could have died. She probably won't thank me for revealing that, but at least your friend can take comfort in knowing that he is most certainly not alone. - Features Editor]
i would be so jealous, but i’m not the type. have fun everyone, especially the band. i’m sure it will be a blast. tour of the century right here. really mang. thanks for everything. please come back and visit us someday. please, don’t ever stop making music, any of you. thanks. do it for syd!!
Just wanted to say how much I’m enjoying all the comments, stories, and reviews! They bring back the magic and memories from LA. Have fun, everyone!
I would like to wish everyone a splendid time at the RAH show tonight. I saw David on April 13 at the Rosemont in Chicago. Incredible. Wish I was there to swill back a few pints before the show at the pub with you. Enjoy!
Cory
Good Luck to everyone going to night, have fun & enjoy, im still on a high from monday night & now i understand why some want to see more than one night,i wish i was going again.
Just watched the BBC concert again (from the Mermaid) has David lost weight since then , & as a fella should i be noticing such things?
Thanks again David & the Band for a wonderfull night
i went to paris and manchester and i still feel jealous of everyone going tonight…got a feeling tonight cuold be the best yet you know…you lucky lucky people
What a fabulus night we had on May 30th. For me the highlights were definitely a 26 minute rendition of Echoes (3 minutes more than Glasgow), Arnold Layne , Fat Old Sun and the jamming session at the end. Mr Parry’s art of “swinging his saxes” was great, what a pro.
Disappointments? Thought Ms Paris could have “kept to the script” a little more, but there’s no disguising her dulcet tones. The bell on High Hopes was a different key…only a little point, but it made a difference!!
Humourous bits: Mr Wyatt crying oh F**K when he missed his note, a small cry of “Hi Daddy” from the side of the stage and laughing at Mr Pratt’s rubbery face expressions.
Frustrations: When Stevie D smiled at me , threw me his drumstick, and a huge male intercepted, he was bigger than me…don’t suppose Fed Meister could help out there??
So many superlatives come to mind, all summing up a memorable night. Have a great time tonight….
[Describe him to me and we'll send the boys 'round to have a quiet word. - Features Editor]
(Please note that no comments will be published until tomorrow afternoon.)
And what time would that be Fed? Some of us cant wait too long for your report of the concert! I will expect a blow by blow account!!!!!!!! HA HA HA HA
Ian Pearson
I think it might help if the person doing the announcment from the stage said that flashes will have no impact on the quality of your picture as the effective range is mostly likely less than five metres. They could also suggest that if you don’t know how to turn your flash off ask the person sitting next to you.
Then again these people are viewing a concert via a phone or camera screen which is absolute madness. They are basically saying to themseleves: I must remember how good this was by not enjoying it to the full at the time.
HI due to the lovely london transport being late as always i did not get a chance to by a couple of t-shirts be fore or after the show as i had to rush back and get my train back to bournemouth is there any way that i get buy them from the website.
Signed a very big david gilmour fan
P.S i did manage to buy a programme
[You can. Please see the Stuff & Nonsense page of http://www.davidgilmour.com. - Features Editor]
I agree with the waving of cell phones. Very cheesy. I think people should be able to bring hedge clippers and clip off the arms of anyone partaking in this downright silly activity. Unfortunately it’s been explained to me that chopping other peoples limbs off is “illegal”. Damn laws….
[Some of these so-called laws are just plain ridiculous, aren't they? - Features Editor]
I’m sure that tonight will be amazing for all those attending and I hope that you enjoy it. I wish I was there but that would be greedy and I may pass out.
Enjoy.
Hey there, do you know whether any posters of David will be available in the merchandise bit anytime soon. I didn’t see any on sale at the gig and I begrudge buying them from unworthy and cheap quality places.
Thanking you.
[That's a good question. I shall see if I can get you an answer. - Features Editor]
Like an eight year old in the backseat of the car on a long trip, inflicting madness on his parents, peter starts to say to himself in the most annoying fashion imaginable, “are we there yet, when’s the dvd due, when’s the dvd due, when’s the……..”
Bugger. A whole day until reviews of night 3 and Guy’s news. Fair enough. Hope the show ranks as the best in show for the tour. Have a wonderful time y’all. I know it’s going to be special.
Peace,
peter
Hope you’re having an amazing time, F.Ed. All of us who have been appreciating the blog know how well you’ve earned a couple nights of this incredible experience. Thanks for your continued efforts!
[Bless you. Thanks, mate. - Features Editor]
Caption:
So I throw the windows wide
and call to you across the sky
Have fun tonight, Fed.
[How nice are you lot, eh? Thank you. - Features Editor]
wow ,wot a night,absoluteley fantastic ,brill start with the old floyd songs then into the new album ,stunning sound ,great laser show ,still buzzing now ,cant be topped ,seen a lot of concerts in my time but this wont be beaten very easily ,unless i see him again (hope too ,anyway)loved every minute of it ,well done to all involved .
rumour has it its kate bush tonight….you lucky so and so,s if it is…cant see it though
I was listening to the radio here in Phoenix, and this DJ is saying that “David Gilmour said the Rolling Stones should quit touring, they are to old, it isn’t working anymore, and they should just hang it up”. Then the DJ says “funny thing for a guy that just had a concert last night, to say”. HMMM…well, when I heard Davids name my ears perked up, I thought great they are going to play a song….then I heard that.
First off, there is a major difference between David and the Stones, not just the music, the way it is presented. I don’t recall David flapping his arms around, chest hanging out of his shirt, and wearing tight pants to show off his bulge. If David had been into that, I’m sure he would have become more discreet as he got older and put his bulge away years ago.
Fact of the matter is, I don’t even know what David realy said.
[Well, you can have a look at the Press page of http://www.davidgilmour.com for the Telegraph article of Sunday 28 May. Of course, you can't believe half of what you read in the papers, but that's where you need to start. Never has a truer word been said about Oasis, either. - Features Editor]
Hi FEd!!!
Hello David, Polly, Guy, Richard, Steve, Jon, Phil and Dick.
Hi to the bloggers; Rudders, that last one was hilarious. Ian, you are a real clown!!! Luv you guys…
Thanks to all of you for all that you do and how you do such a great job of making people happy.
But we should all remember that sometimes people make things happen from behind the scenes that surprise others and they go unnoticed. Not that they wanted to be noticed much anyway, but lets all not forget those who make things work from behind the scenes, sometimes with big surprises to deal with.
