You shone like the sun...

11.07.2006 The Times of Malta Herman Grech: Comfortably Numb... Roger Waters sent some 13,000 people into overdrive last night when he performed a two-and-a-half hour set comprising mostly Pink Floyd songs. Photo: Matthew Mirabelli

The volume was cranked all the way up and spectacular light effects lit up the stage as Roger Waters last night powered his way through one of the most impressive rock concerts Malta has ever seen. After a marathon show at Luxol Ground which blasted out mainly Pink Floyd classics, the audience of two generations from all walks of life were shouting out for more - after over two and a half hours.

Luckily for the organisers, the forecasted showers failed to materialise and nothing could put a damper on a spellbound crowd relishing every minute of Floyd magic. Waters and his 11-piece band and backing vocalists marched onto the stage at around 8.45 p.m. tearing straight into the bombastic The Thin Ice, as a curtain of red light, the crossed hammers and a spotlight recreated images from the motion picture The Wall. Within seconds, some 13,000 fans were in overdrive.

Waters toned down the mood at once for Mother, the second of eight songs he played from the classic album The Wall. The line "Mother should I trust the Government" was greeted with a chorus of boos. The first part of the concert provided a snapshot of the music which turned Pink Floyd into rock icons, with songs like Wish You Were Here blending perfectly with tracks like Set The Controls For The Heart Of The Sun, a throwback to Pink Floyd's psychedelic era.

Size, of course, matters for Waters, with a huge screen erected on stage frequently used to illustrate the songs. During Shine On You Crazy Diamond an image of Pink Floyd founder Syd Barrett was beamed, while Leaving Beirut recalled his own experience with an Arab family. The latter was arguably the least impressive song of the evening though the narrative on screen made up for it. In keeping with his disdain for war, Waters used images and quotes of US President George Bush blended with those of other historical figures, including deposed Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein.

Many agreed that the highlight of the evening was the solo song Perfect Sense, an eight-minute epic that whipped the audience into a wonderful crescendo. The first part of the concert came to a close with the song Sheep from Animals. After a 15-minute interval, a loud heartbeat signalled the introduction of the album The Dark Side Of The Moon, which Waters played clinically, note by note.

Of course, the loudest cheers were reserved for the encore, and a sea of hands welcomed the anthem Another Brick In The Wall. For the final song (Comfortably Numb), huge flames flared up with such intensity from towers at the edge of the stage that the heat was felt across the venue. Those applauding Waters in the end included Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi and former Marillion frontman Fish.

Comfortably Numb Foto: Matthew Mirabelli

Pink Floyd mania hits Malta.

10.07.2006 Times of Malta Herman Grech: All set for today's concert by Roger Waters at the Luxol Grounds. About 13.000 people are expected to sing along to Pink Floyd classics this evening as Roger Waters, the band's former frontman, finally performs here.

The organisers, NnG Promotions, believe the audience at the Luxol Grounds will experience an unprecedented show in terms of stage projections, light and special effects. Fans will certainly not lament the duration of the concert either - it lasts over two and a half hours, in stark contrast to the 90-minute show by Sting last month.

After a slow start to ticket sales, thanks to World Cup fever, there was a surge in the last few days, especially after England got knocked out of the tournament. The VIP tickets were sold out and the first few rows, with each ticket costing Lm90, have been snapped up by diehard fans who wanted to watch the legendary singer up close.

The only damper on the preparations so far has been the weather forecast - with showers and a possible thunderstorm envisaged for today - the organisers cannot believe the sudden change in the weather. NnG Promotions are convinced, however, that the event will be anything but a washout - even if it pours.

Backed by an impeccable band, Roger Waters has been receiving overwhelming reviews for the way he has managed to recreate the magic and atmosphere of Pink Floyd. The set list is peppered with songs which elevated Pink Floyd on the pantheon of rock, including Wish You Were Here, Comfortably Numb, Another Brick In The Wall, Sheep, and Mother. There will be a 15-minute interval before Waters rips through the entire Dark Side of the Moon album, which will be followed by an encore.

Engineer Daniele Tramontani, who designed the shows for bands like Jamiroquai, told a news conference yesterday the sound and light effects have been designed to give the audience the "ultimate Pink Floyd experience". Suffice to say that the projectors are the biggest Malta has ever seen, while one of the screens will span the entire stage. For the second part of the show, the trademark globe screen will come into effect. Speakers line up the entire arena. Gates open at 6 p.m. and Roger Waters is expected to take to the stage at about 8.30. Tickets costing Lm18 and Lm35 will be on sale at the door.

For the first time, Maltese rock fans have been spoilt for choice. Sting and Bob Geldof performed last month and after this evening's performance, Alan Parsons will headline the Malta Jazz Festival.

All set for today's concert by Roger Waters at the Luxol Grounds.