|
Roger Waters hams it up.
10.02.2007
Perth Now: IF a giant inflatable pink pig with the words "Impeach
Bush Now" scrawled across it's backside made it's way into your backyard
- do not be alarmed.
The pig was merely one in an elaborate series of stage props, used by
Pink Floyd legend Roger Waters. It will not do you harm. It is not a
modern day Trojan Horse or an act of rock n roll terrorism. Or is it?
Led around Member's Equity Stadium by a man in a blood stained butcher's
uniform, weilding a knife, the pig was a source of fascination for most
of the male-dominated audience.
Camera phones were held aloft. Eyes followed the pig wherever it went as
those below tried to decipher the words written on it. "Free At Last"
and "Bring David Hicks Home" were two of the messages the 63 musician
had decided to float around his concert.Having travelled around the
country with Waters as part of his national tour, the enormous pig
finally was set free in Perth and left many wondering exactly where it
was heading.
The pig was one in a series of political statements Waters incorporated
into his live show. Tony Blair's New Labour policies and Blair's
decision to back George W. Bush in the Iraq War, is source of much irk
to Waters and he let it be known.
Still in the end the politics took a back seat to the real purpose or
Waters' visit, which was to perform a concert of his back catalogue,
including a complete run-through of Pink Floyd's seminal album "Dark
Side Of The Moon".
Prior to his performance an ingenuous video backdrop of an old school
radio, which kept being tuned and retuned by a large hand, kept the
fidgeting at bay as crowds queued for what seemed like hours for a beer.
When Waters stepped on stage he was greeted with thunderous applause.
His legend status clearly as strong as ever as far as the Floyd faithful
were concerned.
A ten-piece band and 360-degree Dolby sound system made for an
incredible level and quality of sound as Waters opened with a set of
non-Darkside classics including Wish You Were Here, Mother a fabulous
version of Set The Controls For the Heart Of The Sun and the brilliant
Shine On You Crazy Diamond.
Written for late band member Syd Barrett, who died last year, the song
was accompanied by a moving series of video images of the troubled
Barrett.
The set also featured some of Waters' solo work, including the
cringe-worthy "Leaving Beirut”. Embarrassingly simplistic and badly
written, the song was a dull, hard rock, next to a set of diamonds.
After a twenty minute break, Waters returned with renewed vigour. If
Pink Floyd were known as a rather anonymous band, letting their dazzling
visuals speak for them when performing live, then Waters is claiming
back some of the limelight. He minced, he mimed, he stood side of stage
and lapped up the adoration and he generally seemed to be having a ball.
And there was still visuals and effects aplenty. Besides the inflatable
pig there was an inflatable astronouat, pyrotechnics, psychedelic video
scenes, bubbles, smoke, fire. Indeed as one punter put it: “He’s got
everything.”
The second half was dedicated to “Dark Side Of The Moon”. As with all
good records the 1973 classic is best heard from start to finish, so
Waters obliged.
Breathe, Money, Us and Them. Each song seemed to increase the level of
rapture within the crowd.
By the time Waters said goodnight, all were on their feet begging for
more. Waters obliged returning for an encore that included Another Brick
in the Wall and Comfortably Numb. While many lamented the lack of David
Gilmour on those classic guitar solos, no-one could fault Waters for his
passionate performance.
As the floodlights were switched on there were more than a few who
looked to the sky once more, wondering: “Where is that pig?” That’ll do
pig, that’ll do.
|
Roger Waters in action on Friday night.
Foto: Ians Munro |
