The making of…
Belgian radio station, Classic 21, will be broadcasting an hour-long show on the making of David’s second solo album, ‘About Face’ tomorrow from 3PM (CET).
As well as telling the story of how the album was made, they will also be playing tracks from it.
You can listen live online, and brush up on your French, here.
Just click >24k or >128k (top right of page) to listen.
If you can’t listen live, later you will be able to listen to it as a podcast.
Click here, then click >>plus (bottom left of page) to open a new window. You’ll be able to listen to other programmes in the series.
This includes the Pink Floyd albums ‘The Piper At The Gates Of Dawn’ and ‘Dark Side Of The Moon’.
Our thanks to Michèle for letting us know about this programme.
God I love About Face.
This is a great album…the second Floyd Solo project I purchased. This is the album that open my eyes to what other members of the band had brought to Floyd and stood in stark contrast to the other solo album I owned.
You can say that I did an ‘about face’ after hearing the album…corny pun appropriately placed…
I’ll try to give the show a listen and ask my wife for translation (she understands much more French that I).
Favorite Track(s)…hard to say…. I really like ‘Out of the Blue’. I also like ‘Let’s Get Metaphysical’ right into ‘Near the End’ as two parts of a long 10 minute track.
Happy Tuesday,
I do remember the 1984 David Gilmour tour quite well.
He stopped off at the Birmingham Odeon and, compared to the clamour for tickets for the 2006 tour, you could not give tickets away. The place was a third full.
Not sure if that was typical of the whole tour.
Pete – Coventry
CAPTION:
“Show Me Your Knickers?! No, I don’t think that’s an appropriate title for my album…”
['Show Me Your Twisted Knickers' works, though. - Features Editor]
Am I the only person who thinks Leonardo Di Caprio is starting to look like David around the time of that album cover?
Mornin’ all ~
I’ve been listening quite a bit to these remastered albums and I have to say how wonderful they sound.
Some songs actually sound different to me thats how much they have been enhanced by this treatment.
The making of DSOTM DVD is one of my favorite as a musician and Floydaphile it is extremely interesting to me the nuances and glitches of recording.
I’d love to see an official release for “David Gilmour” as well as “About Face” and “On An Island”
That’s what happens when the director of a radio station is a fan. His name is Marc Ysaye, he is a musician himself, and is with Radio 21 for as long as I recall.
Radio 21 was one of the first radio stations in Belgium to broadcast exclusively pop and rock music. I recall having discovered them in the early eighties, when Marc had a daily evening show that always ended with “the long long song”. These could last to half an hour. How that is possible?
Radio 21 is part of our National radio station, and they did not have commercial breaks, or numbers of listeners to worry about. They are still there, and quite good. Better bookmark that place just in case Michèle (or I) overlooks something interesting.
If you want, I could translate the show for you. Only there is the following. Both my knowledge of English grammar and my typing skills are not fantastic (as you can see).
What I could do is send my voice-over mp3 to anyone who is willing to put it in writing. Just let me know.
[That's very kind of you, Ronny. I think everyone reading will disagree with your remarks about your English grammar, though. - Features Editor]
Will the radio station play Echoes during the broadcast??
Sorry, I just couldn’t resist.
Andrew
My high school french teacher from over 20 yrs ago has the last laugh.
This album means so much to me as this was the first tour i saw any member of p/f. this tape was in my deck nonstop for 3.5 yrs (until Momentary Lapse) and then was only an arms length away. ‘Murder’ and ‘Until We Sleep’ are so classic as were Michael Kamen’s orchestra on Let’s Get Metaphysical”. The album cover gives me chills and this is my favorite solo album by far.
The video from the tour was how i learned the guitar making gilmour my 1st instructor. It is a must see be all irregulars. Has a documentary on their ’84 European Tour. Beautiful!
Please feel free those who speak french to elaborate on the program.
Good Tuesday to all,
I just love my Arnold Layne cd it is great.
I want to thank everyone for the warm welcomes to my daughter Heather im sure you wil be hearing from her she likes the site already.
Well I dont know French so i guess ill just have to listen to my cd instead of going to this link to hear it, but thats ok i really like his first solo album better it sounds more like On an Island than About Face does but i like them both.
Hope you all have a Blessed day and hope to talk to you in chatroom on Thursday.
Clarice
Excellent news…
Personally I always find this type of background, behind the scenes information very interesting to understand the thought process, the trials and tribulations and somethimes just sheer luck that helps create an album…
Je suis will ave to brushei vous up on moi’s Francais…
…If I may interrupt you FEd whilst you are listening to the French version of ‘The Making of Radiohead – OK Computer’…
If you go to the link that FEd provided and then click on ‘S’abonner’ (Subscribe) you can then get access to the RSS feed information for subscription to the podcast in iTunes or another ‘podcatcher’.
Then when the ‘About Face’ one is released it will be downloaded to your computer automagically.
… Oh, and where is ‘Dark Side of the Moon’?
Since this blog entry is dedicated to “About Face”, please, could we have a new poll about our favourite songs of the album ?
For me, they are ‘Murder’(it’s about John Lennon’s murder, isn’t it ?), ‘Out of the blue’, ‘Near the end’ (but how dark this last one seems to me !)
Michèle
[We had one quite recently but, seeing as you asked so nicely, we can always have another. Please click your name for that. - Features Editor]
Uh…I need a Babel Fish….anyone?
Michèle, how fast can one learn enough french?
This is cool. I wish I knew some french. Maybe I will listen anyway and try to figure it out. Hey it might be fun.
Hope you are having a great day Fed.
Renee B.
Fontana,Ca USA
[Thank you, Renee. I hope you are, too. - Features Editor]
Hi Fed,
I enjoyed About Face When i originally came out & have yet to “upgrade” to CD i guess, i need to rectify that.
I used to know how to say “eat the little bird” in French but that really hasn’t served me too often in life….perhaps I should concentrate on crow?
For me Let’s Get Metaphysical, M.Kamen’s best orchestration ever. The string section is amazing with a fabulous guitar solo.
[If you want, I could translate the show for you. Only there is the following. Both my knowledge of English grammar and my typing skills are not fantastic (as you can see). What I could do is send my voice-over mp3 to anyone who is willing to put it in writing. Just let me know. --Ronny ]
Ronny, I’ve never had a problem understanding your posts, but if Fed sees it acceptable, I would be happy to transcribe your aural translation into written segments to the blog for all to read.
It is Fed’s discernment as to what is best here, so we shall rely upon his response….if he so permits, then you must work it out with him to relay that mp3 file via his hands.
Thank you for sharing, Ronny.
Cheers,
LG xoxo
[If you both have the time, that would be much appreciated. Thank you. - Features Editor]
- Nate, DSOTM has been broadcast before the 24th of December, so, blown away !
- [Je suis will ave to brushei vous up on moi's Francais...]…. Et bien, y a du boulot, Rudders ! Go !
- [Michèle, how fast can one learn enough french?] Ahah, in the chatroom of course, Adriano ! But, do you think our Fed would agree ? we could ask nicely …
Just kidding, of course !