Cheers to all, especially to you MR/MS/MRS FEd…
[Thank you very much. That means a lot to us. - Features Editor]
9:35 in the UK…
In the midst of the show… lucky, lucky people! I get shivers just thinking about it… who the guest/s is/are…the songs being played…
Roll on Thursday when the Fedmeister’s paracetamols kick-in, vision isn’t so blurred and fingers start hitting the keyboard…
And if I said “Backlog” would that be a pertinent word at the moment as it relates to the Blog Fedmeister? 8-)
[Paracetamol indeed! That just won't do. You need ibuprofen, silly. - Features Editor]
David Bowie? Great Gig in the Sky?
……. *speechless*…….
You lucky, lucky people…
REALLY looking forward to the DVD now.
I hope Mica Paris has or will be filmed for the dvd.
Why don’t I live in London…?
Fed now we want Fan Fare meetings elsewhere too, so you put yourself at work and set up something for this summer…
[If you name the meeting place, we'll plug it. - Features Editor]
Went to the tuesday night show and david rocked. No other word for it, to be honest i didnt think you could turn arnold layne into an up-beat rock tune, but he did this with the latter and fat old sun easily and extremely well.
To add my comment about what people have being saying re the flash cameras were such that there was almost a fight at the end of our row as one woman complained to a gentleman and asked him to stop as it was getting in her view. His reply wasnt the best, but failed to realise this woman had extremely large boyfriend with her, and he wanted to punch this fella!!. It got diffused sharply by some quick RAH staff (nice one!)
If there was a scrap would that have made the DVD extras?….. :-)
Cracking show, i wish i bought tickets for all days.
[I don't know, but I'd have paid to see it! - Features Editor]
(My time 3:30pm and I’m at work…..damn it!)
London time….11:30pm Wednesday the 31st of May.
Royal Albert Hall….David Gilmour winds down Comfortably Numb solo to insane and massive applause…..and where am I???
In Canada…..nowhere near The RAH
!#@%#! &^*&^%$ 3!@#$% (*&!#%$ splutter splutter
Bob Mitchell, Victoria, B.C. Canada :-\
We are just back from London had a great time there . We really enjoyed the concert outstanding preformance what a great band They do well!!!
What a suprice David Bowie !!! Thanks David !
Lucky me will see you and the fantastic band at least 3 times around Europe I hope you will be able to fit in some difrent songs solo or Floyd.
I would really like songs as On the turning away or anything from that album I love that one !!
Never use flash it will ruin your picture the only thing on the photo is the person infront of you it’s stupid and annoying if you want to take some pictures please be considerate!
THANKS AND CHEERS .
BAS!
Hello Fedster our friend, now that you have had a chance to go to the show, we are all looking forward to your review of the concert, please forgive me if you already have written one, I read a short version of one of yours, it was good but sort of like the scaled down version of Echoes on the Echoes CD.
Hopefully you will treat us to your thoughts of DG in concert, but please only when you have some time. We all know how busy this blog must keep you, and we sincerely appreciate your effort and skills in managing it.
Like everything David does, it becomes a monster. I mean pulling David Bowie out of New York to sing a couple of classics shows the respect the man has earned. Fed keep up the good work man.
[Cheers, George. - Features Editor]
Wish I was there to see the shows at RAH.
Any chance of some pics being uploaded to the website?
Thanks
[Soon. - Features Editor]
set list anyone??
[Yes, it's coming soon. Keep scrolling down the page and you'll find it. - Features Editor]
Good heavens.
talk about surprises…today was by far the best and the biggest. Nick Mason. Incredible stuff. And I was thinking it couldnt have gotten better than last night
The atomosphere at the RAH was really something else. The crowd was terrific and in good voice. But everyone listened to the last lingering notes of the acoustic solo on High Hopes. And the lighting…man, great stuff, really. They really did a bang up job on the RAH shows.
And hehe, funny incident. David was walking all over the stage during Echoes while playing the instrumental parts. Right before he has to go ‘Strangers passing in the street….’, he was over looking at Steve on the drums. And he turns around right in the nick of time to sing and finds….hehe, that he isnt 2 inches from them mic like he had thought, but more like 2 feet. The smile on his face turned to a moment of horror….he was like ‘errrr, there used to be a mic here’. Then he dived headfirst into the mic and I dont think he missed the cue by more than a quarter note in the end.
These performances really have been something else. Lots of stories to tell. But for now, Im winding down this super London trip. More when I get back to Seattle.
Dear all,
That was INCREDIBLE! David was just on fire – his playing had that something extra tonight, as did everyone’s. He seemed much more relaxed and confident tonight and really shone through – what an amazing performance. That was without doubt the best show I have ever seen, and I’ve seen some good’uns. Just when I thought Monday night was about as amazing as it can get, tonight it went stratospheric.
Before the show I went to the pub and took a little laminated A4 sign that said “Smile if you’re a Gilmour blogger
” so as to break some ice – and it worked brilliantly – met plenty of bloggers from all over the place. Can’t remember all the names, but hi Steve and Bianca! You were sitting just in front of us – we were front row stalls to your right and I tried waving frantically to get your attention, failing dismally (but doing a great impression of a nutter!).
Back to the show…highlights for me were (in addition to previous nights to save space):
- Nick Mason on WYWH and CN!
- Mica Paris on Great Gig – tonight she really shone – I loved the tone of her voice during the raunchier parts. She’s got amazing range and tone…sexy, soft, raunchy….I loved it…
- Dominoes and Arnold Layne back-to-back – lovely to have a Syd section. Again, I really preferred tonight’s version with Richard’s vocals (as oppose d to Mr Bowie’s) – both really well done, but especially Richard’s keyboard work. Sounded fantastic.
- On An Island – I’ve loved every single night, but tonight’s OAI was absolutely nailed imho. Some fantastic ad libs/jams and the whole album really fit together perfectly as a live peformance.
- Echoes – I just loved the Guy variations – some subtle little touches but wow, they really worked. A wicked job Mr Pratt… you did SOOOO well
- David mentioning ‘Blogging, that’s Guy’s thing’… YEEEHAH! We got a mention!
David’s little talk before “Smile” was lovely – he really did seem just so relaxed and enjoying the occasion.
A few downers, but nothing major:
- Someone GOT UP FROM THEIR FRONT ROW SEATS TO LEAVE during Echoes (or maybe WYWH). Medical emergency notwithstanding, if you’re lucky to have front row seats at least have the common decency to wait until the end of the piece (let alone being out of your mind to leave). That blew my mind – some people don’t deserve tickets
- Too many people shouting. Why?? I loved the kid shout ‘Hello Daddy’ last night, but that was cute and endearing – not some drugged/drunken fool shouting something totally incomprehensible. Likewise the morons shouting MID SONG. Why??
