The Scranton Cultural Center, Scranton, PA.
10-26-10
Set 1
Shine On You Crazy Diamond Parts 1-5
Learning To Fly
High Hopes
Welcome To The Machine
Get Your Filthy Hands Off My Desert
The Fletcher Memorial Home
Pigs 3 Different Ones
One Of These Days
Set 2
Sheep
Time
Breathe Reprise
The Great Gig In The Sky
Keep Talking
Wish You Were Here
Us And Them
Money
The Happiest Days Of Our Lives
Another Brick In The Wall Part 2
Comfortably Numb
Encore
Run Like Hell
A change was certainly in the air this past Tuesday in Scranton, PA.. It was palatable, not only in the performance, but the demeanor onstage and off. Most importantly it was fantastic to see Damian, Gareth, Ola, Jacquie and Emily after 2 1/2 years. Seven shows in 15 months, then that big space between, things have continued to change drastically. I've been well aware as they transpired, but to finally see the band in it's current configuration was a bit of starting over. No Jason, no Paul and because of when I met the band, no Jamie, probably the only thing left wanting for me personally. Bobby is a great player, he's subtle, technical and emotive onstage, I'm just a Jamie fan. I really enjoyed Aaran's energy behind the kit, not as if Paul ever lacked in that area or any area really, but Aaran reminds me of our drummer in Childhood's End. A bit heavier, a bit more thunderous, I like that in concert. Of course Gareth at the f.o.h. console accounts for the overall sweetness and as always he was brilliant, thanks again for the setlist, it'll join all of the others in my Aussie memorabilia and reviews. Subbing for new dad Rob is Rick Benbow on keys, his vast experience evident as he breezed through the sets with a huge smile on his face. Another overall treat there, lots of smiles and interaction onstage, part of the evolution after the Contractual Obligation Tour finishes. Carl was spot on perfect, his feel for the songs never fails to please the ear when he has a horn in his hands. Now, the familiar...
The ladies were stunning as always, all due respect to other combinations I've seen, but this is the one! The voices blend so well in unison, solo they raise the crowd to their feet as if on command. Damian still runs the ship from center stage, his readings of Gilmour's lines define a box he's created over 17 years. He owns it, holds it, circles around, then back through it. It's his and his alone, the benchmark for every other tribute guitarist, magnificent is not enough. Ian has grown so much in five years with the band. He's truly found his voice, it's stronger, more sure, more confident when he takes the reigns to drive. Fantastic to behold, because in an instant, they're my friends, sharing a beer and a laugh, not pretentious rock stars, just really great human beings, I love that!
The pending new year brings the big change and everyone will adjust and move on. I hope in my heart of hearts it can pass with as much ease as possible for all involved. Well, maybe not ALL! I'm excited for my friends and their new endeavor, I really can't wait to see what Bryan and the production team comes up with because the band is already off to a great start. Thanks as always for your hospitality both pre and post show, I truly appreciate and cherish our friendships. Cheers Gang!!
