DARK SIDE OF THE MOON
Legend has it that " Dark Side Of The Moon "To Pink Floyd released on March 1, 1973, is the album to which couples made love the most in the 70s… it must be said that this era was musically more prolific than our 2020s… psychedelic rock was booming. Enhanced by a now legendary cover depicting the dispersion of white light through a triangular prism, this conceptual record, which can be listened to in one go, changed the band's career thanks to the presence of innovative analog synthesizers and an incredible sound engineer: Alan Parsons. The same was on the roof of Apple Corps Studios on January 30, 1969 to provide sound for the last legendary concert of the Beatles. I had the incredible chance to interview him! (Alan, not the Beatles…)
45 million albums sold later and 50 years of existence, it remains one of the global musical references alongside " Ok Desktop » by Radiohead and « Thriller "To Michael JacksonA new opportunity for the group Australian Pink Floyd Show to go on a world tour.
AUSTRALIAN PINK FLOYD SHOW
Formed in 1988 and hailing from Adelaide, the band has the endorsement of David Gilmour after their participation in the after show of the group's last official tour (" Division Bell") in London in 1994. 30 years after their first concerts and 4 million spectators later, Jason Sawford's band (the keyboardist) must be considered as experienced and efficient. Their reputation precedes them and despite the comings and goings of certain members, the quality is there! As proof, Richard Wright (original member of Pink Floyd who died in 2008) joined them on stage for a birthday in the 90s.
Regarding the 2023 French tour, it is about paying tribute to the album " Dark Side Of The Moon". To this end, the set will be divided into two acts. The first contains the entire aforementioned album, playing the songs in order. Musically and vocally, you only have to close your eyes to believe you are at a real Pink Floyd concert. The synth-driven songs reflect the atmosphere of the time and " Money " as " Time » are the most applauded titles. Everyone knows the sound of the famous cash register and the alarm clock that introduce these two songs! We can feel the band's restraint and modesty. The lead singer only stays on stage to practice and his comings and goings are disturbing but discreet. It must be said that the songs of Pink Floyd are very airy and musical, generating many vocal pauses. Us and Them » is also a very successful piece, the 43 minutes that the album lasts pass at a crazy speed and Australian Pink Floyd concludes the first part with « On The Turning Away "Then" Another Brick in the Wall"It was just a warm-up, the best moments are yet to come...
After a 20-minute break, the six musicians and two backing vocalists return for a best-of set that will get the crowd going. First of all, " See Emily Play » written by Syd Barrett in 1967 and then the extraordinary « Shine On You Crazy Diamond » in its 13-minute version. Fans are in heaven. As for the staging, the famous round screen allows for the projection of various images and the inflatable animals are present (pig, kangaroo, etc.) recalling the original atmosphere in a reduced version. We feel the restrained homage that does not want to be a pale imitation. The vocal performances of Dave Fowler and Chris Barnes are impressive. Close your eyes, you are there! Welcome to The Machine » prepares the viewer for an avalanche of hits: « Wish You Were Here"," High Hopes " and " One of these days" . On the visual, " Pigs » features images of Putin and other world leaders and wealth that are clearly not appreciated by the band. The musicians leave the stage on " Run Like Hell". The reminder will be unique but qualitative with " Comfortably Numb"I invite readers to discover the recent version released by Roger Waters on the occasion of his 2022-2023 tour which will be in Paris in May. A dark and grandiose reinterpretation.
In conclusion, this was not the real Pink Floyd but the performance was amazing. I got goosebumps on several tracks and can only advise nostalgics to attend their performances. I can't wait to see Roger Waters at theAccor Arena from Paris !
Diego OnTheRocks
Photos: Olivier Barau
Acknowledgments: Euterpe Promotion