Michèle
I saw the AF tour when it hit what was then Hammersmith Odeon in London. Billy Bragg played support and commented on the fact that DG had a carpet on stage. Very posh!
Even better though was that Fish from Marillion was sat next to me. I was too starstruck to say anything but when CN came on he turned to me and said “I love this one!” I just smiled and nodded … oh the joys of being a tongue tied teenager. I never could talk to girls and rock stars. (*winks*) Nowadays it’s just the rock stars that I struggle with.
AF took a while to get into for me as it seemed to be a collection of songs rather than a themed album as I had been used to with Floyd. I tended to skip tracks rather than play it right through. It’s nice now actually to re-visit it and find some forgotten gems.
Sorry, im off topic.
David, Echoes is The SONG. Please, let us discover this particular version!!!!!!
PLEASE!!!!
Thanks
Aldo
[Thank you, Aldo. You proved my point beautifully. Rick Strang, are you reading? - Features Editor]
FEd,
What´s Roger trying to do? Suddenly he became Mother Tereza of Calcuttá?
I mean, if what he´s saying is true and he really regrets his previous behaviour, that´s wonderful.
Good to know that he and Nick are pals again too.
But, if he keeps giving those declarations on Floyd reuniting…I think you´ll just have much more trouble…
I just can´t get this guy…
Have a good evening, mate,
Adriano
I have to say that this is one of my favorite albums of all time. It’s been out for over 20 years and every time I listen to it, the songs still seem as relevant now, as they did then.
IMHO, “Where We Start” is the companion song to “Near the End”. Put together, they come full circle…it’s really quite amazing when you listen to them back to back.
Have a great week everyone.
Nisha
[I do remember the 1984 David Gilmour tour quite well.- Pete ]
I think most of the blame can be directed at George Orwell for that as most folks were either packing up or hunkerding down at that point…
Hi all! Bon soir!
Hey I studied French for one semester back in 1983… I just don’t remember much. I had a catch phrase I liked to say (though I’m sure it’s a hack job and probably quite wrong). It was “Je nes pas parlez le francais tres bon”. That says it all. Of course I liked the phrase “Voullez-vous deshabier” from a medical dictionary, but I’ll leave that one alone for now.
So- Ronnie… it would be GREAT for you to translate the Making Of About Face! Maybe you could post it here (in peices of course to follow the character limit) or maybe Fed could provide a link to your translation? I would love to read it if you have the time to translate, as I’m sure many other non-French speaking irregulars would.
Thanks!
Tim
So many great songs on “About Face.” It really stands out against the music that was released in ’84.
Murder, Out of the Blue, Let’s Get Metaphysical.
Too hard to pick.
Too bad the US waits too long to teach foreign language. It really should be from the very beginning when kids can quickly pick it up.
But hey, we’re the greatest nation in the world, so we can make everyone learn our language, right? Such an arrogant world view we have over here. I guess that’s how we end up with a President who can’t even speak our language.
Holy cow! Miss a day and you all fall apart! I know you closed that last thread for a reason Fed, so to “Echo” your sentiments that the subject is over… isn’t it nice we’re having weather???
And Heather… welcome! It’s good to see a younger generation discovering the wonderful music of DG and PF! My 9 yo son and 5 yo daughter are already quite the fans. They often ask to watch the Wall movie (well I DO skip some parts with them) and they already can recognize songs by PF and DG- just by the “voice and guitar”…. they KNOW that sound!
How cool is THAT?!?
Tim
@frank par: Haha, Im a regular ranter on some other forums, so no bother there. Im used to it.
@Simon: Im being all late like, but congrats on having the little boy!
@Lucia: Well, Thats kinda hard to say, about my favorite songs and all. To tell the truth, I just recently started listening to David Gilmour as a singles vocalist, So I have not heard much on that end. I’ve heard the entire “David Gilmour” CD, and I pretty much love it. Especially song number one because its just an intrumental. But their all great songs. The guitar at the beginning of “Cry from the Street” is just, Uh I love that. Ha, Im a huge guitar fan.
On an Island is what Im currently listening to. The intrumental first song is amazing, and number two is awesome — kinda gives me chills, ha. But yeah, I love the On An Island CD.
As for Pink Floyd, Ive heard so much of it sometimes its like the songs all run together in my head. I thank my mother for that — Every where I look is Pink Floyd stuff. Of course, any time you see something Pink Floyd down here it’s all Dark Side Of The Moon stuff. But thats okay, because thats probably one of my favorite CDs of theirs.
I love every single song off Dark Side Of The Moon, but if I had to pick and choose with would be Money. I think the song Money just has such a great meaning to it, that it was written quiet some time back and the meaning of it can still apply today, ya know?
My favorites arent out of the ordinary really, any person who has just listened to Pink Floyd for a while would like the songs I like, Ones like “Comfortably Numb” “Wish You Were Here” “Hey You” and I absolutly love “The Great Gig In The Sky” — I know there isn’t really any real singing in there, but I love the female vocals.
Of course theres all of the music from “The Wall” album, I love it. But I do admit, The Movie creeps me out a little. I understand the over all morals and meanings — because they’ve been explained to me, lol — But anyone has to admit, Its a little creepy. Haha.
I have both Echoes CDs, and I know their pretty much just a mix of all of Pink Floyd’s hit songs and whatnot, But I love both Disk One and Disk Two. > Yeah, she’s been stingy. But as soon as I get to listen to the Arnold Layne one, Ill come on here and post what I think.
I stand before the (potentially ugly) mob of blog opinion to confess my shame.
I have never heard the album.
Oh dear, oh dear. I have a basket of rotten fruit here. Please feel free to select a suitable piece and throw it at me.
[I'll take the mango, if you've got one. I don't want to throw it at you, I just really like mangoes. - Features Editor]
Hi Fed, everyone
[Am I the only person who thinks Leonardo Di Caprio is starting to look like David around the time of that album cover?
- Posted by: Elaine at January 23, 2007 01:32 PM]
Yes.
Ronny, I think your English is very good, and I, for one, feel that you could do a good job of translating the show for us.
It should be a very interesting show, and hopefully answer alot of questions and put some old rumors to rest.
About Face is a good album. I was just listening to it with a co-worker who is a Floyd/Gilmour fan and we were commenting on how it had a Phil Collins type sound with all the trumpets and stuff. David’s smoking guitar licks and powerful vocals are the meat and potatoes of the album, no doubt. There are also many elements that are shared with MLOR. Good stuff.
Have a good day, all
Mike
[I just really like mangoes. - Features Editor]
Anybody in Miami, Florida want to take our FEd to the South Beach establishment of the same name? Talk about getting you’re knickers in a twist! They have nice…uh, frozen drinks…
Nisha, I tried “Where We Start” and “Near The End”…they do sound good together; good call.
