2006 North America
Tour Reviews

Four things stood out for me during the show. First, during the opening of Perfect Sense, a floating astronaut traveled above the lower seats to many peoples surprise.

Second was the graphic novel displayed behind the band during Leaving Beirut. This chronicled Rogers story of his trip when he was 18, the hospitality extended to him by the Lebanese family, and it also presented the lyrics of the song. The artwork of a young Roger, and the mood created by the comic book graphics was exceptional. This conveyed the emotion of gratitude to the family that took him in, the sadness of what is currently going on in that region, and Rogers disagreement with the powers that be. I heard cheers of agreement during the refrain "That Texas education must have fucked you up when you were very small", and I did not hear any booing from the lawn. Some people I think where taken aback by the overt message Roger had.

Then, the Pig! Tonight the pig had graffiti spray painted on it, and one of the messages was "Don't be led to the slaughter, Vote Democratic Nov. 2". There were other messages, but I cannot recall them. The release of the pig was followed with a talented spotlight operator, because he kept it illuminated until it was only a dot in the sky. Pigs Do Fly! I have to wonder where it came down.

Lastly, the whole evening was dominated by a moon that was only a day from being a full moon. During Eclipse, I repeatedly looked to the moon in the sky, invoking similar glances up from those around me. It complimented the images that were being shown on the videos.

I can't say I had much appreciation for whomever was directing the video feed to the monitors for the crowd. Not being able to see the stage, I would have liked to see more of the performers. I didn't know Snowy was on stage until DSOTM! Thank heavens they showed PP Arnold during Great Gig in the Sky. She hit it perfectly!

Once again, I'm grateful to have had the chance to see Roger and his band!

After a first set that would have been a wonderful concert in and of itself, Waters said, "Ok, we're going to take a 15 minute break and then come back and play Dark Side of the Moon." Oh my God! Dark Side was played as if it had been written yesterday. How the hell does an album I've been listening to for about 30 years get performed as if it were a new work; pertinent to today's world?

The sound? Ridiculous. No matter where you were it sounded like the best home stereo you ever heard in a nice small room. I've been going to shows since '76, and I have NEVER heard a sound system like that - even in someone's house!

I was walking out and this 20-ish year old guy looked at me and said, "Have you ever seen a show better than that?" I literally stopped and realized, No. I haven't.

There are few shows I've seen in my life that I recommend as highly as this one. It is epic.

Someone asked me what I can compare it to? Nothing. It was a truly unique concert experience. Keep in mind, I am NOT a big Pink Floyd fan. Waters takes what I always considered gloomy music and makes it absolutely uplifting. Every song, every note is caressed out to you. This is a flawless, emotional rendition of a timeless body of music. It is some of the most important music ever played live. Your life will be better having seen it.

"Are these the people we should bomb / are we so sure they mean us harm?"
Oh George! Oh George!
That Texas education must have fucked you up when you were very small...
America, America, please hear us when we call
You got hip-hop, be-bop, hustle and bustle
You got Atticus Finch
You got Jane Russell
You got freedom of speech
You got great beaches, wildernesses and malls
Don't let the might, the Christian right, fuck it all up
For you and the rest of the world"

Here is my commercial costs just to go see Roger from my home:
round trip airfare tampa florida to providence rhode island.........$143.00
tickets to concert.................................................$93.50
seeing roger waters live with my best friend.....PRICELESS!!!!!!!!!!

The only pic I got from the concert was of the Pig! ;o)

Next he played "Sheep" from Animals which was excellent. We hoped for a flying pig & we got what we asked for with a little more... The pig was being led around by a guy in a butcher outfit and spray painted on one side of the pig was "Stop the slaughter, Vote Democratic Nov 2nd" and under the pigs tail was "Impeach Bush" Right On!!!!

After the 15 min intermission they came back to play Dark Side of the moon which was awesome! It was like listening to the album with a few extras here & there. A big "wow" to Katie Kissoon, the woman who does the solo in "Great Gig In the Sky" it gave me chills - excellent!

The encore was 5 songs from The Wall finishing with Comfortably Numb. The whole crowd was singing along & you could barely hear the band at times!

All in all, the vocals were studio quality and the music enveloped you with the huge surround sound system. The concert wasn't so much about the stage show as the music and the experience, although the fireworks/sparklers & flames on stage were great and the bubbles, confetti and flying astronaut and pig were fun too. This was an excellent concert that I truly enjoyed!

I always respected the fact Rog put his feelings about war, politics, and religion into his music and interviews not into his stage show. I choose to like his music although I do not always agree with his politics or beliefs. Well, he let me down with this show!!! I was truly upset with the pig and it's graffiti. I do not think a concert is the forum for his politics. He just entered the same class as Madonna, Pearl Jam, Bruce Springstien, The Dixie Chicks and others.

Rog, I went to listen to your great music and see an awesome show as I know you can put on. You let me down as well as many others. I even booed you. I hope you reconsider doing this again because more people than you think were offended. Oh yeah there was the self proclaimed biggest Roger Waters fan that cheered the pig but didn't even know the songs from the Final Cut or Amused to Death were he had never heard them. If those are the fans you want to attract God Bless You.

If you do tour again please consider playing more of your solo stuff and music from the Final Cut and The Pros and Cons two of my all time favorites and leave the politics out.

Well thanks for giving me the outlet for sharing my feelings. I hope things change and I can continue to enjoy your music.
Long time fan
Russ