By Mike McKenney, Rock At Night New England
Two Concerts Live Review: Brit Floyd – Hanover Theatre, Worcester, Massachusetts (March 20, 2022) and The Vets, Providence, Rhode Island (April 13, 2022)
One of the last concerts I covered before the pandemic shut things down was Brit Floyd. So when I heard they would be coming to New England, in an attempt to fill my “Floyd Void”, I knew I had to see them twice!
First up was the Worcester show at the beautiful Hanover Theatre. The Hanover is unique blend of the old and the new. Featuring 32 chandeliers (one of which, the grand chandelier, has been hanging in the building since 1926), and new state-of-the-art technology. It is with that new technology that allows Brit Floyd to make full use of their new multi-million dollar light show.
From a background of graphics played on the massive circular screen, to the lasers that dance over the heads of the audience, Brit Floyd creates a total immersion of spectacular color that compliments the music with perfect precision.
Opening with “Cluster One”, “Learning to Fly” and my personal favorite “High Hopes”, the sound was perfect. The band nailed it as they performed all the songs note-for-note. An incredible vocal performance of “The Great Gig in the Sky” by Eva Avila highlighted the first set of the show.
After a quick twenty minute intermission, fans were treated with a 22 minute “Echoes”, written 50 years ago and played to perfection. “The Final Cut” was followed by the mysteriously haunting “Set The Controls for the Heart of the Sun”.
The crowd, totally into “Money” and “Wish You Were Here”, could no longer stay in their seats when “Comfortably Numb” finished the second set.
A two song encore of “One Slip” and of course “Run Like Hell” (with the amazing light show accompaniment) completed the night.
After waiting a few weeks I was more than ready to see Brit Floyd again. This time the concert would be at The Vets in Providence, a venue where I have seen Brit Floyd many times. I knew from experience this show would be special and Brit Floyd did not disappoint.
Performing the same setlist gave me the opportunity to really concentrate on the individual efforts of each band member and admire the extreme talents they each possess. A perfect example is Edo Scordo.
It’s easy to see Edo is master guitarist, (he has to be to play with this band) but this show it was his vocals that blew me away. Conversely, Ian Cottell is a great vocalist that played the hell out of the Chapman Stick. Musical Director, multi-instrumentalist, and vocalist, Damian Darlington does it all and never ceases to amaze.
Seeing Brit Floyd twice within a few weeks apart, highlighted the consistency and dedication this great band performs with, all the while keeping the timeless music of Pink Floyd alive!
As the U.S. leg of the Brit Floyd World Tour 2022 continues, be sure to grab a ticket to a show or two!
PHOTO GALLERY
Setlist:
Cluster One
Learning to Fly
High Hopes
Welcome to the Machine
A New Machine, Part 1
Terminal Frost
Time
The Great Gig in the Sky
Poles Apart
Another Brick in the Wall, Part 2
One of These Days
Set 2:
Echoes
The Final Cut
Set the Controls for the Heart of the Sun
Money
Wish You Were Here
Shine On You Crazy Diamond (Parts VI-VII)
Comfortably Numb
Encore:
One Slip
Run Like Hell
SOCIAL MEDIA
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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