September 09, 2000 The "Roger Waters" concert at the New World Theater (Tinely Park, IL) from Saturday (July 8th, 2000). Van: Jeff Holbrooks Aan: "'ptr@ision.nl'" Datum: donderdag, 20 juli 2000 14:41 Onderwerp: The "Roger Waters" concert at the New World Theater (Tinely Park, IL) from Saturday (July 8th, 2000). <<<<< WATER'S...Or Pink Floyd without the Band? >>>>> Saturday night's weather could not have been more perfect for an outdoor concert. With temperatures reaching into the 80's during the day, the evening's 70's and cool breeze gave the guest at Tinley Parks New World Theater, the perfect conditions for a concert. Roger Water's "In the Flesh" tour was scheduled to start at 8:00 that evening, with no opening band. As I stood in the beer line (to pay $8.00 for a 24 oz. Beer), the main theater speakers announced that Roger Water's would be taken the stage at precisely 8:00. I quickly located my wife and headed up to the lawn to find an open spot to throw down our blanket. As with other classic bands that have withstood the test of time like the Rolling Stones, and The Who, the age gender of the audience varied. The couple that was next to my wife were definitely in there 50's, whereas the group next to me, looked like they were still in high school. The sun was starting to sink when at approximately 8:10, the sounds of "In the Flesh Part II" (The Wall) echoed out of the stage speakers to the delight of all Pink Floyd fans. The verse of "...Pink isn't well, he stayed back at the hotel, And they sent us along as a surrogate band, we're gonna find out where you fans really stand..." started the adrenaline of everyone screaming and cheering for the resurrection of Pink Floyd's ex-lead singer, to be revived. Now with the crowd all on their feet, Waters continued his show with another classic, "Mother" (The Wall). With every sound coming out perfect, just as if someone was playing the CD. At 59, Waters showed the crowd that his talent and charisma was still intacted. His vocals were that of a young Waters, when he was still with Pink Floyd. Water's continued to pump out classic Floyd tunes touching on some of the more famous tunes (Money, Wish You Were Here, Pigs on a Wing, The Final Cut). He then reminded the audience of some of his earlier songs, then started "Astronomy Domain" (Piper at the Gates of Dawn). And keeping to the true Pink Floyd theatrics had the oil and water projection screen behind the band giving it a true early 70's Pink Floyd feel. The show continued for and hour and half with all Pink Floyd tunes. Then Waters announced a small show break that was for 20 minutes (just enough time to utilize the 130-degree public washrooms). I figured the theme of the remaining part of the show would focus on Waters solo albums (Pro's & Con's of Hitch Hiking, Radio K.A.O.S, & Amused to Death). I was amazed to here Waters start the second half of the show with yet another Floyd Classic, Brain Damage (Dark Side of the Moon). Waters finally got to some of his solo years tracks singing "Perfect Sense II" and "Amused to Death" from the Amused to Death Album, 92'. And then got into a couple songs from the "Pro's and Con's of Hitch Hiking" Album. 82'. With the show nearing it's third hour, Roger then gifted the audience with probably one of the most recognized Pink Floyd songs recorded, "Comfortably Numb". Showing the audience, that just like Pink Floyds current lead guitarist, David Gilmore, he too can play electric guitar. And play he did. With him taking the solo, I stood there closing my eyes and pictured Waters, Gilmore, Mason, and Wright all together again. The sound was phenomenal, and the audience was definitely into it. To me, being a Floyd fan for 25 years, I can assure all Floyd fans that missed this show, that minus the three other members of the Pink Floyd band, this was the closest thing possible to a Pink Floyd concert. I guess the only thing that could have topped the night for me, was to hear Waters announce the re-union of all members (including Syd Barrett) then have the them walk out on stage. Knowing the likelihood of this ever happening is extremely grim, I was truly satisfied with the opportunity to see such an amazing man show artist of today, that reaching 50 or even 60 does not mean the end of a career. Filling up venues the size of The New World theater is a feat for anyone, let alone an artist who has been releasing music since the sixties. My review of the show would then have to be a perfect 5 stars out of 5 ( * * * * *) Jeffery T. Holbrooks Eng./CAD System Admin Buss America, Bloomingdale, IL http://www.busscompounding.com/bai.htm http://www.busscompounding.com/index.htm