Tim! You’re showing ‘The Wall’ to your five and eight year olds? LOL! Now that is….interesting… I must let you know that I am a “mandated reporter” for child protection services…. ;-)
Talk about children recognizing voices, I got the biggest ego boost the other day while playing one of my original tunes on acoustic guitar. My five year old daughter told me what I was playing sounded like a David Gilmour song and started singing along…. that’s as good as a Grammy to me…
My two favorite songs from AF are Murder and Let’s Get Metaphysical Murder’s message has always been one that grabbed me… and it’s the first song that I asked my former guitar teacher to show me how to play… and bought my first (and still only) guitar capo.
Let’s Get Metaphysical, I like because it reminds me of the Moonlight Sonata, one of my all-time favorite pieces of music. It’s a thoughtful song to me, and it proves that a stratocaster does indeed have a place with an orchestra to create a moving and beautiful piece of music. But only if David is the one playing it. He /gets it/.
Hope everyone’s having a better day than I am. In fact, I think I’ll be playing the classical stuff (and LGM) to chill out for a bit. And then I’ll smack my landlord with a lawyer and see how bad /his/ day becomes. Grrf.
da ‘Nix.
I went to see David on the AF tour in 84 at Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia Md. It is an outdoor pavilion, and a great place to see bands (PF last played there on the DSOTM tour I believe)
I was 16 and it was my first time seeing any Floyd members live.
I had immersed myself in the album (and the 1st one) before going to the show, cause I wanted to be into everything he was going to play. I don’t like it when you sit there, listening to new material from a group, and it turns into the mass beer run. Rude!!!
I then proceeded to go out and buy a fretless bass (I had already been taking private bass and guitar lessons at that point) so I could play the “Murder” bass solo…$850 just for one song I loved…the precursor of things to come for me no doubt.
Wish I knew french…would love to hear this programme.
G
Euh…Rudders, is it a mix of russian and french together? You know, i will always like you!!!
Sylvie de Montréal
[What´s Roger trying to do? Suddenly he became Mother Tereza of Calcuttá? I mean, if what he´s saying is true and he really regrets his previous behaviour, that´s wonderful. Good to know that he and Nick are pals again too. But, if he keeps giving those declarations on Floyd reuniting...I think you´ll just have much more trouble... - Adriano]
I just can´t get this guy…
what are you referring to adriano?
Hi FEd
Sincere apologies for going off topic here but I have been reading and re-reading the competitions terms and conditions as set out by EMI Records in connection to the Arnold Layne competition.
Rule number 3 states: “This competition runs from 18/12/06 until 5/02/07.”
Okay that is self-explantory in itself.
But it goes on to say: “Only votes cast for a Cover Recording during this period will be accepted as valid, the last date for VOTES for any Cover Recording being 22/1/07. No VOTES will be accepted as valid for any Cover Recording if cast after midnight on this closing date.”
So we have two dates one being the competition running date until 5/02/07 and the closing date being the 22/01/07.
Please forgive my ignorance here but the above does seem rather ambiguous.
So in laymans terms is the proper last date for voting the 22 Jan or 5 Feb? If the latter, than more shameless self-promotions from the entrants shall have to be arranged in order to obtain more votes.
Or is 5 Feb the date when Mr Gilmour makes a decision of who the winner shall be from the 3 “qualifying” votes selected?
Best regards.
Julie
[I wish I could tell you, Julie, but I'm not involved in the contest and wouldn't like to further complicate matters. I was told by EMI that the last day to submit entries would be Monday 22 January and that any suspicious votes would be looked at closely. That's all I can tell you, sorry. - Features Editor]
I would like to take this opportunity to applaud Heather for such a mature post. For someone of that age it was very well written. She is clearly a fan.
Again, welcome aboard.
CAPTION:
Jeff just ran to the copy-room to fax the TPS reports.
[Thank you, Aldo. You proved my point beautifully. Rick Strang, are you reading? - Features Editor]
ROFL! Somebody flip my flapjacks and call me Aunt Jemima, pleeeeeeze! This is just too flipping hilarious!
You can now count me in as yet another lunatic to Fed’s lawn,
LG
xo
PS –Fed, I am now starting my own singular diet of daisy grazing; you go on without me, dear.
Tim C (in hair shirt) hopefully not a mullet hair shirt!
No shame! I’m jealous. You have the chance to listen to a whole new album.
[I'll take the mango, if you've got one. I don't want to throw it at you, I just really like mangoes. - Features Editor]
For you F’ed, I’ll even cut out the rotten bit and throw in a Papaya.
[It's a deal. I hope you'll soon be able to enjoy the album. - Features Editor]
Hi fed and fellow gilmourians
do you think Mr gilmour would offer as a prize to his loyal followers a 2 hour guitar lesson
i know i know dreaming sorry.
Also do ya think david still has the jacket hes wearing on the album cover maybe that could be a prize or he could just let me have it cause i said he has good taste.
[Keep dreaming, Damian. - Features Editor]
Just a small bit of trivia…
Pino Palladino played bass guitar on About Face and was also the bass player in the house band for the Fender Stratocaster 50th Anniversary concert…
[And he's Welsh. - Features Editor]
I would be very much appreciative to anyone and everyone who would translate it being as I know, basically, no french.
I got bad news today, I have to have a 3rd, yes, third jaw surgery. My jaws will be wired shut, again, for at least 3 weeks. My surgery will be March 21. So FEd, can I count on a new David Gilmour DVD while I’m recooping? *poke, poke* (C’mon FEd, it would REALLY make my day) Ok, maybe ‘hope’ is a better word then ‘count.’ I can always hope.
~Erin
[Sorry to hear it, but good luck. - Features Editor]
Wow, what a great sounding radio show. I too love those types of shows and was just recently listening to the world premier that coincided with the release of the Division Bell (emceed by Redbeard), with interviews by Mason, Wright and Gilmour. I simply love all the details behind the music.
Those shows bring me waaaay back to a time when I was a teenager and great radio shows like this were on every Sunday night on the local radio stations in Buffalo NY.
Anyone remember the Rockline interview with David around the time of the About Face release? There was one hilarious moment where someone asked if David was planning on a tour (but the hapless and nervous fan stuttered the word “tumor”). David, as laid back and funny as can be, says “well, I certainly hope there’s no tumor!” hahaha
Too bad its in French for those of us too ignorant to have learned that language.
Darren
It’s a blessing to have people as young as Heather who not only appreciate, but understand, the power of music. You’ve chosen well, young Jedi. . .
About Face was my first foray into any solo work by a member of PF.
David Gilmour at the Greek Theater in Berkeley on Friday, June 29th, 1984 was my first show with any member of PF and it was, of course, one of the pivotal moments in my life (at that point). I was fifteen and had just been released for the entire summer after my freshman year in High School! We don’t need no education, indeed!!
I was lucky enough to be the person who purchased the last two reserved seats in the bowl. They happened to be the two ‘throne’ seats in the middle rear, directly across the aisle from the soundboard.
I was in Section C, Row 11, Seat 4 (yes I still have my near-mint condition ticket stub). My friend Kevin sat to my right. The show started promptly at 8:23PM. The night’s setlist was:
Until We Sleep
All Lovers Are Deranged
Love on the Air
Mihalis
Cruise
Short & Sweet
Money
Out of the Blue
Let’s Get Metaphysical
You Know I’m Right
Run Like Hell
Blue Light
Murder
Near The End
Comfortably Numb
On the way home from the show in the rear (hatchback area, laying on my back, no seatbelt) of my mum’s friend’s car, we drove home and I thought, while staring at the stars through the hatchback glass and humming comfy numb, this is the best life has to offer. . .and, in retrospect, I’m happy that 23 years later, I wasn’t wrong. . .