Finally, I want to thank David, Richard, Guy, Steve, Phil, Jon, Dick, Robert, the two Grahams, Mica, David B and Nick (I think that’s everyone) for the most incredible 3 nights of music. I hope you all know how much pleasure you give people when you play – money can’t buy that kind of happiness (well, 3 nights at the RAH can
.
Thank you SO much from the bottom of my heart.
N
x
[Beautifully put, Nick. - Features Editor]
Nick, thank you!! What a great drumming behind David’s solo on Comfortably Numb! Wow!!
Just got back, brilliant show!
Nick Mason playing WYWH and Comfortably Numb! Great.
Fab show – complete with Nick Mason on drums at t’end.
Wonderful!
Twiddling my thumbs, trying to wait patiently for the reports on the concert (AND the surprises… WOO-HOO!) from the last night at the RAH.
(whistling) (humming) (baking a pie) (trimming the cat’s claws) (drinking all the gin in the house)
For crying out loud…how much longer before we hear the news???
Becky
PS–You’re a real topper, Guy Pratt!
Caption: David, performing, works into a crescendo and finally reaches critical mass and begins eminating gamma rays!!! The star-struck audience raise their hands to shield themselves for they can barely fathom his magnificence. O, the rapture!
First David Crosby and Graham Nash and now Nick Mason?!! I can barely stand it!! This DVD is going to be worth its weight in GOLD!! PLATINUM!! EMERALDS!!! (I’ve never heard of Mica Paris. I’m sure she’s really good. She has a cool name too). Sweeeeeet.
y’mean we have to wait until official tomorrow June 1st to hear about this???
Bollocks!
[this from an american, yet]
Show ended at approx. 11.50pm and I’ve just got home now at 1.25am and wanted to get a few random thoughts down on (virtual) paper before trying to get some sleep.
Another excellent night, fantastic seats in Row 7 level with David with a perfect view of everyone on stage. Even Guy! After going on Monday (29th) I was pleased that tonight I got Fat Old Sun, Dominoes & TGGITS with Mica Paris in this set, finishing off with someone called Nick Mason joining them to bang a few sticks on WYWH & Comfy Numb.
A more considered verdict will follow much later but don’t be concerned chums, it will only be good.
I feel quite sad it’s all over now.
Nite nite
CJD
Okay, I have been patient and tried not to blog. Can’t quite figure out when I might offend the mighty rules. So I’ll briefly say:
1. I have seen Clapton in concert and although he is good, he plays with his head. His study of Robert Johnson is commendable but academic. David’s magic is that not only is he very intelligent but his musicality is heads and shoulders above. No comparison in my opinion. I never had the opportunity to see Hendrix live.
2. You lucky, lucky, lucky people in London. I can’t imagine what Guy will blog, I hope he turned up at the pub. But I will not be greedy, my two shows in Toronto were stunning. (I couldn’t listen to music for a week afterwards, hoping to keep the sound memory in my head)
3. I would attend Europe this summer if I could, but I can’t so I will enjoy the summer that is possible. Anyone who can go should go.
UkVeronica, I am so sorry you were unable to attend a concert. I hope there is an opportunity in the future for you.
Lucia-your messages are also delightful-do you have the results of your exam yet?
Love to all from Kim – from the other Newmarket (Canada)
[The "mighty rules", as you put them, are pretty straight-forward and self-explanatory. I'm sorry that you have a problem with them. - Features Editor]
AWWWW, MAN!! You who were there to see Nick Mason with Robert Wyatt, Crosby and Nash and Mica Paris are the luckiest people on the planet. THAT must have been one heck of a great show! I have to say I’m insanely, irrationally jealous of those who were there. People on this blog complained for months that America got the best of this tour; now we know that David saved his best stuff for his hometown.
The DVD is going to be one incredible disc. I will have to get it, soon as it comes out. I will simply have to get it.
1.50am
Wow! Dad and I just arrived home in Salisbury after a long drive from the Albert Hall.
What a great show! Nick being there to reunite the ’1994 Floyd’ was the icing on the cake.
Similar sets to the previous nights- I thought Echoes and Arnold Layne were particular highlights- and a fantastic atmosphere.
To Dave and the band: many thanks, and don’t leave it too long until next time!
Elliot
all i can say really is MY GOD. It was fantastic.
Oh Yeah!!
FEd, what a great gig in the sky, indeed!!! Nick on drums — now I REALLY can hardly wait for the DVD!
To everyone who went to the big show, I know you had the best time ever … FANTASTIC!
My best to all of you my fellow ‘irregulars’, to the Mighty FEd, and to David & Co. Anxiously awaiting the posts … that means you, too, Guy!!
Peace and Harmony!
Gabrielle
Washington State
I am so happy to learn that Nick Mason joined the band, incredible. I am now CHOMPING at my bit for the DVD.
Congrats London Concert goers, just wonderful for all!
Peace
John
Oh…my…god…!!! That was the single most amazing experience of my life! What a concert!
Nick Mason played the encores!! Nick Mason! I nearly fainted when David introduced him!
Set list:
1st Half – Breathe/Time/Breathe Reprise, the whole OAI album with C+N joining in on OAI and The Blue, and Robert Wyatt on Then I Close My Eyes.
2nd Half – Shine On(C+N), Fat Old Sun, Dominoes, Arnold Layne, Coming Back To Life, High Hopes, The Great Gig In The Sky (Mica Paris), Echoes.
Encore – WYWH (with Nick Mason!), Find The Cost Of Freedom (C+N), Comfortably Numb (with Nick Mason!)
I seriously cannot believe what I have just witnessed. Everything about it was just…awesome. I was up in the circle, section T, but the sound and view were still tremendous. I’ve never been To the RAH before, and as soon as I entered the arena I was in pure awe, it’s such an amazing venue.
The new album sounded amazing live, Take A Breath is such a rocking tune!
Highlights of the second half were Fat Old Sun (what an ending!), and of course Echoes. I have seen Echoes live! My life is complete! The ‘pings’, the beautiful harmonies between David and Richard, the eerie seagull noises from David’s guitar, the lasers on the build up, everything about it was unbelievable.
When David introduced Nick for the encores I totally freaked out! What a treat! His playing was fantastic. He should have played the whole second set! The whole time I really could not believe I was seeing three quarters of Pink Floyd performing these classic songs right in front of my very eyes! In fact, everybody’s playing was perfect and I can’t remember one single mistake in the whole concert.
