Atlanta..
OK, we had front row seats directly in front of Ian Cattell. We were too close. Seated, the stage was too high to see the back and we were almost behind the main speakers. We heard that the venue moved the front rows closer to add as many floor seats as possible so we were about 6 feet from the stage. There was no security barrier between us and the stage. 10/15 rows back would have been perfect.
The Aussies have pulled off a real feat this time out. The production was absolutely top-notch, lights, lasers, graphics, shirts with the crossed hammers (in the shape of kangaroos of course) on the sleeves, etc. The show started promptly at 8PM and continued until Goodbye Cruel World before taking a 20 minute break.
Back on stage to finish out the album.. Ian playing the part of Pink in his black leather coat and aviator sunglasses really added to the theatrics and was fun to watch. During this half, there was a slightly intoxicated guy walking back and forth in front of us, beer in hand, waving his arms trying to get the crowd on its feet.. Security finally got the situation under control (after a few warnings) and thankfully, we never saw him again.
The encore was (if I remember the order right) SOYCD, GGITS sung by Amy who just blew everybody away, One of These Days, WYWH and Eclipse.
Was the performance perfect? No. There were a few minor musical/vocal brain-farts but nothing really worthy to write about… It’s a live performance, mistakes can and do happen.
The new/fill-in members did a fantastic job. Bobby Harrison nailed his parts, Carl Brunsdon also nailed everything playing not only sax but percussion and bass guitar. Personally, the only minor issue I had, and by no means is this a dig on drummer Aaron Ahmun’s abilities, but I pay pretty close attention to the musicianship. IMO, Aaron just isn’t as familiar with Floyd’s work as the rest of the musicians and perhaps to us diehard fans. The correct way to put it is, to me, he hasn’t had quite enough seat-time playing with the Aussies. Aaron learned the songs but to me lacks the “connection“ the band members get from playing the same songs night after night, month after month, and well, year after year. There were a couple small errors that unless you were paying close attention, you’d never notice. The extended last guitar solo in Comfy Numb has an Aussie flair to it and as such, they are use to playing it the way Paul Bonny does. Still, it was a great performance by all so don‘t think in any way that the show is lacking in musicianship. Also, the roughest song to me was Run Like Hell. There’s a lot of delayed guitar going on and if the timing between musicians isn’t perfect, it can sound a little train-wrecky. I’ve seen the band play it before but this is the only time I can remember it sounding loose.
OK, off my soapbox!
Aftershow was fun as usual. After the “cattle-call” meet and greet was over we went and had a few drinks with the band. It was really good catching up with everybody and it was all over way too soon! Terri and I had such a great time and we can't wait to see them again!
Scott