Heather’s post reminded me of the passion music has always held for me. Such as, listening to something and really discovering music you’ve never heard before, and it grabs you! It makes you feel special and right, it makes you strong, and it makes you love life.
While it’s not everyone’s cup of tea, Heather, I started Really discovering PF music through Syd Barrett. The Piper at the Gates of Dawn and The Madcap Laughs are very important pieces in Pink Floyd’s, and David’s, repertoire. Search them out, and hear them you will.
[If you want, I could translate the show for you. Only there is the following. Both my knowledge of English grammar and my typing skills are not fantastic (as you can see).]
Shurely you jest Ronnie, I suggest you reed some of my post before you make a statement like that.
For those unaware and possibly interested, there was a picture disc single released for “Love on the Air/Lets get Metaphisical”. It is a realy great looking single, a little dark in color, but that kind of adds something….looks antiquish. The single is in the shape of an old Transistor Radio that is on one side and a Photo of David on the other.
Great collectible item if you can get your hands on one, and looks realy good with reasent singles David has released.
Just a thought, how’s Zee-big-nee-ev doing these days? Haven’t heard much about him lately.Polly too. Any more photos you can spare upon us?
Heather, you are eloquent with your writing, bravo.
Fed, mango chutney? Ymmmmmm.
Hi FEd and friends,
Good call Michele for the information as well as prompting another poll. Some nice, light-hearted foolishness for a change of pace and so well timed!
And hooray to ronny and LG as well for their generous offer to translate and transcribe so we English-only sorts can enjoy the program as well. EchoesBob is sadly correct when he states that our school-system curriculum in the states is generally lacking in teaching languages.
Say, how ’bout taking Angelo up on the beach gathering … Tim C (you know, the guy in the hair shirt) can bring the fruit basket (plenty of mangoes please), Rudders and Par can be in charge of ‘caption charades’, Angelo can strum his guitar, and the Gilmourettes can sing along whilst dancing about in our grass skirts! Sun, surf and sand … maybe we should head down to Adriano’s part of the world, eh? Sounds good to me right about now!
Welcome to Heather! You are a fine addition to this motley group of Irregulars (meant as a compliment of course) … your mother brought you up right!
Nisha, is your ab normal? Maybe you can make it to the chat on Thursday? It’s been a while.
Peace and love,
Gabrielle
Washington State
An Artist does what’s required to express that which is lacking form the catalogue of the commonly encountered; that which is obvious but yet to be expressed – and that certainly doesn’t come close to defining it. Ultimately, it’s all just stimulus – and expression – for the central nervous system. It aids in the expansion of the brains tolerance and understanding of our world – much the same as the world does for the immune system. It’s all grist to the mill.
Religion has been a great patron of the arts; they use art to reinforce the constructs perpetuated by them; art is a great magnet for those that have been indoctrinated – lots of money in that. Art is big business. It’s all about reputation – deserved or not; personality – or lack of it….and money – as much as possible. Art has been hijacked by the ruling class and corporations.
Patrons of money and illusion. The majority of money spent on art is by people with less than art at heart – investors with more dollars than sense. It’s arguable that art is a stupidity tax for the wealthy. Go make your own art – we all can, if we so desire. We are all surrounded by our own art, and it doesn’t have a dollar value.
David is a musician and an entertainer; that’s his public persona. We can all enjoy David’s Pink Floyd days – they will never end as long as you posses the recordings – goes without saying. However, I’m far more interested in what David is creating right now – you can’t live in the past. The past is a nice place to visit, but I wouldn’t want to live there.
Time has certainly not made David’s music any less valid; it’s probably more valid in this day and age. Who can blame him for not wanting to live in the past – dealing with the constant reminder of Pink Floyd – why would he. One can not live on bread alone – why would you want to? David is producing some very interesting and enjoyable music.
You only live once, and David is. Let the man create, make a profit and entertain us; he has more than earned that right. I highly doubt that David would be influenced by the trype comments posted here demanding that he do anything – why would you think he would be? Would you be influenced by such demands?
There are many fanatic sites that report on all aspects of Pink Floyd, David, Syd, Richard, Roger, Nick, Guy etc. None of it has enhances my appreciation of the music – none of it is necessary – it’s probably misleading, and much of it is voyeuristic. I get the feeling that most of the sites actually harbour a grudge of one sort or another against them – jealousy – it’s just the slant with witch they present their material – plagiarism aside.
I don’t frequent these sites as the peripheral information isn’t required to listen to the albums. I was turned on by the music – not by the story. Life is too short.
That’s not what it’s about these days; it’s mostly about money, style without substance, squabling, self created scandal and babbling self serving baby talk. You choose a book by it’s cover and then read it – the cult of celebrity. It seems to serve only to erode and degrade human dignity.
If the art speaks to you – that’s all you need to appreciate it – the rest is just fairy dust, an illusion, marketing. I’m positive we haven’t heard the last of David Gilmour. David has earned and is still earning his place in music history – and rightfully so.
Buy the records, or don’t; take it or leave it; at the end of the day you’re just another person exercising the freedom of choice associated with indulging your biological urge to stimulate the senses – the rest is just for the weirdoes.
You can all sit around and pontificate about David – music/non-music – I’m quite happy with what I have; hopefully there will be more to enjoy in the future.
David has an a great deal of musical credibility in my eyes – I can’t say that about many people in the public arena.
About Face is another fine example of David’s talent — talent that will stand the test of time.
Sorry Fed, it’s not an attitude very conducive for a person trying to run a blog that’s encouraging David chat.
Sincerely,
Hysteron proteron
My favourite is Let’s Get Metaphysical.
I’d like to know about Stevie D’s questions…
ciao
emi
[They're not ready yet, sorry. - Features Editor]
You are courageous LG, let’s do it.
Fed, could you tell LG to find the file there: [...]
It should be there by midnight CET, and if not, then 24 hours later. The file will be there for a short while, I would not like it to be distributed in public.
Thank you for your time.
[Thank you for your time, Ronny. It's very kind of you. I have passed on the details to LG, who, I'm sure, will keep your file private. Thank you both very much for going to so much trouble for the sake of the fans. - Features Editor]
I’ve learned a new French word recently. I’ll listen carefully for it on the podcast later this evening.
[Does it begin with the letter 'C'? - Features Editor]
I’ve written in these pages before about my memories of the 1984 tour for About Face.
I caught the tour at the Beacon Theatre in New York, in the same neighborhood where I was going to high school at the time. The Beacon is not a particularly large hall; still, it was only about a third full. I really remember the opening band, Icicle Works, because I thought they were terrible. That said, I was ashamed of the way the audience were behaving — yelling nasty things to them and shouting “boo!” It was awful.
