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Pink Floyd The Wall Tour (1980–81)

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The Pink Floyd “The Wall” Tour, conducted from 1980 to 1981, was one of the most ambitious and significant concert tours in rock history. This tour was in support of their 1979 double album “The Wall,” a rock opera that tells a semi-autobiographical story about isolation and abandonment. The album, largely conceived by Roger Waters, was a massive commercial success and its themes were reflected in the elaborate stage shows of the tour. Here are some key aspects of “The Wall” Tour:

  1. Conceptual and Theatrical Nature: The tour was renowned for its theatrical and conceptual nature. The shows were more than just concerts; they were dramatic performances that included elaborate stage constructions, props, animations, and characters from the album’s storyline.
  2. Building a Wall: One of the most iconic elements of the tour was the construction of a giant wall across the stage during the performance. As the show progressed, the wall was gradually built brick by brick until it completely separated the band from the audience, symbolizing the thematic barrier in the album’s narrative.
  3. Limited Shows in Few Cities: The tour was limited to only a few cities, including Los Angeles, New York, London, and Dortmund. This was due to the complex logistics and costs associated with the elaborate stage production.
  4. Setlist: The setlist for the tour included most of the songs from “The Wall,” performed in the same sequence as the album. This adherence to the album’s narrative structure was a key aspect of the shows.
  5. Innovative Stage Production: The tour featured groundbreaking stage production techniques. This included large inflatable puppets, elaborate light shows, projections of animated sequences (created by Gerald Scarfe), and complex sound engineering. The scale and ambition of the production set new standards for live rock performances.
  6. Themes and Reception: The themes of “The Wall,” including alienation, war, and the trials of the rock star lifestyle, resonated deeply with audiences. The shows were critically acclaimed for their artistic depth and technical innovation.
  7. Impact and Legacy: The “The Wall” Tour had a lasting impact on the world of live music performances. It pushed the boundaries of what could be achieved in a live rock show and influenced subsequent generations of musicians and stage designers.
  8. Band Dynamics: The tour also reflected the internal dynamics of Pink Floyd, particularly the dominant creative influence of Roger Waters and the growing tensions within the band, which would eventually lead to Waters’ departure.

The “The Wall” Tour is remembered not just for its musical significance but also for its contributions to the art of live performances, setting new standards in the scale, complexity, and narrative integration of concert shows. It remains one of the most iconic and revolutionary tours in the history of rock music.

Pink Floyd The Wall Tour Dates

1980-02-07 : Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena, Los Angeles, California, USA
1980-02-08 : Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena, Los Angeles, California, USA
1980-02-09 : Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena, Los Angeles, California, USA
1980-02-10 : Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena, Los Angeles, California, USA
1980-02-11 : Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena, Los Angeles, California, USA
1980-02-12 : Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena, Los Angeles, California, USA
1980-02-13 : Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena, Los Angeles, California, USA
1980-02-24 : Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum, Long Island, New York, USA
1980-02-25 : Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum, Long Island, New York, USA
1980-02-26 : Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum, Long Island, New York, USA
1980-02-27 : Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum, Long Island, New York, USA
1980-02-28 : Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum, Long Island, New York, USA
1980-08-04 : Earls Court Exhibition Hall, London, England
1980-08-05 : Earls Court Exhibition Hall, London, England
1980-08-06 : Earls Court Exhibition Hall, London, England
1980-08-07 : Earls Court Exhibition Hall, London, England
1980-08-08 : Earls Court Exhibition Hall, London, England
1980-08-09 : Earls Court Exhibition Hall, London, England
1981-02-13 : Westfalenhalle, Dortmund, Germany
1981-02-14 : Westfalenhalle, Dortmund, Germany
1981-02-15 : Westfalenhalle, Dortmund, Germany
1981-02-16 : Westfalenhalle, Dortmund, Germany
1981-02-17 : Westfalenhalle, Dortmund, Germany
1981-02-18 : Westfalenhalle, Dortmund, Germany
1981-02-19 : Westfalenhalle, Dortmund, Germany
1981-02-20 : Westfalenhalle, Dortmund, Germany
1981-06-13 : Earls Court Exhibition Hall, London, England
1981-06-14 : Earls Court Exhibition Hall, London, England
1981-06-15 : Earls Court Exhibition Hall, London, England
1981-06-16 : Earls Court Exhibition Hall, London, England
1981-06-17 : Earls Court Exhibition Hall, London, England