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Attended the Roger Waters concert in Indianapolis over the weekend (Review)

Posted by KellyG (A) on October 3, 2006 at 19:49:57

Roger Waters
Dark Side of the Moon
Verizon Amphitheatre
Indianapolis, Indiana
Sept. 30th, 2006

Having seen Waters on two different occasions during the ’99 and ‘01 tours, I was understandably excited to see the show at the Verizon Amphitheatre in Indianapolis. As usual, Roger and the band did not disappoint.

There were several surprises in this show, other than just deciding to perform Dark Side of the Moon (How ‘bout a new album Rog?). Many of the changes were subtle, but all worked together to create a different kind of experience than I had had in the past.

The crowd was a mixture of ages. Of course there were the folks there who had not yet realized that the 60’s were long gone, and there were middle aged to older fans present. I also saw many parents there with their kids. It is good to see younger fans appreciating the music of Waters and the Floyd-- a testament to the fact that the music has a timeless quality that each generation discovers anew.

The stage was different than previous shows. It still had the same basic configuration though: speaker arrays placed strategically around the venue, modest but impressive light effects; but gone was the “homey” living room facade—the sofa, lamp and circa 1970’s TV promulgating Stanley Kubrick cinema. The huge screen once again served as the backdrop for the stage, but this time it was a mega expensive high def screen that was astonishing in its clarity and resolution. During “Set the Controls” a line of flames came from the bottom of the screen and slowly moved up, and you would have sworn that it was real fire. During “Shine On”, a shower of bubbles slowly descended on the crowd—nicely done. The sound effects we have come to know and love were all there in all their glory, bouncing from speaker to speaker with impressive realism. Overall, the stage felt “crisper” to me this time; it was simple and tastefully presented—just what you would expect from Roger Waters.

Before the show began the screen had a stationary close-up picture of a vintage radio with a glass and ashtray sitting in front of it. Shortly a hand came into view and changed the station on the radio which then changed the “warm up” music that was playing. After changing the station a few times, the hand one last time reached for the radio and “In the Flesh” began as the band took the stage. Very cool.

The music, as always, was masterful and entrancing. It wasn’t too loud, but got pretty intense at times. Songs like “Have a Cigar” and “On the Run” had a fresh, cutting edge quality that I have not experienced before. The actual song lineup contained few surprises: A stellar performance of “Dark Side of the Moon” sandwiched between Pink Floyd songs and Roger Waters solo works ate up almost 3 hours more quickly than you can say “Careful with that axe Eugene.” The songs seemed a bit truncated than those of past shows, a few times I wanted just a little more…this obviously due to the time it takes to perform the 1973 masterpiece in its entirety. The standards were all present: “Mother”, “Shine On”, “Wish You Were Here”, ‘Perfect Sense.” Refreshing numbers appeared this time including: “Southhampton Dock”, “The Fletcher Memorial Home”; and most incredible was the performance of “Sheep”. I have no idea how long it has been since this piece has been performed live, but it was tight and very powerful—a glimpse of what once was for those of us unfortunate souls who never got to see the magic of the Floyd so long ago….. Included this time was a new song, “Leaving Beirut”, which was quite impressive live-very cool guitar solos and meaningful (although abrasive), lyrics.

On stage were assembled some of the finest musicians in the world. The amazing Snowy White and Andy Fairweather Low on guitar (Ever wonder about the “weather” names in this band? Roger WATERS, SNOWY white, Andy fairWEATHER low…interesting). Graham Broad was on drums, and Jon Carin was masterfully performing his musical spells as always. Replacing Doyle Bramhall on lead guitar this time out was Dave Kilminster. He is a great guitar player and pretty much nailed the infamous Gilmour solos…but something was just slightly off. I have always maintained that David Gilmour has such a special sound. Each note in his playing is its own special entity—fluid but distinct, delicate but forceful. I have heard many guitarists play the famous four notes at the beginning of Shine On, and no one, I mean NO ONE, make these four simple notes sound as haunting, mesmerizing and beautiful as Gilmour. Snowy came close during the last tour. But Bramhall does the best in my opinion of representing the Gilmour tradition overall.

This show showcased the talents of Snowy White and Andy Fairweater Low less than that of previous tours. Too bad, as these guys never disappoint. Ian Richie was on saxophone—his solos during “Set the Controls” and the pieces in “Dark Side” were perfection! Wow can this guy play! Roger’s son was on Hammond and Katie Kissoon, PP Arnold and Carol Kenyon did back up vocals.

It seemed to me that Roger was doing more of the vocals this time out. If I remember correctly, Bramhall sang quite a few songs in 2001, and Carin had several vocal spots as well. This was a good thing actually, as Roger’s voice sounded as good as I have heard it. Roger seemed very energetic and enthusiastic this time….rocking back and forth to the music, walking from one end of the stage to the other; and during the encore, actually throwing down his jacket to better crank out ripping renditions of “Another Brick”, “Vera” and “Comfortably Numb.”

There were several political aspects to this show. During Leaving Beirut, the lyrics were on the screen for all to read—not very favorable words towards the Bush Administration. The lead- in to Comfortably Numb was just as it is on The Wall album: Bring the Boys Back Home. I am certain there was purpose behind this decision. And then I am sure you have heard about the Pig. During the song “Sheep” emerged the obligatory inflatable pig over the crowd with handwritten messages scribbled on its imposing girth… “Impeach Bush” appeared conspicuously on its ass end. Now I understand Roger’s politics and have never let them interfere with my love for the music. However, this was a bit inappropriate in my opinion, and I must say I was a little offended. I would think that we could have a great night of fantastic music without resorting to declarations for impeaching the president. Oh well, Roger has never been one for subtlety when expressing his world view.

I was a little surprised there was no mention of Syd. After all, he did pass away a few weeks ago. There seemed to be more recognition of him during the last show than this one. Perhaps it is just to much for Roger right now, or perhaps he finally feels free……

All in all it was a fantastic night and an inspiring performance from Roger and the band. All 3 times I have seen the band I have taken someone who new nothing of Roger Waters prior to the show; and each time that person has been blown away by the sheer professionalism and musicianship this band displays, myself included. I would highly encourage you to check out a Waters show if ever given the chance. I assure you that as far as live performances go, this one is not just… Another Brick in the Wall!

-kg

"Lines join in faint discord and the Stormwatch brews-"

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