Pink Floyd at Live8
I just now finished watching the archived performance of Pink Floyd at the London Live8 concert (which you can download for yourself over here). And boy did it bring back some memories.
Pink Floyd was my first, big musical obsession. I had brief infatuations with The Beatles, Rush, and Jesus Christ Superstar, but it was Pink Floyd that really sucked me in. I bought, and still own, all their records on vinyl (of course). I even tried to keep up with the less-than-satisfying solo careers of Roger Waters and David Gilmour. I also watched Pink Floyd: The Wall at least thirty times over the course of five years. Through junior high and most of high school, Pink Floyd was my soundtrack.
The first big concert I attended was Pink Floyd at the Pontiac Silverdome, outside of Detroit, in 1987. I thought it was fantastic, but looking back, the over-produced and extra-flashy effects were only there to cover up the fact that Roger Waters wasn’t playing with them. Still, it was almost all of Pink Floyd, and there I was, sucking it all in. I was in heaven.
My interest in Pink Floyd took a back seat in my senior year of high school once I discovered “alternative” groups like Jane’s Addiction, harder bands like Bad Brains, and funkier ones like Fishbone. I kept the Floyd records around, and would play them occasionally, but they didn’t command my attention like they used to.
Now, jump ahead to a few weeks ago when I heard the news that Floyd was going to reunite for the Live8 concert. I didn’t want to believe it at first; I mean, come on, I don’t even think Waters and Gilmour had talked to each other in fifteen years. And now they were going to get onstage again? Together? Yeah, right!
But, in the end, it did happen. And this morning I watched the videos from the Live8 concert. There they were. Although they all look like grandfathers—which they probably are—and their voices aren’t quite what they were twenty years ago, they sounded great and they did seem to be enjoying themselves on stage. I don’t hold out much hope for them permanently reuniting and touring together, but, oh man, wouldn’t that be great?
Comments
- nf0 said on 08 July 2005:
I'm a huge PF fan also. I was surprised that they got together, but in an interview I read last years, Roger stated that he and David were on friendlier terms. I would love to see them to a tour, they aren’t what they were, but still it would be a blast.
- Stuart Campbell said on 17 July 2005:
Love PF-these guys have gotten better with age (and less mind altering stuff) The mere fact that DG and RW are in the same city, is a small miracle, but obviously things mellow over the years. Even though I was not a great fan of the RW direction after the split-with all the band on stage (Including Dick Parry-from the original Money sax solo), it was a complete package. Yo-rock on!!!
- Kevin Brady said on 24 July 2005:
A PF fan since the early ‘70s, I was pleasantly surprised to see that they were able to set aside their differences (whatever they may be after 20-plus years) and do the Live8 gig. Sure, it was just the boys doing a few of their old chestnuts, but it was good to hear nonetheless.
I suppose it would be too much to hope for to see all of them on tour again. And perhaps way to much to hope for to see a new album one of these days.
But one can still hope. Stranger things have happened.
- Tony Masiello said on 01 August 2005:
If they toured again it wouldn’t be great. It would be a huge money grap. Welcome to the machine, indeed!
- Lynn w. said on 03 August 2005:
PF has been a part of my life as long as I can remember..it was great for them to be togehter..and i disagree about the money things..DG and the others give away more money a year than most rockers make…i would love to see a tour..but the reality is it will probably not happen..but…PF lovers everywhere can shine on……with hope
- BSquared said on 20 August 2005:
Hi. "Several Species of Small, Furry Animals in a Cave, Grooving There with a Pict" was one of the first "Rock'n'Roll" cuts I ever actually liked. Things went downhill from there fast…. ;)
Your original post suggested I could download the archived performances at , but I couldn’t find ‘em there. Know where I can get them?
-B2