tributehub

At the risk of alienating everyone on this board I feel compelled to address something that has really been nagging at me.  Everyone must by now have the same sense as I that the band and show that has been such a highlight for me year after year is under attack.

While no one is willing to confirm it it obvious to me that the band are under a "cease and desist" order around using any props that are commonly associated with the theatrical aspects of the original band.  No Lasers, inflatables, PF like animations, costumes, or any "Pulse" arch screens.  The round projection screen must not be exclusive to Pink Floyd or that too would have have been affected I suspect.

If this is true it is very concerning because as much as the music is note for note, the appeal of the band has always been the integration of these theatrical aspects into the musical performance that have lent an authenticity that no other tribute band anywhere covering any band/performer can match.

I know in the end it's all about business and dollars or pounds but it's a shame that it appears we are going to be deprived of the complete TAPFS experience going forward.

I pray I'm wrong but I sure have a BAD VIBE about this.  I can understand and respect  the original band wanting to protect their creative and intellectual property but it seems with "The Wall" tour and production TAPFS had reached a level where they could no longer be ignored and down came the big pink hammer.

Someone please tell me I'm wrong and that I'm wandering down the path of black helicopters, Roswell, and other crazy conspiracies and my concerns are not based in reality and the show as we know it will be back. 

 

           

You are putting 2 and 2 together and coming up with 5. There are many reasons for the show you get in different venues. To say the band is "under attack" is extreme and untrue.

There are royalty issues connected with performing entire works with the use of props and roles. The royalties due then become those associated with a theatrical performance, rather than those for simply playing the songs, so it would add considerably to the price of a ticket.

As for lasers and other effects, the factors that determine what you get are to do with local venue/health and safety rules, venue size and financial constraints.

The band turn up at each venue with the same stuff on the trucks, and use as much as appropriate for the stage size.

This year, the financial pressure on the tour has been immense because of the economic climate. Local promoters have simply not been willing to take the same financial risk as other years, so less shows and some smaller venues. It's a temporary situation that should be resolved by this time next year.

The band is not "under attack", and there are no "cease and desist" orders. This is a very big show for a relatively small ticket price, and nobody is making a fortune out of it. They put as much into each tour as is financially viable and always deliver one of the best live shows in the world today, as the reviews so far are confirming.

A very informative response Nick, thanks for that. And believe me detective, you are not alienating anyone by asking that question 

Very nicely put Nick and hopefully it should put your mind at rest Detective?

Having been a moderately long-time supporter of the band (and I'm a newbie compared to many here!), I can say that the show does differ from venue to venue and you soon realise why, when you see a lot of shows. It is as Nick says down to many factors that govern the venue and what the promoters and local rules allow and ultimately there is cost to be considered.

Unfortunately without this knowledge or understanding, people go to a show and expect to see the exact same thing that people have described at other shows, that may have been at larger venues, with differing financial arrangements or agreements. They are then confused about why some elements may differ. The inflatables are large and not many venues have room, lasers are often not permitted in some venues.

I for one have never felt the band is 'under attack' and I have been a keen follower for a few years now. I personally am confident they will continue to provide some of the best live acts available, for as long as they choose to do so. 

I reckon the loyal faithful here would agree with that too?

There is to my knowledge no big pink hammer and your fears are totally unfounded. So fear not fellow floydian, the black helicopters are not out to get you just yet 

Yep, a reasonable question alright, one I'm sure many more are asking outwith this forum.
TAPFS is such a well known name now, and with that comes expectations.
I, amongst many others, will talk up the show to those who haven't seen it yet, and by God if there was lasers during Run Like Hell 5 years ago, people will expect lasers this time too. And reasonably so.
Nick's laid out the possible combination of reasons why things may have changed this year & I doubt anyone could argue with him. Personally, I'd be disappointed if the band played the same venues but with a lesser show, but if they're playing smaller halls it kinda goes without saying that something has to give.

On a slight aside - didn't the band actually donate some stage gear to TAPFS? Or am i confusing that with our lads hiring some ex Floyd crew?

If I'm not mistaken, isn't the Pig they use one of the same ones that were featured in the 1994 Pulse Tour?