Review Of June 23rd Show In Calgary

[bassplayerforpulse]

Roger Waters in Calgary - concert review - Calgary Sun
Saddledome, Calgary - June 23, 2007*

*Floyd fans tickled Pink by Waters*
*By TARA MERRIN - Calgary Sun Media*

CALGARY - If you never got to see Pink Floyd in concert, catching Roger
Waters is the next best thing.

His Dark Side of the Moon Tour, which came to Calgary last night, has all
the makings of a Floyd spectacle -- an inflatable pig, a prism made from
lasers and, of course, some of the best music of all time.

With the exception of 2005's reunion at Live 8, the wildly successful
British psychedelic rock band has ceased to exist. Rumours of them getting
back together, while persistent, are likely wishful thinking.

So Floyd's main songwriter/bass player and vocalist's latest tour truly is a
fan's only option.

And, based on the 'Dome show last night, it's a phenomenal one.

Book-ended by numbers from 1979's The Wall, the concert was made up of three
sections -- highlights from Waters' solo career, 1973's Dark Side of the
Moon played in its entirety, and an encore (after press time) which was to
include Another Brick in The Wall and Comfortably Numb.

In front of 12,000 fans, the 62-year-old, along with his talented 10-piece
band, kicked things off with In the Flesh as images of hammers flashed on
the big screen.

After Mother and a slow Set Controls for the Heart of the Sun, came an early
highlight as the band moved into Shine On You Crazy Diamond.

Bubbles of soap rained from the ceiling and a photo of Floyd founding member
Syd Barrett was projected above the stage as Waters, backed by three female
vocalists, showcased the tune.

The rest of the first 70-minute set included an upbeat Have a Cigar and
crowd-favourite Wish You Were Here.

Then, after a quick break, Waters -- looking healthy and in fine voice --
returned to showcase Dark Side of the Moon, one of the best selling albums
of our time.

With the band in full swing, guitars wailing and keyboards rocking, the
album's howling sound effects and political themes soared. The entire set
was both captivating and hypnotic -- the crowd responding by belting out the
words like they had been written just for them.

Many appeared to be in awe of the material, or at least at the fact they
were actually hearing it played live. This was a sentiment heard over and
over during the show's intermission.

There were few complaints.

In fact, the only thing this concert slightly lacked was movement by its
headliner.

After decades in front of crowds, Waters still seemed slightly uncomfortable
working the stage. When not behind the mic, he spent his time off to the
side, playing bass. He seemed content to let the music speak for him.

And with a catalog of such enormity and influence, one can hardly blame him.

[narcissus]

Thanks for posting the review - another good one.

[nosaj]

I can't believe he went to Calgary...his lyrics just seem to left-wingy for such a city.

[amalyc]

well he obviously punished us by making us wait 37 years between appearances

[Hudini]

37 years?! Jeez!

He visits Budapest every 5 years...

And he never visits Belgrade, damn him!

[Syd'sSexy]

Well, no one visits lovely Dayton. Don't feel so bad Hudini!

[Hudini]

What do you mean no one?

Milošević, Tudjman and Izetbegović signed an agreement to divide Bosnia after the war in Dayton in 1995. That's someone.

[nosaj]

Well, no one visits lovely Dayton. Don't feel so bad Hudini!

I would, if I only knew somebody there.

[Syd'sSexy]

Well, no one visits lovely Dayton. Don't feel so bad Hudini!

I would, if I only knew somebody there.

BITE ME NOSAJ.

I guess I really am a nobody.

[nosaj]

okay, if that is what you like