The lighting was amazing throughout the concert (nice job Mark!), and the crowd were brilliant. There were only a few mobile phone lights that I could see, and there were a few out of place shouts, but you gotta expect that.
This was an amazing experience and I will NEVER forget it. Thank you David and co…thank you so much.
Peace, David.
(looking forward to your review FEd!)
Hey all, this sucks sitting here in the states reading all these cool post about the shows!!!
I had the pleasure of seeing David on the Momentary Lapse Of Reason And The Division Bell tours and they were second to none!!! All I can ask is there any chance David will do a full North American tour ? And if he does sign me up,
here is to one of the greatest guitar players of all time, HALE HALE TO DAVID GILMOUR !!!!!!
I knew there was gonna be another David surprise. Way to go Nick. Thank You. Always the cool one.
First time blogger here…yet a long time reader.
I’m sure everyone had a wonderful time watching and hearing the most soulful rock n roll guitarist of our time. David truly works magic with the guitar and it was a pleasure to see both LA shows last month.
Here’s a little David Gilmour karma – I frequent a restaurant in Orange County about every two weeks. During the past three visits, I heard songs from both Pink Floyd and David’s latest album playing as background music. Several weeks ago it was “On The Turning Away”, two weeks ago it was “This Heaven” and tonight it was “On An Island” (although it was the shortened version, similiar to what was played on Jay Leno). People thought I was crazy getting all excited about songs that were played as background music, but I didn’t care. I just wonder what song will await the next time I have dinner there.
Rock on David!! I hope to see a return trip to Southern California.
Raymond in Orange County CA.
MY DEAR FELLOW BLOGGERS
Tonight was the last night of the tour. Tuesday was so good I must admit I thought we wouldn’t be so hot tonight, as Graham Nash said, “That show was so hot everything else is gravy!”
Luckily I was wrong. Tonight was a stormer,and I can’t say what a privilege it has been to play with our guests on top of the privilege that is playing with this band.
But most importantly…
LADIES AND GENTLEMEN OF THE BLOG, TONIGHT I PRESENTED THE FEDMEISTER WITH YOUR TOKENS OF APPRECIATION.
The beautiful Wireman sculpture, The No 05 Liverpool “Fedmeister” shirt, The Features Ed Survival Kit, and of course, the cheque to David and Polly for Crisis from the surplus contributions.
Having been party to the planning of this for some time, actually handing over the physical manifestations of your appreciation for the Fed’s tireless work on all our behalfs made me realise what a wonderful and tangible community has been created through this site. You’re not bitching fans or judgemental know alls. As Polly said to me today, “How come David’s bloggers are so nice?”
You’ve all played your part in this tour, we’ve talked about you and thought about what you’ve said every day. You’ve made us laugh, think, get annoyed, but most of all, been a direct line from artist to audience.
We’ve loved this tour on every level, artistic, personal, emotional, and like you we’ve been one big messy happy family. It’s been wonderful having you lot globally connecting, so that every gig felt like part of a whole rather than an isolated event.
I’m sure I speak for us all when I say thank you thank you thank you, personally I’ve always felt like a passenger, and I hope you do too..
xxxx
Much love
Guy
[You rode it well, Guy. I'm sure I speak for fans of fine music everywhere in saying that we're extremely glad that you didn't slip off the tour bus at any point. Now speaking to the fans who concocted this little plan... You little b*stards! Scheming and conspiring behind the FEd's back. For shame. I don't know what to say... Thanks very much, everyone. I was going to save it for a big gush-fest tomorrow, but I'm really, truly, worryingly touched by your kindness (and well-impressed by your sneakiness, if that's even a real word). Thank you very, very much for all of the wonderful goodies. They're just beautiful. It has been a fabulous ride, the blog wouldn't exist if not for your comments, and I cannot personally thank you enough for your thoughtfulness and generosity. You are far too kind and I'm very grateful for that. Bless the lot of you. - Features Editor]
Not to get on the “Dontcha hate it when” bandwagon, but the most mind-boggling thing of all when it comes to cell phones at concerts…
People who call their friends, and hold up the phone in the air so the person at the other end can hear the music.
Ever listen to music over ANY phone? It’s horrific, tinny, and downright awful, even if it IS David Gilmour.
Great three nights topped with the encore last night. Although some of the audience didnt listen to the phone and camera advice, they did listen to the music- down to the last notes,well done.Great updates to keep us all informed – well done. Off to see Roger next week in Berlin.
David Gilmour is the number ONE.
Dear F.ed,
As I can read on the News page, the yesterday show was probably the most triumphant of the tour. Mr Gilmour on the guitar, Mr Wright on the Keyboard and Nick Mason joining them for the encores. It’s the best way to end a show.
I hope we are gonna have this concert on the DVD. (with special bonus of course !)
Unfortunetly, I wasn’t at the RAH, please tell me how great was it.
Cheers.
[Um... On a scale of one to ten, I think it probably deserved a 12. - Features Editor]
What an awesome, awesome show!
Musical highlights for me were a blinding version of ‘On An Island’ and the awesome ‘Comfortably Numb’ – Nick Mason turning up to knock skins with a couple of sticks was a lovely surprise too!
Fabulous stage show, amazing sound and gloriously wonderous atmosphere – the final RAH gig had it all…
As a side point:
Shame on those who decided to capture as much as they could on digital cameras, why not just wait for the DVD rather than spoiling it for others?!
Caption-
‘After months of trying to contain it on tour, David’s head finally erupted with lasers on his last night at the RAH’.
What can I say that hasn’t already been said, the 30th will always be with me as the night I saw the most amazing show I have ever seen. The seat was only feet away from the stage, stunning view, and sound. Everyone involved I thank you.
A huge thank you to all the people who helped me find my hotel after the show as I had got lost, especially to the couple who despite rushing for their tube, got a map out and made sure I knew the way, thank you so much.
To Al, it was a pleasure meeting you, and for the the beers, it was very kind of you.
Not forgetting the RAH staff, who were very helpful and informative.
I hope that this is not the last tour, and you do play the RAH again, what a stunning venue.
…and Nick !
Well done, David has invited those he considers to be his friends !
Cela va faire couler beaucoup d’encre, je crains le pire…
Not too tired, Fed ? long and wonderful night, I imagine ?
Michèle.
[Je suis nase (est-ce que c'est correct?), mais il était fantastique. Il était plus que fantastique. Je ne sais pas les mots en anglais... En français?! Je ne peux pas. - Features Editor]
boy o boy, o nicky boy, OH BOY.
bah I knew that was gonna happen, pesky work commitments…right thats it, you have left me no choice…
I’m going to have to get to one of these Italian or Polish concerts now.
every action has an equal and opposite reaction:
I feel depressed without a DG concert to look forward to….must get something sorted.
