The violent/sexual imagery of the flowers seen in the film was shown during "Empty Spaces." Pink begins his isolation as he sings, "I feel one of my turns coming on." The keyboards created a haunting sound as Pink implores the Wife puppet to "don't leave me now." No longer able to stand his life, he decides to put up the wall, which is completed when the final piece is inserted as Waters sang the last goodbye in "Goodbye, Cruel World." It's an imposing structure and during intermission pictures of people killed in conflict, some of which were submitted by fans through Facebook, appear upon it.
"Hey You" began the second half of the show with only a blank wall for the audience to see. "Is There Anybody Out There?" continued the idea though bricks were briefly removed to show the guitar solo. A chunk of the wall came down looking like a hotel room mock-up. When Waters sang, "I got thirteen channels of shit on the TV to choose from" line, though archaic, it got a huge reaction out of the crowd.
The war theme was evoked again. During "Vera" images of children reunited with returning parents were shown. It segued into the military march of "Bring the Boys Back Home" with Dwight D. Eisenhower's 1953 speech to the American Society of Newspaper Editors about the detrimental effects of war quoted on the wall.
Doing their best to follow David Gilmour's brilliant work, Robbie Wyckoff and Dave Kilminster appeared on top of the wall playing guitar during "Comfortably Numb." Waters hit the wall during its conclusion and the image turned into a psychedelic burst of colors and pills.
The entire band, now dressed in black and wearing marching hammer patches that evoked a Nazi armband, finally made their way in front of the wall. "In the Flesh," no longer a question, revisited the opening number and a black inflatable pig buzzed around the crowd. Pink has almost given up when he's "Waiting for the Worms," which can be seen filling the video screen. Waters sang into a bullhorn as Pink's lyrics become disturbing and racist.
Article comments
1 - Greg Barbrick
Sounds like a fantastic show Bicho. Who knew Waters still had something this powerful in him? I actually always thought the album was a bit over rated, but your review made the concert sound like a must.
Great job.
2 - Glen Boyd
I was always more of an "Animals" guy when it comes to Waters and Floyd...mostly because The Wall was so overplayed on radio. But I also admit the latter has grown on me over the years.
Much as I love Gilmour though, there's no doubt Floyd were never the same without Waters. I couldn't afford the tix in Seattle this time around, but maybe next year...(after I've made my millions as an author, and of course, assuming there even is a next year)...
In the meantime, your review will have to serve as the next best thing. Nicely done Bicho.
-Glen
3 - El Bicho
Thanks for taking the time to read it, gentleman. There are some very good images of the show at Wikipedia under "The Wall Live (concert tour)" to compliment my review.
Definitely get your hands on the DVD if/when it comes out next year. I have seen every tour since Radio KAOS, and while they are always a/v extravaganzas, this even topped U2's "Achtung, Baby".
And who knows? He might bring it back around again in the fall after his European dates.
4 - El Bicho
Well, BG, presuming you really want to know, I believe the North American tour just wrapped up in Mexico. After some time off, Waters will tour Europe in 2011, and hopes to take it to other locations after that.
5 - El Bicho
Waters is bringing back what may be an even bigger version of the show next summer. I'll am likely going to either the Dodgers or Angels Stadium show. See you there
6 - El Bicho
Going to see this at LA Coliseum tonight. Anyone else gonna be there