By Mike McKenney, Rock At Night New England Correspondent
Venue: Twin River Casino, Rhode Island
It’s almost 30 yrs ago that the first inception of a tribute band to Pink Floyd came into being, and although their have been many cast changes over the years, this current line-up really resonates with their fan base.
Standing in line before the show, fans were enthusiastically debating and comparing Aussie Floyd to the original band as well as other Pink Floyd tribute bands, and the overall consensus seems to be the 2015 addition of Chris Barnes and Ricky Howard have put this group of talented musicians right up there with some of the best previous incarnations.
Aussie Floyd plays with the surgical precision of Pink Floyd, while allowing their own personality to shine through also. During a Meet and Greet before the show they were all laughing and joking with each other and the fans, and it was apparent while onstage they are having fun and love what they are doing. A tribute to their talent, Aussie Floyd played at Pink Floyd’s David Gilmore, 50th birthday party.
Originals Steve Mac (guitar, vocals) and Jason Sawford (keyboards) were outstanding all night while long time saxophonist Mike Kidson cracked up the audience with his funnyman antics (Money).
Ricky Howard and Colin Wilson (bass, vocals) set the bottom seamlessly for the incredible guitar of David Domminney Fowler. Drummer Paul Bonney channels Nick Mason like no other while the vocals led by Chris Barnes (aided by the perfectly in sync back up ladies) Emily Lynn, Lara Smiles, and Lorelei McBroom, were spot on.
To no ones surprise the setlist contained many of the well known hits from the “Dark Side of the Moon“ and “The Wall”. opening with ”Speak to Me”, “Breathe”, “On the Run”, and Great Gig in the Sky.
Throughout the night they mixed songs with implied political intent “Us and Them”,”’ Brain Damage”, and Run Like Hell, with a killer laser show and a giant bouncing inflatable kangaroo.
Aussie Floyd closed with the trademark “Comfortably Numb”, (featuring a Fowler solo}
Kudos to the Twin River casino for being able to accommodate this complex mix of light and sound without a traditional arena. This casino is expanding, adding a new hotel and we can only hope a nice arena is not far behind to see great bands such as The Australian Pink Floyd Show. Check out casino reviews if you’re looking for a great venue.
Set List
Speak to Me
Breathe
On the Run
Time
The Great Gig in the Sky
Money
Us and Them
Any Colour You Like
Brain Damage
Eclipse
Another Brick in the Wall Part 2
Hey You
Is There Anybody Out There?
Run Like Hell
Wish You Were Here
Encore:
Comfortably Numb
Photo Gallery
Mike McKenney is an award winning professional photographer and current New England Correspondent for Rock At Night magazine.
With his years of experience and passion for Concert Photography, Mike has photographed many of the famous acts in the world today.
Rock Icons such as Sting, Peter Gabriel, Dave Matthews, and Fleetwood Mac along with Country artist Blake Shelton, Kenny Chesney,and Jason Aldean have all appeared before Mike’s camera.
"My goal is always to present the experience truthfully so fans can feel the energy and emotions the Artists convey. It’s a tremendous honor and responsibility to be allowed to create art while blending my two passions, music and photography”
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