The Great Gig in The Sky

I love the energy that electrifies the air before a major event. It sparks lips into idle conversation and ricochets off faces leaving smiles. Lightening could strike at any moment. People become restless and tap their feet to silent drummers. There is the excitement, but also an element of nervousness. What if the show doesn’t deliver? What if it’s not as good as you hope?

There was no support act for this night. After all, who could possibly grace the same stage in the same evening as this group? Instead, the monumental projection screen displayed an old fashioned radio / amplifier that was the source of the background music coaxing people to their seats. Every now and again, a cigarette holding hand would enter the view, change the reception dial, or raise the glass of whiskey to unseen lips. It was undoubtedly a stylish intro to the night - simple, but very cool.

The band took to the stage and every face turned their way. Screams echoed around the crowd, arms stretched to the stars, and clapping rang out everywhere. A slow and dramatic rhythm of guitar & drums set the pace, and thirty thousand people were simultaneously captivated and immediately lost in time. For some it was a first ‘live’ experience, where as others were clearly continuing a voyage that started decades ago. Appropriately, the first tune of this incredible show was “In the Flesh”.

It was a strange feeling to finally hear this music live. I’ve been an avid fan ever since I first heard them. There is something so fresh about the music. So unique and special, that it demands appreciation. There are bands which fit into particular genres, and there are those that define them. I’d listen to the live album ‘P.U.L.S.E.’ again and again, dreaming of what an experience it would be to hear them in concert, and hoping that it would one day be possible. But the rift between leading members, Roger Waters & David Gilmour was too great. There was the brief reconciliation for the ‘Live 8’ concert, but nothing long lasting.

Last November, we were walking through Auckland, and I spotted a poster for Roger Waters in Concert. In Auckland. In 2007. Among the line-up, would be the complete ‘Dark Side of The Moon.’ I was ecstatic. “Houston, prepare for launch”. Even though the date was months away, we immediately tried our luck online and sought the hallowed tickets. The cheapest were already sold out. Damn. The next option was also gone. Panic. The next were listed as available. Buy, buy! OK, it was a little more than we were expecting, but a price easily justifiable for such an occasion. Now, all we had to do was wait; the countdown had begun.

Now we were there. Watching Roger Waters on stage, and hearing those tunes fill the world around us. Every tune played was an absolute classic (there aren’t many that aren’t). “Mother” followed “In the Flesh”, then we “Set the Controls for the Heart of the Sun”, enjoyed “Shine on you Crazy Diamond” and moved to “Have a Cigar”. “Wish you were here” has always been a personal favourite so that was particularly welcomed, then there was “Southampton Dock”, The Fletcher Memorial Home, Parts 1 & 2 of Perfect Sense, a new offering called “Leaving Beirut”, and the end of the first act "Sheep.” In true ‘Floyd-style’ the first act finale was accompanied by a huge inflatable pig, covered in political graffiti, and walked around the crowd before being set free to chase the moon.

After a brief interlude that felt infinite in anticipation we reached the “Dark Side of the Moon”. “Speak to Me” introduced, “Breathe”, “On the Run” led us to “Time”, then “The Great Gig in the Sky”, “Money”, “Us & Them”, “Any colour you like”, and “Brain Damage” followed, before “Eclipse” concluded the timeless masterpiece.

The show was outstanding. Everyone was hooked, and felt lost when they left the stage. It couldn’t end yet. Just one more tune. Please. “Encore” was screamed from all directions, each sounding more desperate than the last, and just when it seemed the applause couldn’t get any louder, the band returned, and the volume was nudged up a few notches. Once again, the title of the tune here was appropriate; “The Happiest Days of Our Lives” brought us back to the Pink universe. “Another Brick in the Wall” commanded emphatic singing from even the driest throats, then “Vera” turned into “Bring the Boys Back Home”, and we finished “Comfortably Numb”. The whole night was incredible and euphoric. I couldn’t stop smiling as each tune began, and hoped they would never finish. It was a privilege to have been there and witness such a legend performing. Should you get the chance to ever see Roger Waters performing a true ‘Pink Floyd’ show like this, do yourself a favour and go. No matter what it costs, or how much effort it takes to get there, it will be worth it.