Forum Theatre, Malvern – 4th February 2024
Reviewed by Courie Amado Juneau
4.5****
The house lights went down, the stage was dimly lit, the large projection sphere lit up with its first interesting video montage and the sound of swirling keyboards (from Rick Benbow) filled the air. Classic Floyd.
The opener “Shine On You Crazy Diamond Parts 1-5 & 7” kicked off proceedings with an emotional hat tip to founding member Syd Barrett. Still sadly missed and greatly loved, this song was their tribute to their long lost friend. It was great to see images of Syd projected up there and another joy was backing vocalist Jo Paterson-Neild wielding not one, but two saxes! An amazing display of musicianship from all concerned and a great way to open a show.
After some rapturous applause we were thrown headlong into solid gold crowd pleaser “Astronomy Domine” from the band’s first album from 1967 – one of Syd’s compositions. What an incredible song and way ahead of its time – no wonder he is such a hero to the likes of Captain Sensible. This is what we wanted and the band were fulfilling our expectations with some fierce, visceral playing of the highest order.
David Power (vocals, bass, Producer and Director, no less) introduced the group and told us that they were concentrating on the Division Bell album as it was its 30th anniversary. Not my favourite era of the band. I can understand why a group having done this show for 17 years would want to mix it up I applaud them for that, but personally, I was over the dark side of the moon when we hit the 70s again with “Money” and “Happiest Days/Another Brick In The Wall, Part 2”.
The second half of the show really took off for me with just one 80s/90s era tune; the rest were absolute killers! The projections really came into their own with “Us and Them” showing images of the poor and homeless contrasted with the filthy rich being particularly powerful images. Also “Brain Damage” opening line “the lunatic is on the grass…” – enter Donald Trump and continuing with images of plenty of the most prominent UK politicians: most amusing and yet (sadly) not. Thought provoking use of tech.
The entire band were spot on, note perfect, faithfully recreating the sounds of Floyd in thrilling fashion – I find their songs translate even better live than on record. All the guitar solos from Mike Bollard and Paul Andrews and the powerhouse drumming from Francesco Borrelli were everything you could expect and want from top class musicians. But, inevitably, it was the vocal display from “The Great Gig In The Sky” by singer Emma Street that stole the show. Wow! What a voice! I had to check the car when I returned to it that the paint was still intact as I feared those searing high notes might have stripped it off and shattered the windows. And I mean that as a compliment – a fearless display that took ones breath away.
The band finished the evening with “Run Like Hell” and next time they announce they’re coming to town I’d advise you to do the same – straight to the box office to secure tickets! Looking forward to their next visit already.