REVIEW
BRIT FLOYD
The World's Greatest Pink Floyd Show
40 Years of The Wall
Cliffs Pavilion, Southend-on-Sea
Wednesday 13th March 2019
BRIT FLOYD
The World's Greatest Pink Floyd Show
40 Years of The Wall
Cliffs Pavilion, Southend-on-Sea
Wednesday 13th March 2019
My first Pink Floyd album was Ummaguma, released in 1969, which in its time was considered a masterpiece, although not so well received these days. However, the music from this band improved to such a degree, by 1973 Dark Side of the Moon was born. It is still my favourite album of all time. After Wish You Were Here and Animals along came The Wall, their 11th album.
At the Cliffs Pavilion show on 13th March, Brit Floyd who allegedly claim, they are the world's greatest Pink Floyd Tribute show, were celebrating 40 years since the release of this legendary album. The band originated in 2011, when Damien Darlington left the acclaimed Australian Pink Floyd Show. To a virtually full house, the band consisting of nine members, entered the stage which was set on a number of different levels. With a large circular cinema screen behind them, which portrayed the animated effects of past Pink Floyd characters and albums, the powerful music began with the opening of The Wall album. It was immediately evident that this was going to be superb evening. The light show, moving lights and lasers all around the pavilion were sensational. Here we were listening to nine accomplished musicians playing music that we have loved over the last 40 or 50 years. Playing not only classics from the featured album such as, In The Flesh, The Thin Ice and of course the title track part one and two, but tracks from Dark side of the Moon, such as The Great Gig in the Sky. To be honest this was one of the highlights of a very entertaining evening for which the talented female singer got a standing ovation.
Fearless from the Meddle album was also played. Us and Them, followed with some quality saxophone work. Finally ending the first half of the show the Animals album was featured, to a very responsive audience.
If there is one small criticism, I was finding on occasions that I was looking at the circular screen more than the band, who seemed to be in the shadows for much of the time; but the most annoying irritation was how many weak bladders there were in the audience. Continual movement of people having to stand up to let others pass.
The second half continued with the same quality. To be honest it could have been Pink Floyd playing. We returned back to The Wall. A theatrical element was to be far more prominent throughout the rest of the evening - Ian Cattell sitting in a mock hotel room singing and with spot lights flashing, lasers all around, you then realise, how much work has gone into this spectacular production. Classic tracks such as Wish You Were Here, Shine On You Crazy Diamond and One Of These Days followed - I was in heaven. Could it get any better?
The answer is yes. I consider the best track on The Wall album to be Comfortably Numb and that guitar solo at the end played by Damien, I will remember for the rest of my days. The lighting on him playing was nothing short of brilliance.
The technical side of this show is certainly outstanding. The band left the stage to a standing ovation, with the audience wanting more. They returned to rapturous applause and finished up The Wall tribute in such a theatrical style it ruined the atmosphere they had worked so hard to achieve throughout the night. I found the ending very disappointing. I understand what they were trying to do but when the crowd is in such high spirits the encore should be a lively classic favourite.
Overall, a fantastic evening where we were entertained by not only the nine musicians on stage but the whole technical and lighting team.
These are all very talented people and I would have no hesitation in recommending anyone to see this show.
At the Cliffs Pavilion show on 13th March, Brit Floyd who allegedly claim, they are the world's greatest Pink Floyd Tribute show, were celebrating 40 years since the release of this legendary album. The band originated in 2011, when Damien Darlington left the acclaimed Australian Pink Floyd Show. To a virtually full house, the band consisting of nine members, entered the stage which was set on a number of different levels. With a large circular cinema screen behind them, which portrayed the animated effects of past Pink Floyd characters and albums, the powerful music began with the opening of The Wall album. It was immediately evident that this was going to be superb evening. The light show, moving lights and lasers all around the pavilion were sensational. Here we were listening to nine accomplished musicians playing music that we have loved over the last 40 or 50 years. Playing not only classics from the featured album such as, In The Flesh, The Thin Ice and of course the title track part one and two, but tracks from Dark side of the Moon, such as The Great Gig in the Sky. To be honest this was one of the highlights of a very entertaining evening for which the talented female singer got a standing ovation.
Fearless from the Meddle album was also played. Us and Them, followed with some quality saxophone work. Finally ending the first half of the show the Animals album was featured, to a very responsive audience.
If there is one small criticism, I was finding on occasions that I was looking at the circular screen more than the band, who seemed to be in the shadows for much of the time; but the most annoying irritation was how many weak bladders there were in the audience. Continual movement of people having to stand up to let others pass.
The second half continued with the same quality. To be honest it could have been Pink Floyd playing. We returned back to The Wall. A theatrical element was to be far more prominent throughout the rest of the evening - Ian Cattell sitting in a mock hotel room singing and with spot lights flashing, lasers all around, you then realise, how much work has gone into this spectacular production. Classic tracks such as Wish You Were Here, Shine On You Crazy Diamond and One Of These Days followed - I was in heaven. Could it get any better?
The answer is yes. I consider the best track on The Wall album to be Comfortably Numb and that guitar solo at the end played by Damien, I will remember for the rest of my days. The lighting on him playing was nothing short of brilliance.
The technical side of this show is certainly outstanding. The band left the stage to a standing ovation, with the audience wanting more. They returned to rapturous applause and finished up The Wall tribute in such a theatrical style it ruined the atmosphere they had worked so hard to achieve throughout the night. I found the ending very disappointing. I understand what they were trying to do but when the crowd is in such high spirits the encore should be a lively classic favourite.
Overall, a fantastic evening where we were entertained by not only the nine musicians on stage but the whole technical and lighting team.
These are all very talented people and I would have no hesitation in recommending anyone to see this show.
Review: Eric Gabbitas
Check out our photos of the Cliffs Pavilion, Southend show from our fab photographer, Clarissa Debenham/Film Free Photography
All images below are the exclusive property of Southend Theatre Scene and Film Free Photography by Clarissa Debenham and may not be reproduced, copied, stored, downloaded or altered in any way without permission. If you are interested in Clarissa's photography please get in touch by clicking the above link.
All images below are the exclusive property of Southend Theatre Scene and Film Free Photography by Clarissa Debenham and may not be reproduced, copied, stored, downloaded or altered in any way without permission. If you are interested in Clarissa's photography please get in touch by clicking the above link.
‘The perfect rock show’ - LA Times
'Magnificent… a musical masterpiece’ - Ticketmaster
'Magnificent… a musical masterpiece’ - Ticketmaster
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Tour Dates
Fri 15 Mar Manchester Bridgewater Hall
Sat 16 Mar Gateshead The Sage
Sun 17 Mar Glasgow Royal Concert Hall
Mon 18 Mar Aberdeen Music Hall
Sat 16 Mar Gateshead The Sage
Sun 17 Mar Glasgow Royal Concert Hall
Mon 18 Mar Aberdeen Music Hall