Radio K.A.O.S. Tour North America and UK (1987), Roger Waters

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Roger Waters’ Radio K.A.O.S. Tour in 1987 was a fascinating blend of music, technology, and storytelling that showcased Roger’s ambition to push the boundaries of live performances. This tour was designed to support his third solo studio album, Radio K.A.O.S., and saw a continuation of Roger going it alone after after leaving Pink Floyd. Roger would be in direct competition with Pink Floyd’s A Momentary Lapse of Reason tour.

1987 Roger Waters Radio KAOS Tour Book pg01

The tour spanned North America and Europe, featuring a total of 37 shows. Waters crafted the concerts as a cohesive narrative experience, mirroring the album’s concept about a disabled man named Billy who can intercept radio signals and communicates through them. To bring this story to life, the stage was transformed into a mock-up of a radio station, complete with satellite dishes, antennas, and a central control room aesthetic.

Holophonic Sound and Advanced Visuals

One of the most innovative aspects was the use of holophonic sound technology, an advanced audio technique intended to create a three-dimensional sound experience. This technology aimed to immerse the audience fully, making the sound seem as if it was moving around and even through them. While ambitious, the effectiveness of this technology was mixed due to the limitations of the venues’ acoustics at the time.

The setlist was meticulously planned to enhance the storytelling. Waters performed the entire Radio K.A.O.S. album in sequence, interlaced with classic Pink Floyd tracks such as “Money,” “Welcome to the Machine,” and “Another Brick in the Wall Part II.” These additions not only pleased long-time fans but also linked the new material to his extensive musical legacy.

Visuals played a significant role. Large video screens displayed thematic imagery, including news footage and conceptual animations that complemented the songs’ social and political commentary. Actors occasionally took the stage to enhance the narrative, and live telephone calls were made to random people during the show, blurring the lines between performance and reality.

Challenging Commercial Conditions vs Pink Floyd

Despite the creative ingenuity, the tour faced challenges. Ticket sales were lower than anticipated, partly because it coincided with Pink Floyd’s own A Momentary Lapse of Reason tour. Many fans were torn or unaware of the split, leading to divided attendance. Additionally, some critics felt that the heavy emphasis on the narrative and technology overshadowed the musical performance.

The tour’s production was scaled back in some locations due to logistical issues, and a planned live album recording was eventually scrapped. However, the tour remains a noteworthy chapter in Waters’ career for its bold attempts at integrating complex themes with innovative stagecraft.

What’s particularly interesting is how the Radio K.A.O.S. Tour prefigured modern immersive concert experiences. Waters’ efforts to intertwine narrative, advanced sound technology, and visual media can be seen as a precursor to the multimedia spectacles common in today’s live music scene. Artists now routinely employ elaborate narratives and cutting-edge tech to create engaging experiences, a testament to the pioneering nature of tours like this one.

1987 Tour Musicians: The Bleeding Hearts Band

1987 Roger Waters Radio KAOS Tour Book pg03

Roger Waters: Acoustic guitar, bass guitar, vocals. Former bassist, lyricist, and conceptual leader of Pink Floyd. On this tour, Waters performed lead vocals and played both bass and acoustic guitar, presenting his solo material alongside reimagined Pink Floyd classics.
Andy Fairweather Low: Guitar, bass guitar. A versatile musician known for his work with Eric Clapton and George Harrison. Fairweather Low handled bass guitar duties and provided backing vocals, adding depth to the live performances.
Jay Stapley: Guitar. A skilled session guitarist who has collaborated with artists across various genres. Stapley’s guitar work contributed to the rich, layered sound essential for Waters’ complex compositions.
Paul Carrack: Keyboards, vocals. An accomplished singer-songwriter and keyboardist, recognized for his roles in bands like Ace, Squeeze, and Mike + The Mechanics. Carrack’s soulful vocals and keyboard skills enriched the melodic and harmonic aspects of the concerts.
Mel Collins: Saxophone. A renowned saxophonist with a history of playing with King Crimson, Dire Straits, and Camel. Collins’ saxophone solos added a dynamic and expressive layer to the live arrangements.
Graham Broad: Drums. An experienced drummer who became a long-time collaborator with Roger Waters. Broad provided the solid rhythmic foundation, driving the energetic performances throughout the tour.
Katie Kissoon: Backing vocals. A singer with an extensive background performing with artists like Van Morrison and Eric Clapton. Kissoon’s powerful vocals contributed to the rich harmonies and added emotional depth to the songs.
Doreen Chanter: Backing vocals. Part of the Chanter Sisters duo, she has worked with musicians such as Bryan Ferry and Joe Cocker. Chanter’s backing vocals complemented Kissoon’s, enhancing the overall vocal texture.
Jim Ladd: Radio DJ. A prominent Los Angeles-based radio DJ known for his freeform rock radio shows. Ladd played the on-stage role of a DJ, interacting with Waters and helping to advance the concert’s narrative, which was integral to the Radio K.A.O.S. concept.