David’s show was fantastic. He was working with some great musicians, notably Raff Ravenscroft who walked OFFstage to play a solo, re-appearing in the audience en route back to the stage. The show itself was rather stripped-down, no light show and no film, just the music.
David played songs from his “David Gilmour” and, of course, from “AF” as well as a small number of Floyd tracks. These included “Money,” “Run Like Hell” and “Comfortably Numb.” It was a good show, in which he played amazing solos (and, if I’m correct, the piano on Out Of The Blue).
Happy Wednesday,
It is good to hear of young bloggers that have been drawn here and of parents whose kids are into similar music as themselves.
My 2 are 21 and 16 are ‘metal’ fans. And I am now my Dad. ‘Turn that bloody noise down’. But dont get me wrong I love them both.
Pete – Coventry
Sorry I haven’t posted much lately. I’ve been trying to untangle my iPod earbuds cord.
Becky
[An Artist does what's required to express that which is lacking form the catalogue of the commonly encountered; that which is obvious but yet to be expressed - and that certainly doesn't come close to defining it. Ultimately, it's all just stimulus - and expression - for the central nervous system. It aids in the expansion of the brains tolerance and understanding of our world - much the same as the world does for the immune system. It's all grist to the mill. --Hysteron proteron ]
My intuition told me you would be eventually surfacing…..thank you for your sharing.
Hysteron, do you consider yourself an “artist” by practice/or at least by some noted degree of innate “giftedness”?
LG
With all the heat caused by the Echoes thingy, I have spent some minutes re-thinking about fan-artist relationship.
In my personal case, I started listening to PF almost by chance, and was hooked inmediately to it, and started buying, one by one, all the albums of the band.
What I don´t know, is at what point did I become interested in the people behind all those shiny covers and haunting sounds. Anyway, I did, and now I think I know a lot about them.
As someone pointed out before, maybe it is some kind of voyeuristic approach to artists, but in the case of Floyd, it´s quite different.
Average Victoria Beckham fans tend to know every single inch of the personal life of the lady. In our case, we usually don´t know the wives, children… names. Except in the case of Roger´s father and Davids wife, for obvious and very different reasons.
What we (well, at least me) are really intereseted is in the facts of their lives that have had direct impact on their art. Polly has a big influence, I´m sure, in the state of calmness that David´s music breathes this days. So do their children (“when I see the faith in my children’s eyes”). But I don´t care about the identity of the kids. I mean, I am proud of David as an artist, and I´m sure they are proud of David as a father.
That´s why the sort of things that happened in USA airport, last year, had such a negative response out of David fans. In other artist´s contexts those actions will probably be commonplace (if not welcome).
In this sense, I´m hugely proud of our most beloved David. He is at the same time reclusive with his intimity, and open to his public as an artist. Serious, but charming. He is never the source of scandals, as other rockers might be…
Well, definitely, it´s a pleasure to be a David Gilmour fan, David the vocalist, songwriter, and guitar player. And that relationship must include some respectful criticism, if, always related to the artist figure, we think that some things are not as we would like them to be. Then he can decide if change the direction or not, that´s entirely out of our reach, for obvious and highly understandable reasons.
That´s the point: he respects us and we respect him. It´s a pleasure.
Hey Blake,
It´s about the transcript of an interview Roger gave to an Australian Tv channel last week – I guess…
Roger keep telling that he would love Floyd to reunite, he would do it in a heartbeat, he had a ball during Live 8, he wouldn´t mind working with David again…bla,bla,bla.
And the he comes with this – “but of course, Dave don´t want it” – thing…
As most “fans” have a short term memory,you, of course, realise the implications of such statements…there are many crazed fans out there only needing an excuse to start a crusade aiming at a Floyd reunion…Roger seems to be trying to set them on fire.
[Thank you for your time, Ronny. It's very kind of you. I have passed on the details to LG, who, I'm sure, will keep your file private. Thank you both very much for going to so much trouble for the sake of the fans. - Features Editor]
Indeed, I do and shall honor your privacy, as God is my Witness. I have no agenda in my offer but that of contributing what you and Fed feel to be some worthwhile bytes of entertainment for the community.
(And, Ronny, you are braver than I, as you tackle down the language barriers very well. Transcription is not a problem for me, but if I should have any questions in the process, know that they will be relayed to you via Fed. Thank you for all you are doing here.)
Cheers,
LG
xo
Ah, About Face, well, I must say that ‘Let’s Get Metaphysical’ with the classical orcherstra backing and ‘Out of the Blue’ with it’s environmental theme my personal favourites.
What I like about ‘Murder’ is the way David’s playing style can be likened to that John Lennon’s ‘Working Class Hero’ guitar playings style. Very appropriate being as the song is a reference to him.
‘You Know I’m Right’ is fun to play on the guitar and it always makes me chuckle when I wonder if the song is a little reference to Roger Waters.
And what can I say about ‘Near the End’ I have always loved the acoustic playing on this song. And of course not forgetting that gorgeous guitar solo at the end.
I think I will go home and put this album on tonight.
My two sons, fortunately have been successfully brainwashed by their father. Their favorite artists are Black Sabbath, Pink Floyd, Queen, Jethro Tull, The Beatles, Alice Cooper and a new group called The Decemberists.
My eldest son, Matthew (13) has already seen both David and Roger in concert and loved every second of both shows. They cringe just as I do when they hear the majority of todays “music”.
If that makes me old them I welcome my AARP card with open arms…
A voice cries out in the night
A heart cries out for the light
Tears flow down to limpid pools
A burning pain that never cools
Oh where is home?
A ray of sunlight gently gleams
Reach out to touch it in your dreams
Each time you reach it fades away
A world of strangers every day
Oh where is home?
Happy Wednesday (2),
[What´s Roger trying to do? Suddenly he became Mother Tereza of Calcuttá?]
You go all melancholic and regretful and do strange things the older you get.
Last weekend I listened to Dusty Springfield and Otis Redding CD’s.
Pete – Coventry
FE’d, I hope you will indulge me in sharing something off topic but near to yours and many other blogger hearts.
This morning on the radio they reported an incident in Argentina involving a tattoo and a soccer team. Apparently a young man wanted to get the logo of his favorite Argentina football team tattooed on his back. What he didn’t know is that the tattoo artist was a huge fan of a rival team. So it was only after he got home and showed his parents his new tattoo that he found out that the artist tattooed a penis instead of the logo.
I know, sounds pretty far fetched, I mean how could the artist not shown him the drawing in the shop. But this is what they reported.
Thanks.
Andrew
[Unbelievable. I hope he sues. - Features Editor]
Wow, some meaningful blog about David for a change!
Firstly, a belated welcome to Heather! Heather, thanks for you youthful, yet very eloquent, insight. It’s encouraging to see young people understand music as art and not be blinded by the image salesmen who run the industry these days. Good on you, mate!
Words on About Face? I was already intimately familiar with the DG record, so I knew what David was capable of. That the Final Cut seemed to be as it’s title suggested I was elated when AF was released. I wore the bloody stylus off of my turntable with AF. I wasted no time purchasing my tickets to see David at the Tower Theatre in Philadelphia.