To the Ed:
[Please note that no comments will be published until tomorrow afternoon.]
Sounds like you were expecting a major hangover! lol, bet it wasn’t as bad as mine on tuesday morning! still recovering…
Gilmour for president!
Just read some more and saw this:
“Just read about the empty wallet thingy. Went to Manchester…handed out at the door? I don’t think so. Can I have mine pleeeeeaaaase?”
[I expected this. As soon as I read the story, I just knew that people would write to the blog to say that they missed out. It's nothing to do with me, sorry. You'll have to take it up with EMI. - Features Editor]
Posted by: Ian at May 27, 2006 09:03 PM
I have a spare one from RAH, if you are still after one I will happily post it on to you Ian.
[That's really kind of you, Gerry. We're on the case now, so not to worry. Keep your spare. - Features Editor]
HI FED, justt got back from London.
WOW – i cannot actually put into words how i am feeling! Tuesday and Wednesdays show are the best shows I have ever seen.
There was a great turn out at the Queen’s Arms and I ould like to say hi to Martin, Bianca, Steve, Nickster, Matt Johns and all the other bloggers who met up there and made the whole experience like a huge family reunion.
I also would like to thank Trinity Street for sorting my tickets out.
I was fortunate to meet Dave, Guy and Phill at the aftershow party on Tuesday making it a truely memorable day.
I hope you enjoyed your surprise.
Love
Matty
Excellent show – was totally blown away thinking all night – this is the Floyd minus Nick Mason – then low and behold Nick joins then for Comfortably Numb and Wish you Were Here. And playing Echos was fantastic…..
So, now I know what that big thunder was that I heard in Italy last night: people who jumped from their seats in the RAH in London when Nick Mason appeared on stage.
Congratulations to you all who were there, I really wish I was there too, but who doesn’t?
Thanks David
ciao
Roberto
What a fantastic show. The view from the choir was brilliant. I loved the first set and then it got even better. It was such a treat to hear my all-time favourites, which I never thought I would get the chance to experience live, in the second set. Echoes was just amazing.
Thank you to everyone involved in the show and the running of this site. I’ve really enjoyed the build up to the show and I wasn’t disappointed last night.
Absolutely fantastic concert. High Hopes was awesome!! Great night, thanks guys…
Rupes – thanks for the ticket.
Fantastic!
WHY DAVID GILMOUR DON´T HAVE A LIVE DATE IN PORTUGAL?????????
WISH YOU WERE HERE THIS YEAR
Wow! The show – the lights – Mr Brickman, it’s nearly midday the next day, and everyone is still unable to blog. Thanks be to DG.
I,m 54 years of age now & have been to many, many Floyd concerts – from the 60,s to the last tour.
Last night’s Gilmour gig at RAH was prob. the best ever seen.Very emotional when Nick come on for the enchore & Crosby & Nash sang Find the cost of freedom.Echoes was the best i’ve heard it played. When the mass of lasers reflected all over the interior of RAH at the climax, my jaw just fell to the floor.Had 4 hours sleep, played all On an island on way to work, very emotional, amazing night.
Thankyou, THANKYOU David.
O man, words are not enogh here.
Only thank you, David, for the GREATEST show i’ve ever whitnesed in my life time.
Unbelievable!
An absolutely stunning night at RAH. There’s no point in going to another concert as nothing will ever compare. It’s perhaps wrong to pick out high points because there were no low or even medium points. However, if the band had walked off after Time I would have left happy and Echoes, wow, an incredible experience. And then Nick Mason for the encore, does it get any better?
Thanks David and all, please don’t make it the last time.
I had phoned the RAH a few times looking for returns. I finally got one on Monday for the Wednesday show, and ended up in the front row of the Choir (East). This meant I was effectively backstage, just a few yards up and a few to the left.
I watched Mr Gilmour’s tech tune up various guitars whilst he was eating what looked like a curry and I could read the set list he was working from. I saw that Mr Manzanera has a guitar strap with El Magnifico written on it. I could see Mr Gilmour’s expressions during many of the solos. I wondered if Mr Pratt was going to tie himself in a knot with his guitar cord and fall over during his wanderings.
This was the side that most of the guests arrived from. Mr Crosby spent quite a lot of the time just watching the performance from there when he wasn’t on stage. Mr Wyatt was ‘as giddy as a schoolboy’ when he came off and on, and everybody seemed to be enjoying themselves immensely. I could see the smiles on faces as they caught each other’s eyes as they got together to wrap up some of the songs.
Ms Samson took quite a few pictures from this side of the stage – she must have some great shots of the encore with Mr Mason. Mr Gilmour seemed a little demob happy, being quite chatty between the songs, telling various stories, one was about being banned from the RAH for life when Pink Floyd let off some cannon at a show there in the late sixties, and at one point he commented that it was Guy who was supposed to do standup.
To sum it all up – WOW. The best forty-five quid I have ever spent.
Dear Mr. Gilmour,
I do not think that you will ever read this, but I guess it’s worth a try. First of all I just want to thank you for “On an Island”. Your music has moved me in so many ways over the years and every time I listen to your new album, everything else just fades away and the music becomes the only thing that matters at that very moment. I admire your ability to make that kind of music.
Secondly, I want to thank you and all those involved for the Royal Albert Hall show on the 29th. The whole night was just an unforgettable experience. I feel very privileged to have been able to be there. I am also very thankful that you decided to do this tour, and I hope you and the rest of the band have enjoyed it, as I am sure all those who attended the concerts did.
With that said, I hope you know what an impact your music has made, is making and will continue to make in the future on all of us.
Yours faithfully,
Nora
What a night, having waited for the day to come, we were treated to a unbelievable experience. Song after song just drew you in. The sounds bounced around the hall a little for us in the circle but didn’t detract from the experience. A truly great concert, well done David and all, hearing the songs live is such a different experience, no wonder the tickets sold out so fast.
The ipod playlist for today is the tracks from last night to relive the experience. Looking forward to the DVD.
Nick Mason – I guessed it (some 2345 blogs ago)! Hope, this one will make it onto the DVD.
Fed, will you be with us until the July/August dates, and do you already know what will happen to the blog thereafter? (even if you did, I’m sure you wouldn’t tell us right away now, but it’s worth a try)
[Funnily enough, I suddenly feel that I'd be quite stupid not to make at least one European date. - Features Editor]
Hello Gilmourites,
As a now humbled and very privileged fan who managed to get a ticket for the show last night (31 May) I thought I’d write my own review . . .rather than the review that will be offered in the weekend papers by some jumped up music journalist who spent the whole night quaffing complimentary champagne, sitting in a Loggia box (whatever one of those is . . . sounds like something you could get in Starbucks to me) he didn’t pay for. This is a review from the stalls.
