The lights in the arena dim and before any music, we get a public service announcement; ‘If you’re one of those ‘I love Pink Floyd but I can’t stand Roger’s politics’ people, then you might do well to fuck off to the bar,” – of course no one moved!
Then the music to Rogers 2020 version of Comfortably Numb starts, with the accompanying video being played on the big screen. It’s impossible not to be reminded of the dark days of covid watching the video, but going to a Roger Waters show isn’t just going to another gig. He requires the audience to think!
Roger very quickly addresses the recent Nazi controversy, he is currently under investigation in Germany for wearing a ‘Nazi – like’ costume ‘I’ve worn that leather coat for 40 fucking years’ he spits! ‘They’re trying to cancel me, like they cancelled Jeremy Corbyn and Julian Assange! I will not be cancelled, I’m fighting back’
I must admit, I didn’t know what to expect from this show, but what followed was a near three hours of musical perfection, tbat all came with a very sobering message. Roger Waters is fighting the same fight now, that he was fighting 40 years ago when he wrote The Wall.
The visuals on the huge screens were amazing, haunting at some points, showing innocent people being gunned down in ‘warzones’ – a video leaked to the worlds media by Julian Assange.
But what about the music? The band were on fire, Dave Kilminster on guitar is a great choice, and vocalist and second guitarist Jonathan Wilson is amazing! Roger himself has a fine set of pipes, and can belt with the best of them! ‘Wish You Were Here’ and ‘Shine on You Crazy Diamond’ particular highlights of the first half! I have to mention Dave Kilminsters solo in ‘Have a Cigar’ too, it sounded absolutely divine!
The stage is in the centre and the performers are working in the round and Roger doesn’t neglect anyone. Despite the gig being in a huge arena, it felt strangely personal and intimate.
A very thought provoking ’Sheep’ brings the first half to a close, and accompanying the Orwellian song the flying sheep makes an in air lap of the stadium. ‘Pigs’ opens the second half and a pig, adorned with slogans that further Rogers cause makes another lap. Again, it certainly makes you think. The slogans in question, in case anyone had any doubts:
“Take From The Poor, Give To The Rich” and on the other side “Fuck The Poor”!
‘Money’ follows, sung by Jonathan Wilson and then ‘Us and Them’ follows which just gave me chills. ‘Brain Damage’ rolls into ‘Eclipse’ and as Eclipse is played, the rainbow colours form on the screens above.
The band bring the show to a close in the most wonderful way. An emotional Roger thanks everyone for coming, and dedicates the final song ‘The Bar’ to his brother, his wife and lastly thanks Bob Dylan as he nicked six words from one of his songs! The band gather around the piano, toast us the audience and then play ‘The Bar’ before exiting the arena still singing and playing. As Roger arrives in the dressing room he sings the final note and the arena goes dark.
What a night. This was my first time seeing Roger Waters and it was a spectacular show. I left questioning the ways of the world, having my eyes opened to the injustices that the rest of the world face, that here in the U.K. we are quite often oblivious to. Musically, Roger and the band were on top form and I heard life long Floyd fans leaving saying that it was the best they’d ever seen him. All in all, an amazing night.