I was 14 when PF played the Wall in NYC. I could have had tickets and taken a radio station sponsored bus ride to NYC. Alas, my parents were not as cool and understanding as Heather’s and vehemently opposed of my going. I curse them to this day.
That show at the Tower was one of the best I’ve ever seen. David seemed to enjoy himself more than I recall seeing him later with PF. The dueling guitar solo he did with Mick Ralphs on Money was worth the price of admission. Not to mention Comfy Numb. Absolutely hair raising!
Hearing Now Way Out of Here, Mihalis (that’s Michael in Greek, good name!), and my favorite from DG, Short and Sweet, was a real treat.
Thanks for everyone else’s inputs today. Really good stuff, mates!
Michael
Hi all… you beat me to it Jennifer… I wanted to tell Heather what an articulate and well written post she … um… posted (not so articulate myself). Really Heather… a very nicely worded statement. Gonna be a writer? You might check out Pink Floyd The Division Bell next in your discovery of fine music.
Angelo… I skip Young Lust when the kids watch The Wall! What else should I keep them from seeing? At their ages, they don’t get the flower animation. Oh and I skip Pink and his wife um… pollinating.
Ronnie… does that mean you WILL be translating the About Face show? Where will we find your translation?
Fed… you cracked me up as well with your response the the Echoes statement!
Have a great day all!
[So it was only after he got home and showed his parents his new tattoo that he found out that the artist tattooed a penis instead of the logo.]
This sounds like a cock and ball story…
Nice poem, George. Is there a melody with that or just straight poetry?
I’ve got a date to watch my About Face tour vhs….this AF stuff has me all a flutter. Wish I saw him live back then….
“The Cult of Celebrity”…there’s a song in that somewhere. I can go off on a tangent about creative expression and the search to find my particular “frequency” within the noise, but I haven’t the time….
[Does it begin with the letter 'C'? - Features Editor]
Behave! LOL!
i wouldnt be opposed at all to a p/f reunion. it would be an awesome show. i am just not going to berate gilmour for ‘not wanting it’.
i think gilmour took enough heat over the years and he certainly offered up the olive branch in ’94.
i think it is funny that waters has changed his tune considering what he said about the playing on dark side being ‘average’ and the many other negative comments as well.
i think this is hilarious. good for David. maybe waters is a big oai fan as well.
Completely back to normal Gabrielle – work has been a real zoo lately but am going to try and make it to chat on Thu. I miss you all :-)
Nisha
[I was 14 when PF played the Wall in NYC. I could have had tickets and taken a radio station sponsored bus ride to NYC. Alas, my parents were not as cool and understanding as Heather's and vehemently opposed of my going. I curse them to this day.]
Michael,
Geez, are you also still bitter they didn’t take you to Woodstock as well??
I was only 5 in 1969 but still wished I could have been there.
Andrew
I saw The Wall in 1980 when I was 22.
But my 14 year old “PLEASE CAN I GO!” concert was in 1974. The legendary, ~ Billion Dollar Babies show by Alice Cooper.
My Mom and Dad let me go but not before almost traumatizing me with a last minute scavenger hunt for my ticket just as my older brother and his friends were backing out of the driveway to go.
Thanks Mom and Dad, I luv ya…
[Nice poem, George. Is there a melody with that or just straight poetry?]
Don’t go for poetry Angelo, it’s actually a song. Not sure what it would sound like with bass, percussion, second guitar, keyboards and backing vocals, but I will one day.
Have a wonderful evening everyone. I’ve enjoyed the blog this last couple of days. There is a lot of heart here.
About Face. Great album; great tour.
I was lucky enough to have 12th row center seats at the Beacon Theater in New York. Perfect spot to sit. David did not turn the volume down for the small venue so his guitar just got inside you on every song. It was great!
Any plans to re-release this tour in DVD or CD? It would be a shame to let this sit in the archives and my old VHS tape has seen better days.
Cheers!
[There are no such plans, sorry. - Features Editor]
[I was 14 when PF played the Wall in NYC. I could have had tickets and taken a radio station sponsored bus ride to NYC. Alas, my parents were not as cool and understanding as Heather's and vehemently opposed of my going. I curse them to this day.]
I was 18 and I did go to concert. Great event. It really helped me appreciate the album on another level. We were all screaming when In the Flesh? started. I didn’t realize it was imposters with masks on, until the song ended. My buddy, who drank nearly a pint of Southern Comfort on the train out to the Nassau Colisseum before the show started never realized it. That was when the whole Wall thing kick in for me.
It was an awesome moment in Rock history. I was happy to be a part of it.
Ahhhh… the first concert… Floyd was not touring by the time I reached an age where mom and dad would let me go (well- fortunately Floyd resumed and I DID see them on TDB tour… now THAT is some rock history!).
Anyway… I was 17 when they let me go see the Who in ’82. They let me go with my older sister (probably thought she would make sure I stayed on the straight and narrow- though she along with 60,000 fans ensured that I had all the substances my body could handle).
Anyway… I recently found a DVD of the final show from that tour. How cool it is to have a DVD from the tour that represents my first rock concert??? Anyway, that started the ball rolling and I’ve been fortunate to see some of the best rock acts around (David Gilmour, Rush, Journey, Aerosmith, Boston, Iron Maiden, Steeley Dan, Styx, Kitaro, Andreas Vollenweider… I could go on and on!).
Music is such a big oart of my memory- associating various times in my life with the music that got heavy rotation (to use a term only vinyl afficionados would get) at the time.
Good memories.
Tim
Wow, some meaningful blog about David for a change!
I try. if you mention p.f, r.w, s.b. or g8 the response seems to be ‘well that was then and this is now and it doesnt matter now”…well it does to me. anything with substance seems to get slammed pretty hard on here (unless it is the undying love of oai or polly’s lyrics etc. ) i quit doing that a long time ago. i dont mean to sound like an a-hole but it does get pretty boring sometimes…ex.echoes and that stupid norwegian poll. ?????
[No one is making you read it. If you don't like it... - Features Editor]
Good Wednesday to all hope everyone is having a good day.
Clarice
[Michael, Geez, are you also still bitter they didn't take you to Woodstock as well?? I was only 5 in 1969 but still wished I could have been there. - Andrew]
I’ll assume you saw my tounge planted firmly in cheek, Andrew.
As for Woodstock, yes! Why not? I was 3 at the time. I’m sure we could have had a blast making mudpies in the rain!
Michael
[It was an awesome moment in Rock history. I was happy to be a part of it. - Mike from Connecticut]
Truly happy for you, mate! And thanks for sharing.
I’ll hide my seething jealousy as I curse my overprotective parents again.
Andrew, are you listening?
Michael
Thanks to Ronny and LG who will do great work to translate and transcribe the Making of ‘About Face’.
Meanwhile..
Well, I listened to that Making of today and have been a bit disappointed !, only thirty minutes, only three songs : Murder, Blue Light, All lovers are deranged. Few news I didn’t already know…
However I have been delighted to learn that ‘About Face’ had been recorded in France (very proud !) in “studios Pathé Marconi” in Boulogne-Billancourt.