The evening started with a plus point well before I arrived at the gig, with me sitting opposite the token lookalike effort on the tube from Paddington to South Ken. Whoever you go to see, wherever you are on the planet there is always ONE guy who was told by his mates 25 years ago . .”Y’know you look a bit like David Gilmour?” . . .and ever since has taken pains to wear the same clothes and too keep up the pace with the ever changing hairstyles and appearances over the years. I bet he even grew his hair long, sported a beard and walked around shirtless for a while having just watched ‘Live at Pompeii’.
Having purchased an overpriced can of lager and purchased my souvenir DG tee shirt I took my seat next to Frances from Sevenoaks, and waited impatiently for the concert to start. Once the moment that every concert-goer lives and breathes for (the lights going down) had happened I was on edge until the dying drumbeats of COMFORTABLY NUMB some three and a bit hours later. The heartbeat introduction of BREATHE made the spine tingle, the hairs on the back of the neck stand up on end . . .not to mention any other cliché review writers tend to over-use. I was amazed to see the cross section of people in the house . . .an awful lot of which have been Floyd freaks for years and years, as well as people who previously only owned a copy of DARK SIDE and has been hooked since Live 8 – and yet . . .every single sole in the house knew the words and was singing along joyously to BREATHE, and TIME which soon followed.
David’s decision to play the whole of ON AN ISLAND in the first half seemed to be met with a mixture of joy and apprehension in the stalls. I for one was overjoyed . . .if only it meant for the inevitable inclusion to the set of TAKE A BREATH. The opening guitar solo on CASTELLORIZON was completely breathtaking, with the RAH’s sensational acoustics complimenting guitar genius quite superbly. The forthcoming single, SMILE sounded superb and if the CD purchasing public can avoid taking leave of it’s senses for a second and stop buying that Gnarls Barkley rubbish we could have a big hit single for DG.
After the interval, and an overpriced small tub of strawberry ice cream we waited in anticipation once again. David, as ever strolled out with the sense of confidence and class that only performers in his league can pull off . . .all too often we are dealt the ‘if in doubt . . .scream HELOOOO LONDON and set off a firework or two’ card when it comes to live music . . .but last night we got what really matters – a stroll on to the stage, and the opening unmistakable bars of SHINE ON YOU CRAZY DIAMOND to pick up from where we left off. FAT OLD SUN was soon to follow afterwards, with a couple of Syd Barrett numbers not too far behind. Rick Wright’s vocals on ARNOLD LAYNE were a real treat.
The only real annoyance evident amongst the crowd was one guy sat at the back of the hall who had obviously been there the night before and felt compelled to shout out what song was coming next. Not that that mattered one jot once the songs started however! I have to confess I was overjoyed to the point of emotion at COMING BACK TO LIFE being a part of the set. I have been in love with that song for as long as I can remember and spent all day hoping it would be played.
The set went from strength to strength with the lovely Mica Paris’s awesome vocals on GREAT GIG IN THE SKY, which complimented the stunning laser display and of course, Rick’s sublime tinkling of the ivories. HIGH HOPES proved (in case we needed proof – which we didn’t) that what we were witnessing was unrivalled class in terms of sublime songwriting and musicianship. The acoustic guitar solo at the end of the song seemed to take everyone’s breath away – you could have heard a pin drop in that auditorium.
As if that wasn’t enough, what was to follow should go down in history as one of THE great life performances of a single song. The opening echoes from er . . ECHOES sounded across the hall and everyone stood (although some sat) to attention, awaiting 20 minutes of music that has withstood the test of time on record, and would prove to be even more sensational performed live. The quality of the musicians on stage was colossal, as good as you could possibly assemble.
As an encore we were treated firstly with the presence of Captain Mason, R.N. in his rightful place behind the drumkit (that’s not to take anything away from David’s main drummer, who rocked!) and blessed us with his contributions to firstly, WISH YOU WERE HERE, which holds some sentiment for me . . .and I for one was humbled to be a part of London’s biggest sing-a-long last night as we all bellowed the melodies in unison. It may well have sounded like nothing on earth from the stage – but it mattered not. The crowning glory too gave us another chance to further stretch the vocal chords, with Rick Wright taking the lead on COMFORTABLY NUMB.
The concert finished at about 11:45pm and the normal conversations and idle chatter one normally hears when filing out from a concert had been replaced by the stunned silence as we all knew we’d witnessed something very special indeed.
A wonderful moment. How you wish . . how you wish you were there.
Thanks.
Pete The Gilmourite!
Didn’t they do well!
Top night, great sound, beautiful lights and what an honour to see Nick Mason playing drums for the encores.
Awesome
Thank you!
2LF
A Truely Amazing evening 5th time Ive seen Floyd Live Still As GOOD as ever. A 3 hr set was pure necta. Nice to see Gilmour ,Mason and Wright altogether a banging night, the next instalment im looking forward to is the hyde park July 1st waters,mason Dark side of the moon who knows gilmour may guest appearance
Hi FEd,
I hope you enjoyed last night.
I’ve been so busy attending David’s gigs and then working, so haven’t had a chance to write about them. I’m sure there will be plenty of reviews of the songs of last night but thought I would try a different perspective and review last night in comparison to the other shows. Sorry if its too long.
I was incredibly lucky enough to get good tickets to all 3 of the London shows and i think it is fair to say that last nights (31st) performance was the poorest one of the three. This is not to say it was a bad show, as it wasn’t, as usual David puts on one hell of a show – his playing still thrills me, its just that last night he made more mistakes in this one than I have seen before, which for him is quite unexpected. We are so used to “David the Guitar God” who never misses a note etc, that it’s easy to forget he is as human as the next musician and occasionally has a bad night.
He flubbed his lines a bit and was playing a few bum notes, but then to compensate did some beautiful solos to make up for the mistakes. Plus it was easy to see the tour had taken its toll on him as his voice was completely strained throughout the first half and red raw by the second. I was in the stalls by Rick and Jon and they were sharing glances and comments when he fluffed up.
Mica’s GGITS was as bizarre as the previous night. I agree with those who thought she didn’t do a brilliant job but then thought that perhaps David had deliberately asked her to do a new version and not to imitate Clare Torry, who knows? Either way because she wasn’t changing notes that much you could see Jon and Rick looking concerned how they were going to end the song as she didnt switch key at the end but it was a good enough performance and i think she got away with it.
