Because he more than proved his mettle covering Warped Tour, we sent That Guy (who, by day, is a horticulturalist named Bryan) to something a little more mellow -- last night's Australian Pink Floyd concert at the Uptown.
BY THAT GUY
I'm not the world's most knowledgeable Pink Floyd fan. So I asked my buddy Pope to join me for this show to help me out with song titles and such. Turns out he wasn't much help, but like everyone else, he enjoyed the hell out of this show.
I'm also not big on cover bands. I usually find them to be wanting and more than a little cheesy.
So imagine my surprise when Australian Pink Floyd turned out to not be a cover band at all but actually Pink Floyd. And the Uptown was the perfect venue. Its friendly staff and historic mystique made everyone at ease. And the colorfully painted woodwork and celling gave the light show a little extra something.
As we entered the auditorium, the fans, having be shown to their seats by the ushers, settled in with a quiet reverence. The show started with a mellow almost lethargic feel to it. The mellowness would prevail throughout the evening, washed over at times with a quiet intensity.
The trippy CGI kangaroo shown behind band the provided a visual focal point as we floated along with the ethereal "Breathe." A ticking clock and chimes signaled the start of "Time," and the crowd showed their first signs of life as they sang along to the verse.
Aussie Floyd live in Belgrade, Feb. 2009
"Great Gig In the Sky" allowed the group's back-up singers to take the spotlight, and they received a standing ovation for their efforts. Taking a cue from the animated 'roo, the band launched into their selections from the album Animals before breaking for intermission.
After the intermission there was more of a feeling of anticipation as people awaited selections from the Wall. They would have to first sit through the MTV-famous "Learning to Fly" but nobody seemed to mind.
Spotlights shining down on the crowd, coupled with the sounds of incoming helicopters, signaled the start of "Another Brick in the Wall pt. 2." They didn't perform it as angsty as I would have liked, but it was still well done.
Ending the night with "Comfortably Numb" and encoring with "Run like Hell," (Australian) Pink Floyd laid to rest my preconceived notions about cover bands. The show was part rock concert, part light show, and part Broadway musical.
But all Pink Floyd.
Set list
Speak to me
Breathe
On the run
Time
Great Gig
Shine on you crazy Diamond 1-5
Welcome to the Machine
Pigs
Sheep
Intermission
Astronomy Domine
Learing to Fly
High Hopes
Us & Them
Take it Back
Fletcher Memorial Home
Another Brick in the Wall part 2
Wish
One of These Days
Hey You
Is There Anybody Out There
Nobody Home
Vera
Bring the Boys Back Home
Comfortably Numb
Encore
Run like hell
Showing 1-10 of 10
This was my first time seeing The Australian Pink Floyd Show. Being a lifelong (read as fanatical) Pink Floydian, I was amazed at the Aussies' nearly album-perfect renditions of PF's time-honored classics. Their digital quadrophonic sound system, laser light show, impressive musical talent and some of the most incredible back up singers I've ever heard, made it a very enjoyable experience and a night to remember. It comes as no surprise why David Gilmore himself would say that they were the next best thing to an actual Pink Floyd show. What has two thumbs and had a great time? This guy, that's who. Of course, the VIP tickets didn't hurt, either.
The first time I saw Aussie Floyd I couldn't believe my ears or eyes. (Dark Side of the Moon) The second time I saw them I could't believe my ears or eyes.(The Wall) I will see then on Oct 25th and I know again I will not believe my ears or eyes.
Say no more, Aussie Pink Floyd is Incredible and if you don't see this band you will not live it down
That Guy sure can write his'self a review. Go 'head on That Guy! Maybe next time you'll call up your Arkansas connection to come up and go to a show with you, eh?
What a well written piece I never thought a cover band could be so well...covered no pun intended. Being a Floyd fan from back in the day it is nice to know that there is a band out there that truly exemplifies The Floyd experience. I'm excited to go check out these Aussies during their next trip to cow town. From the descriptions in this article it sounds as if these guys really put on a captivating show that captures the essence of such a lengendary rock band!
DOOLY: I accept your endorsements. However, is the drummer any good at Nick Mason?
I've seen over 300 concerts which include multitudes of bands over the years (including PINK FLOYD in 1994 on 10th row, as well as ROGER WATERS twice)....this band is one of the BEST live acts I've EVER seen! It even rocks SOBER! The vocals are very strong, the instrument playing is as good as it gets (Gilmour and Rogers couldn't pluck the strings any more precisely). The drummer reminds me of Keith Moon from The Who as he plays the hell out of the skins.
GO SEE THEM! I NEVER ENDORSE A TRIBUTE/COVER BAND, but this is the real deal.
I've always been curious about this show every time it rolls through town.
Now I'm sold!
Out.
Sounded like a pretty good show, although I don't know what would have led you to believe that Pope would have been of any use for anything.
Good job getting through a cover band version of Learning to Fly, that song has always made me feel sorta icky on the inside.
Good Job! I like your descriptions of the vibe of the crowd. That's always an important yet often overlooked aspect of any live performance.
Wow, they did "Fletcher Memorial Home." That is a pretty deep cut (no pun intended). I would've sung my ass off at this show.
"Learning to Fly" did indeed produce one of the daffiest music videos of all time.
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