This filmed record of Waters' 2000 U.S. tour was the perfect primer to what one could expect in getting (or rather experiencing) at his concerts nowadays. Having said that, I'm pleased that his Malta show was far more spectacular (with pyrotechnics and inspired video projections galore), not least because he performed "Dark Side Of The Moon" (1973) in its entirety and the overwhelming 13,000-strong crowd response which chanted along each and every song, even the more obscure ones. Admittedly, Pink Floyd - together with The Doors, Eagles and Queen not trailing too far behind - are undoubtedly the most popular band on this island.
Anyway, to get back to that 2000 concert: Waters is in very good spirits and is backed by an extremely capable band (the majority of which was present yesterday as well); he did tend to leave several of the most arduous singing chores to the multi-instrumentalist younger performers by his side (something which, thankfully, he did less of in yesterday's concert). The set is a kind of Pink Floyd "Greatest Hits" touching on every facet of the band's history from their psychedelic roots through their concept-heavy AOR heyday to a couple of Waters solo efforts. I found the fact that Waters and Co. sat down to a game of cards during a lengthy instrumental section in their rendition of the 24-minute "Dogs" quite amusing. Several of these songs were also performed in the Malta set with the notable exception of the latter, although he did include a remarkable rendition of "Sheep" off the same album, "Animals" (1977).
It's a great pity that such a memorable occasion had to have a sad epilogue with the announcement of Syd Barrett's untimely death the very next day; I have to say that I winced when Waters failed to make any mention of his former bandmate during his performance of "Shine On You Crazy Diamond"...could it be he was already aware of his passing?
Anyway, to get back to that 2000 concert: Waters is in very good spirits and is backed by an extremely capable band (the majority of which was present yesterday as well); he did tend to leave several of the most arduous singing chores to the multi-instrumentalist younger performers by his side (something which, thankfully, he did less of in yesterday's concert). The set is a kind of Pink Floyd "Greatest Hits" touching on every facet of the band's history from their psychedelic roots through their concept-heavy AOR heyday to a couple of Waters solo efforts. I found the fact that Waters and Co. sat down to a game of cards during a lengthy instrumental section in their rendition of the 24-minute "Dogs" quite amusing. Several of these songs were also performed in the Malta set with the notable exception of the latter, although he did include a remarkable rendition of "Sheep" off the same album, "Animals" (1977).
It's a great pity that such a memorable occasion had to have a sad epilogue with the announcement of Syd Barrett's untimely death the very next day; I have to say that I winced when Waters failed to make any mention of his former bandmate during his performance of "Shine On You Crazy Diamond"...could it be he was already aware of his passing?