Ricks wrong key on CN was, for me, a disappointment – it sounded like he started out in the wrong key then decided to go with it, which kind of ruined the finale for me. Luckily, to compensate David pulled out a killer guitar solo which salvaged any potential murmurs from the crowd.
The lights were outstanding (great work Marc and the boys) but one small irritation was that the smoke machine was sometimes so powerful that many times during the show poor Stevie was completely obscured and must have been drumming in a fog. Othertimes you couldnt see any of them which kind of defeated the purpose of the show. I was in the Stalls quite close to the stage and could sometimes barely see them so I’m not sure how the people above and behind me must have felt. Next time more dry ice – less smoke.
However, it was not all bad. This tour has just proved beyond a doubt what an utter genius Jon Carin is – he was amazing, and for me was the man of the match. Every chord struck or note sang was always perfect and his face never stopped smiling. An amazing musician to watch.
Phil and Guy were good as usual, although I would have liked to have seen more of “El magnifico” however they were happy enough to play at the back without upstaging David which is all any lead singer/guitarist can really ask for. Even’s Guys dancing about, which I have often found incredibly annoying and distracting in the past didn’t disturb me, so he must have been good!
Stevie was really impressive and will no doubt become a David regular, he is that good. Rick was lovely to see but once again I was slightly disappointed how little used he was at times, although this may have been his choice. Obviously it is David’s show but sometimes I felt Rick was playing/singing more than a backup musician would but wasn’t doing as much as a co-star and seemed to occupy a slightly awkward place in between. Either way, it was lovely to hear him sing, bum notes and all but one thing this has definitely shown is that he can’t imitate Roger during CN – he’s far too nice and not nearly sinister enough ; ) Next time, bring on a special guest!
As for David, well the guy can still play, there is definitely no question of that. His soaring solos and choice of music still are far and away better than anyone else around at the moment, but I got the feeling that those “fat little fingers” (as he once called them) may not be as deft as they once were and that time is starting to creep up on him. (I saw the same thing with Eric Clapton last week). It is only to be expected, after all he is 60 and no matter how much they try to hold back the years, even the greats must succumb to the ravages of time.
The voice was going, the memory was slipping a bit, even regarding the lyrics to his own songs! Maybe he was having an off-night, or maybe he was just tired after what for him must have been a very long tour, but to his credit he still has the determination to put on a great show and always tried to pull it back when he or any of the others mucked up, and for that we still love him.
Obviously for many the highlight of last night was Nick. The audience went wild when he came on and comparing him to Stevie D, it totally showed the lightness of touch and subtlety that Nick brings to the songs. Dont get me wrong, Stevie is an amazing drummer but Nicks drumming is and always has been, perhaps because of his age or personality, a lot quieter than most and that allows the solemnity of the songs to shine through. I forgot how good he is, and it was so nice to see him behind a drum kit again. I think even David couldnt believe how much the crowd loved him – Nick’s ovation entrance got a bigger ovation than David’s finale at the end. The crowd were so genuinely pleased to see him. It was lovely to see David and him share a smile during the song and hug at the end – and really nice when David went and played right by him. It looks like they are still friends, and there are not two camps, regardless of what the media are trying to imply.
Of course, it was a shame there was no Roger, although in a way, I’m glad as this was David’s night plus I would have wanted him to turn up and be a part of a perfect show, and though it pains me to say this, this was not that show. I think even some others in the audience must have thought so too as there were a lot less standing ovations than on Monday and Tuesday.
Overall, Monday was amazing and was the best show to have seen (Bowie’s appearance the icing on the cake) with a top five stars, with Tuesday on four stars and Wednesday with three. Either way, David can still be proud of what he has done with this tour.
Let’s hope “the next one” (here’s hoping!) is even better ;-)
Obviously this is all just my own opinion and I am sure others will heartily disagree.
Let the arguments begin.
Vicky
PS. One other thing I did notice was that all the musicians (even the guests) wore exactly the same outfits, on each night. Here’s hoping they washed them in between as otherwise by Wednesday the smell backstage must have been appalling! : ) LOL
[I, for one, heartily disagree. I consider most of the above to be quite unfair, but there you go. - Features Editor]
Thank you mr gilmour!!!
I am very contented in one more time seeing Pink floyd (1987 ltda) togheter in one night, penalty that always in these two same tracks
Sorry, but my dream would be to see roger and dave play another forgotten songs or only dave in 70´s tracks (fearless, dogs,etc)(echoes with original bass guitar)
“murder” is another wonderfull song too…
Sorry for the bad english…
thanks a lot
I was at RAH on Tuesday – WOW!, but sadly wasnt at the wednesday show. So please please please include the nick mason performances on the DVD.
Thanks very much!.
Ps, I dont think i will be the only one to request this!!.
Saw the RAH gig last night, my second time. I must say that the audience seemed somewhat more subdues than on monday, not that I did not thoroughly enjoy the show.
It was great to see Nick Mason manning the drums, gave me an even wider smile.
I was very dissapointed with Mica Paris – her vocal range seemed to consist of two pitches – one sounding just like the noise I make when throwing up, the other a wild screaching. Nothing in the middle – just reinforces the view that the original really is sublime.
The playing seemed very tight, no glitches noted.
One comment made from the audience was picked up by Mr. Gilmour: “bury the hatchet with Roger!” The response was along the lines of, ” What would the future look like if I did?”
The question of the season….
I remain a happy boy – thanks to Mr.Gilmour and the band for another unforgettable night.
Sounds like a fantastic 3 nights! I wish I could have been there, but I just could not afford it… Ah well, the DVD will be great I’m sure, and I hope all the guest performances are put on as extras too.
Keep playing David!
Dear F*ed?
Wots… Uh the deal?
We want to hear about last night’s grand finale show and Guy’s cryptic message in the blog yesterday.
I saw on the website that Nick joined for the encores – fabulous. I’m hoping the DVD will include all these guest appearances, kind of like a movie with alternate endings.
Cheers!
Mike from Connecticut
It’s been a year since Crosby, Nash & DiStanislao played in London on the same stage together. Last night’s performance made the wait well worth it.
David Gilmour wasn’t bad, either.
Just arrived back home in Dublin on an Aer Lingus flight which I should have bought one way , for what I witnessed over the last three nights has left me firmly in the clouds for some time to come. FANTASTIC !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!.
night 1. As I was staying in KennsingtonI made my way down to the Queens arms at about 2pm to get my bearings . I found it was a small local bar with just me the barman and 2 local lads .