They also described the first David’s album ‘David gilmour’ as “un chef d’oeuvre incontesté” ( = a true masterpiece?)
They spoke about the numerous talented musicians who played with David on ‘About Face’, Jeff Porcaro, (the welsh!) Pino Palladino, Ian Kewley,… they said that David was a great fan of Steve Winwood, and a great friend of Mick Ralphs (Bad Company) who played live with him, etc, etc…
Funnily enough, they ended by saying that David seemed to be stressed on stage in 84 and that, when he was asked why by journalists, he mischievously replied something like “oh, yes, I was nervous, maybe I have lived with Roger Waters for too long, it’s surely a contagious illness !”, wow! well said, David !
Sorry for my english, I just wanted to share that with you all !
Michèle
i just listened to some arnold layne covers. there are some really good one’s.
paul b. i dig the ‘dominoes’ nod. very original sounding. i of course dug gipey and jersey mike. par and rudders was impressive. pol silentblock was interesting…dont know what the hell that was but i kinda liked it in that it was in the spirit of Syd’s ‘have you got it yet’ . just ignored the assignment and jammed…very cool pol. i have to admit to liking that rockfour a lot. they did rock it very well.
good luck to all of you and once again im jealous, but in a good way. what other irregulars contributed? i tried to listen to all of you.
[But hey, we're the greatest nation in the world, so we can make everyone learn our language, right? Such an arrogant world view we have over here. I guess that's how we end up with a President who can't even speak our language. - Posted by: EchoesBob]
Bob, from you neighbours to the north, we love you guys, it’s just your politicians that suck.
George
I know how to say cheese omlet in french, but spelling it would be a different story, ha! Thanks everyone for the earlier compliments on my writing!
@tim taylor: I think its awesome your kids like Pink Floyd and David Gilmour so much already. My mom has listened to it since I was born, and Ill admit I didn’t like it that much. I don’t know what it was, but for some reason some things about it really creeped me out. I am happy to say that Ive matured enough to start really getting into it. You starting your kids off with it at such a young age is great, because the older the grow the more they’ll grow to like it. I skipped about what? Thirteen years of my life not knowing about PF and DG, and Im all confused about stuff now. So it’s good to have them learn so early.
Also Tim, you kinda hit the nail on the head. Ive been writing for a long time, And it kinda annoys me the way some people can write perfectly fine — But then don’t apply that to their typing? Reading someone’s hand writing can be hard sometimes, but reading someone’s typing can be just as hard! I do enjoy writing, and yes Id love to become a journalist, but Id love to write music as well.
– Now on topic of the disscussion? Ha. I know Dark Side Of The Moon very well. As for The Piper At The Gates Of Dawn, Ive never heard of that one. I will have to look it up and check it out, Im sure it will be phenomenal considering the way everyone boast about it. Im excited now, Lol.
AH! Im going to slap myself now. For I have sinned! I was looking through my CD’s, trying to find About Face..I took ‘On An Island’ out of its holder and dropped it! Picked it up quickly and put it back, then took out the self titled DG album, and dropped it too! I must shun myself! … Im kidding. Still so, Its regretable.
– Anyway back to About Face. I love the song Until We Sleep! Its so..hyperacive sounding and upbeat! I love that. Out of curiosity I rushed to listen to “Let’s get metaphysical” and it was a great song…but I expected it to be more…Upbeat? I don’t know, I guess I thought of the song “Let’s get physical” and then, ya know. Anyway! I love Murder, too. Love on the Air reminds me of some other -non related- song Ive heard before, But I can’t put my finger on it.
AH! Favorite song is offically Blue Light! The into is so awesome, for lack of a better term? And its so fun and everything! Im lacking ways to say how I like it, But I do!
The rest of the CD is great, but the songs I mentioned I think are the ones that stand out to me. I do like Near the End too, though.
PS: Do I type to much? Lol!
—Playing(Music): Out Of The Blue By David Gilmour
About face, what a great album cover for a great record!
Hello “old” friends and welcome to new friends, including Heather. Btw, we happen to really like your mommy, thanks for letting her come here and play with us.
Just wanted to chime in about this nice album. I was pleasantly surprised at how much I really dug it. My top three favorites are :
‘Murder’, I love the strong lyrics and the forceful delivery. It gets the pulse up a bit actually.
‘While we Sleep’, I don’t know I just love it. When I blast it in the car, it always makes me drive way over the speed limit. It’s one of my feel good songs.
‘Out of the Blue’. Wow! At this point in my life, I can make a connection with that song, a connection that I didn’t have when I was younger. It can be a rather moving song for parents, especially. My son will turn 13 in a couple of weeks, and I’m looking back thinking to myself, did we do 13 years worth of stuff? What opportunities passed us by, while we were busy with the duties of life?
Melissa(*_*)
Is David perhaps helping Richard Wright with his upcoming solo album, and any news when Mr. Wright’s album might be released?
From “About Face” I really enjoy the songs “Cruise”, “Love on the Air”, and opening portion of “Murder”.
Thanks!
Marko
[You'd be better off asking Richard's management about that, rather than David's. If we have anything to say about any of David's engagements, we'll say it in due course. - Features Editor]
I was 25 when I went to Nassau Coliseum, I remember driving past Lake Placid, anyone remember what the U.S. did on their way to gold at the winter Olympics that day? They beat Russia.
Here also is a small clip I saved from David’s 3 day stop over at Massey Hall in 1984, from the Toronto Star.”Mick Ralphs on guitar and a powerful precise Chris Slade on drums, had the scope and at times the intensity of middle – period Pink Floyd.” “Mini symphonies with actual movements and(in a rock context)complex orchestrations(Let’s Get Metaphysical”).
I saw 2 shows and gave my brother the second venue. What a week. Perhaps as someone suggested, can a DVD be released? I’ve not seen it yet. Thanks Fed.
Arnold Layne Competition – Win A Day in the Life at Abbey Road AND Your Own Storm Logo! The competition runs until Monday 22nd January, so check it out.
Now Monday 25nd January,but vote dont STOP!!!!!Why ?????????
[You can send your answers on a postcard, if you like, to: EMI (that's not David's management, by the way), London, England, UK, Europe, Earth. I wouldn't expect a reply. - Features Editor]
[Am I the only person who thinks Leonardo Di Caprio is starting to look like David around the time of that album cover?]
Elaine, check out Live in Pompeii (The Director’s Cut), my husband and I think that there are many clips where David Gilmour resembles Leonardo Di Caprio. So you are not alone.
What a generous offer from Ronny and LG to translate for us the MAKING OF “ABOUT FACE”, thanks a million for doing that.
I enjoy every single track from ABOUT FACE, it’s really difficult to single out which is my favorite. I like to re-play “MURDER”, “OUT OF THE BLUE”, “LET’S GET METAPHYSICAL” and “CRUISE” a lot more than the other tracks.
[Anybody in Miami, Florida want to take our FEd to the South Beach establishment of the same name?]