After a quick half I headed back to my hotel and returned at about 4:30 to find fans strolling in of all ages. The astmosphere was building .
I sat just inside the side door and remained anon and just enjoyed earwigging . I arrive at RAH at 18:30 and bought every available piece of merchandise and at 19:00 sat in my seat and waited . Bang on time it had begun and I cant stress enough how good it was . thank you thank you thank you to all involved .
Rgds a very happy Irish fan Geoff Duffy ( Dublin )
I had a great time last night with Echoes being the main track that blew me away. I thought i’d never get to hear it played live in my lifetime, let alone by two of the original members of the band. Its possibly my favourite piece of music ever, but certainly my favourite floyd song.
My only gripe of the evening was the venue itself. As much as the Albert Hall is a beautiful venue, i spent some of the new album being played, having to stand in corridors because of the policy of no drinks in the venue. It really doesn’t add to the atmosphere either.
However, it was great to see three Floyd members on stage and of course Crosby and Nash. It will be good to see them again soon along with Stills and Young, who are said to be touring all together again soon.
Nice album David. It sounds just as good as any of the mellow Floyd stuff you wrote. I would love to hear you play the Nile Song or Cybaline sometime too!
All the best x
Dear FEd,
There is just so much to tell about yesterday evening that I’ll need to arrange my thoughts first, so I will be brief for now.
I did not have the occasion to tell this to the person recording comments for the DVD at the stage door after the gig, but here’s what I wanted to say : “Good music, to me, is about emotion, spinal shivers and goosebumps. David and his fellow musicians do that to me on the CD, they did it in Paris and they did it again at closing night in London. They do the trick everytime”
Please be so kind to pass my gratitude for a splendid night in London to the entire band and crew, if you can. It was simply fabulous.
Best regards to everyone,
Ralph
Back in Belgium
I’ve just arrived back home in Glasgow this afternoon after Wed nights show in London RAH and to be honest I’m still on a complete high.
You’ll obviously have heard by now the setlist and special guests but not knowing just what to expect last night made it an electric evening.
I was fortunate enough to get tickets in the choir area and my friends and I were more or less sitting on top of the keyboard section. What a view of the band to see them interacting so well together.
I used to play drums and after watching Steve’s superb playing, not to mention the thrill of seeing Nick Mason play live, I think I’ll sensibly stay retired and remember this evening as one of the best gigs I’ve ever had the pleasure of attending. What a way to celebrate my 40th !!
Funniest moment was watching Rick prepare for Echoes. He was pressing buttons furiously and it went pear-shaped, he tried again and the settings must have been fine as he mopped a very sweaty brow thankfully.
The whole evening was fabulous but Echoes for me was simply sublime.
Thanks to Dave for putting such a fantastic band together and also to the 100 or so crew who piled onto the stage afterwards to strip the vast amounts of gear down.
Iain A.
What a fantastic night! We are both still stunned at just how talented David & all the musicians are. It doesn’t take a genius to see why Pink Floyd will remain the greatest rock band ever with talent like this behind them.
Well done – not only to the musicians but also to everyone else responsible for putting together this wonderful concert. It will live with us for many years to come – especially seeing Rick & Nick Mason on stage plus Graham Nash and David Crosby both of whom we admire as much as David Gilmour himself. Thanks to everyone.
Please don’t leave it so long before the next concerts guys!!!
Paul (44) & Sue (46).
If as many people still smoked cigarettes as they did 20 years ago, it would have been cigarette lighters in the air… Hair-splitters are in force…
Hi all! Very exciting to see how the RAH shows went down. Great set-lists. Looking forward to the DVD.
Way cool to have Nick show up and play! NOT a Pink Floyd reunion (as I’ve read it being called)… yes it is the line-up of Pink Floyds’ last two tours, but this is still David Gimours’ show (just with impressive guests!). Oh I’ve done it now…. watching for the pointy sticks to come out.
Anyway, I hope Steve, who has played fantastically on this tour, doesn’t feel slighted by having Nick take his seat.
Tim
It will seem so ‘light’ to say this given the show we saw, but last night was just THE most fantastic show. The band were amazing, the lights were dazzling, the set list was stunning. It was all there. SO many highlights that could have been chosen – but having Nick Mason come on at the end, rightly, just sent us and the whole Hall completely bananas! Just brilliant – what a way to end the show. ;-)
One slight criticism (although the Albert Hall comes in for this, not DG or the website). We were told time and time again here that the Albert Hall would give refunds for tickets that for whatever reason could not be used, but this did not prove the case (I managed to get four tickets for the choir in April, but due to circumstance, and four friends [unbelievably] pulling out on me on Sunday night, I had four additional standing tickets available for the last night).
I tried earlier this week but was firmly told ‘no’ to both refunds or even just trying to give the tickets back so that the RAH could resell them. I’m fully with the stance against personal or organised touting, and given the stance on re-selling tickets through other channels taken by the DG website (i.e. – eBay), I did think others who were not able to get tickets would have jumped at the chance to get these if only the RAH had taken them back, regardless or whether a refund was available or not. But they refused point blank, even though we’d been assured that they would take them.
I did manage to get other friends to take two tickets, but two others were refused the chance to attend as, although they would have made it, could come but only make it shortly before the gig was due to start (thereby meaning that the two who had queued for two hours would have had no chance of getting a decent place in the gallery). Again, the Albert Hall made no allowance or exception for this sort of scenario and would not allow standing ticket places to be held on the door.
It was disappointing I guess – not only were two tickets for the best gig wasted, I still lost out financially through no fault of my own and even though I did try every thing ‘by the book’.
But hey – I saw the latter era Pink Floyd perform two songs last night. And I can tell you I won’t stop grinning for weeks because of it…
;-)
All the best
PH
[That is a shame, but, as we've said several times, no tickets would be refunded within the two day period before the concert. - Features Editor]
OH GOOD LORD…. The Nick Mason thing on the encores… it’s a pity that Dave won’t come to South America. There’s surely a big mass of Mr. Gilmour’s fans here in VENEZUELA (i mean, if Roger Water’s concert here in 2002 was a sellout… imagine DG)
Well, basically hoping to win the lottery or nail some important business transactions so I can cross the Atlantic -or make it to NY if it’s the case-, i fritter and waste the hours in an offhand way… hoping that DVD comes out soon.
Blessing to you all… blogger from CARACAS, VENEZUELA (next to Colombia, bassist Cicho Machado’s country) SOUTH AMERICA WANTS GILMOUR!!!