I know it was just a joke – but for those who are interested to come down to Miami, please let me know – I might be able to pull a Friend and Family rate for you.
I am playjng “LOST FOR WORDS” from the Division Bell while I am typing this. Beautiful sad song, love the lyrics, this song hits close to home.
This thread is turning into “my first concert” so i though i would add mine. it was Pink Floyd at Wembley arena in 1972 i think it must have been late in the year
any way they performed dark side of the moon before “on the run” was how it sounded on the record, i actualy prefered it that way, for a while, I know David has said he wasn’t sure about it on the documentary on the making of DSOTM, however i enjoyed it.
I remember being a bit scared of Roger when he attacked the Gong during “Set the controls…” even though i was about 50yards away. I was really gobsmaked by the sound swirling around the roof, i guess that was Rick.
Of course (im almost scared to type this) a fanastic performance of ECHOES, all dry ice & green lighting, that image has remained with me & was brought back to me In May at the RAH.
David looked cool & as an encore he played some great slide guitar i cant remember what the song was called now though . what a great first experience.
To add to my post above:
I saw DG in New York in 1984, as is written in the post. I also saw PF play The Wall in New York in 1980, just weeks after my 14th birthday. That was the most amazing show I have ever seen.
I knew the entire album by heart, note per note, and right where “Empty Spaces” should have been they played “What Shall We Do Now.” That is the song where the lyrics were printed on the sleeve even though the song was not on the album (because it turned out that Side Two was too long and it had to be made shorter). The two songs begin almost the same way, and I was singing along, and became aware that the words coming out of my mouth were not the ones that Roger was singing. As you can imagine, I was completely thrilled.
The show itself was pure theater. The band appeared wearing masks, which they removed early on to reveal that they were a surrogate band, not the members of Floyd. Floyd members took to the stage just after this, and the “surrogate band” became additional musicians.
A plane crashed into the stage and burst into flames at the end of “In The Flesh.” A crew constructed a wall in front of PF & company as they played, so that the last brick was put in place at the end of “goodbye cruel world.”
They played most of side three from behind the wall, with film and animation projected onto the wall itself. For “Nobody Home” part of the wall opened up to reveal a hotel room with a man watching TV.
David Gilmour appeared atop the wall for his solo in “Comfortably Numb.” (Roger, at the base of the wall, did his part dressed like a doctor.) During “Run Like Hell,” a giant inflatable pig crashed through the wall and flew above the audience. By this point, the musicians were in front of the wall.
At the end of “The Trial,” many of the bricks in the wall came tumbling down, leaving bits of the wall remaining with some of the bricks perilously close to falling at any moment. The musicians actually appeared to be afraid of bricks landing on them as they played “Outside the Wall.”
In 1987 I caught Roger Waters’ KAOS show in a half-empty Madison Square Garden, which didn’t impress me much. Later that summer I saw the three-piece Floyd at the same venue (thoguh this time it was a sell-out). This show was amazing, but nothing like as wonderful as The Wall had been seven years earlier.
I would have given up important parts of my body to see David at Radio City last year. Money and time were both huge issues. If David ever plays anywhere near New York again, you can bet I’ll be there.
Ciao,
people speaking of their first concert:that’s nice and funny.
I remember mine. And by concert I mean something big, not the shows in the little rock-club in my town where we used to dance to live music amidst clouds of dense smoke…
It was ’89, I was 16. Pink floyd in Monza(close to Milano). In the huge park of the world famous Monza formula one circuit…
It was an event, it was “the” Event of that year. Pink floyd made 5 dates along whole italy going also deep in the south, something that no other big rock band has done before or after that, gathering thousands of people. Each concert was a mass event. And for me was fantastic!!! Pink Floyd was already my favorite band.
Went there with my elder brother, his girlfriend and a guy I frankly don’t remember. 60.000 people officially but actually some more. Clouds of dense pot smoke all day, families and different generations of fans…it was a sort of woodstock for me.
I fell in love with the atmosphere of love and peace created by music, a power that music never lost…the concert itsekf was huge, the music, lasers, flying beds and pigs…the day after, all italy was speaking about that… I made a personal recording of that concert, just for me as a memory. but the strongest memories are inside me.
Saw so many concerts after..but no memory is vivid as that sunny day of spring and that cloudless night….I still shiver if I think to the first notes of Shine on you crazy diamond
Piergiorgio
To Fed and all:
Well, day of all days! I wish to introduce into this very fine blog community someone who is particularly special to me: my (immensely) better half.
He has finally caught interest to join us all as a blog and chat room member. (He’s often watched over my shoulder during my visitations here and is also somewhat familiar with a few of you, especially you Fed!)
For reasons of security, he desires to go by the username “SA”.
Despite his being deaf, he has always had a passion for music and even plays a bit of electric strat guitar. He really digs Mr. David Gilmour!
From here, I’m only going to add that readers must please excuse his typing format/spelling and such, as he is deaf. (He is not just being lazy or careless –for the most part!) Thank you.
In the meanwhile of my writing this, he is registering for chat room entry under the same username, so we hope to see some of you in the chatroom very soon today!
Thank you kindly!
LG
xoxoxo
Thankfully i have this show on Video and now transferred to DVD, along with a few other live unmentionables…..
Hello LG,
Yes, a little bell rings whenever anything interesting gets posted on the DG Blog, I don’t mind taking the time to write – whenever possible. We are all valid here. The Features Editor does a fine job maintaining the balance.
To answer your question: I definitely am a proponent of the central nervous system, and it does gain with the stimulation of art – in all it’s forms – that me/I and others create/created etc. It’s certainly isn’t my bread and butter.
I certainly don’t subscribe to the view that any artistic ability I posses are a unique gift from God — If that’s where you’re going. It may be unique, but it certainly isn’t a “gift” from any conscious, all powerful, all seeing, supreme entity – as many would suggest as fact.
The unique properties that are expressed in each individual are based on factors that are as incalculable and endless as space – and as random. There are certain markers and indicators – no absolutes.
The opinion I expressed about the CNS was rather clear – the rest of my opinions on the subject should be a relatively logical conclusion.
Hey Angelo, I hope you take the time to write about your wave theory – sounds interesting …
Sincerely,
Hysteron proteron
[I'll assume you saw my tounge planted firmly in cheek, Andrew.]
Michael, c’mon. You should know by now that I am probably one of the most sarcastic SOBs that post on this site.
O, by the way, my first concert was The Ramones. I was only 15 and it was also my first date. Although it was quite clear she was more into the band than into me. Since then I’ve seen hundreds of acts, everyone from Aerosmith and Bowie to Van Halen and Yes. I even got to attend Live Aid in Philadelphia and of course I got to see PF on both the MLOR and TDB tours (each tour multiple times).
There was a time that I lived concerts, it was at least one show a month and many times more than that. And the band I’ve seen the most, believe it or not, is The Police, 8 times. Just think, it is looking more and more like Sting, Andy and Stewart will bury the hatchet and get back together for a 30th anniversary tour this year. Sting was even quoted as saying it is looking promising. No one ever thought that would happen.
Soooo….never say never is what I say.
Andrew