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From: Bob Flesher
The concert started about 8:15pm (not 8:00 Sharp as noted). From the beginning,
you knew you were in for a night to remember. It began with several old PF
favorites, In The Flesh, Mother and Set the Controls, before launching in to a
jaunt through three Wish You Were Here classics: Shine On You Crazy Diamond, Have
a Cigar and of course, Wish You Were Here. Several other great PF songs along
with a few of Roger's own filled out the first set ending with an amazing version
of Sheep that was visually stunning and included the infamous flying pink pig.
Be prepared for some political commentary but if you know RW or PF, then you
won't be shocked. That's what an artist is supposed to do, entertain and yet
invoke debate and thought.
After the break, Dark Side began non-stop through to the last note. If you
didn't cry through parts of this, you're not alive. The music was perfect, the
monster screen was the clearest I have every witnessed and the visuals
complimented the music to a tee. Most people don't know this but Roger brings
his own speaker system with him, suspends it from the ceiling and the experience
is truly 3D or surround sound. You are enveloped by sounds, noises and music
like you've never been before. During On The Run, when it's mostly
instrumental, you feel the sounds and the final explosion at the end pounds on
your chest. You are in that explosion!
The encores include Another Brick In the Wall Pt. 2 (which is so in your face) and a version of
Comfortably Numb that is spectacular. Throughout the show, the guitar solos are
stellar, but the two leads go back and forth on this song to make it something
really special.
The whole concert was an audio and visual assault on the senses. It was more
than a concert, it was a performance that will not be outdone, and I was happy to
be there.
800 miles driven in 30 hours, $120 in gas plus hotel and food. I'd do it again
next week if I could. Don't miss out. Thanks to Roger for the best 2.5 hours
I will ever spend.
My 17 yr old daughter and I attended the Roger Waters show in Atlanta. What a
show! We're both huge Pink Floyd fans, so this event was a must see! We drove
400 plus miles each way just to attend. The crowd was a buzz before the show
and even though this was our first RW concert, I imagine most are like this.
Everyone in the crowd was a friend, perfect strangers would just strike up
conversations about their favorite Pink Floyd experience or memory.
Thanks for listening, and if you have a way to get this message to him, I truly
believe he would want to hear it.
I have read some reviews that disagreed with the imagery of drugs, I disagree with the interpretation. I didn't come away with any message of tuning out via substances. As far as the political views, I think we are all ok with seeing any performer that expresses a viewpoint that is like our own, but once that artist inserts something that strays from our own ideals then we become angry. I am sure if Roger had expressed political views much like that of the earlier reviewer, those comments never would have been made. I enjoyed Roger's message and yes I agree with him, not because I am a follower, but because I think for myself and obviously he does too. Roger showed me a few things in Atlanta last night, that he is a freethinker, an artist, a great showman, and an awesome musician.
Thank you Roger Waters for a birthday gift I will never forget.
(Begin Rant) Like others have mentioned, I could have done without the anti-Bush message. I have never voted for him and look forward to his term to ending. That being said, I don't need someone coming to my country, taking my money and shoving his personal political views down my throat. I paid to see a concert (End Rant).
I decided not to let it
ruin my night and focused on the music. The music was superb. The
solo stuff minimal and they played mostly Pink Floyd songs. If there
was a second night, I would go again.
Roger, I used to be the biggest Waters/Floyd fan in the world. I went to the show
in Atlanta last night and couldn't believe what I saw. I knew you weren't a
fan of our republican leadership but I had no idea the concert was going to
be about America bashing. I will never give another red cent to anything you
have to do with. I will never wear another Pink Floyd or Waters T-shirt. I
will never even listen to another song by Waters/Floyd. My mission in life
is to find ways to discredit or harm anything, anyway the causes of the
senile old washed out fart. If anybody should know what pacifism causes it
should be your bed wetting self. The Arab family that you talked about in
the song should have cut your head off then we would not have to be exposed
to your America hating views. I am going to piss on Sid's grave just to
piss you off. You need to keep your socialist views over in Europe where
they belong. I hope you realize what you have done and how stupid you are
to be such a talented musician. I think you are washed up and over the hill
and need just to go on the Fletcher Home for idiots and assholes. Well I
have to go now so I can burn all my Floyd/Waters crap. I hope you rot in
hell.
Upset fan,
Vincent P. Nestor ,Pres.
Nestor Enterprises,Inc.
770/410-9356 ph.
770/410-9609 fax
866/410-9356 toll free
770/855-6388 cell
www.GeorgiaLighting.net
Freedom. Do not take it for granted.
Tony Blair said it best for the reason why he believes so much in America:
"A simple way to take measure of a country is to look at how many want in... and
how many want out."
Only two defining forces have ever offered to die for you:
1. Jesus Christ
2. The American G. I.
One died for your soul, the other for your freedom.
Politics aside.
Great! Great! Show.
Thank-you, Thank-you, Thank-you Roger for such a great show!!
Well, the answers were a bit yes on all fronts! The music was stellar - if anything, a bit tighter and cleaner sound than the old days. Solid performances from everyone involved - great female lead vocals delivering on the key songs, great guitar playing to emulate the old solos, solid Gilmour sub vocals, enthusiastic playing from everyone - definitely not just going through the motions. And Roger seemed to be thoroughly enjoying himself even in his own laid back way at times. He was very emotional and passionate at times, and at other times seemed to just enjoy roaming the stage and soaking in the crowd on songs where he was just playing bass. The visuals were really good (ignoring the politics factor, more on that in a moment).
The underlying transition visuals during the non-Dark Side parts of the show were creative and overall the entire set of visuals were colorful and interesting without too much heavy stoner factor. The overall use of the super big visual screen with two side screens showing the performers worked really well in my view. The Dark Side visuals were excellent in a restrained way - again, not as "out there" as one might expect, but almost a bit more mature to align with Roger's advancing age (although the guy appears in great shape!)
The political part was disappointing if you are not a strong anti-Bush anti-war person. It is his show and his right to express his views, but of course if you are not a hard-core left person it is easy to almost find his stuff a bit silly given the simplistic nature of some of his messaging. The Leaving Beirut song actually has a great message in some ways because of the personal experience he had with an Arab family - but then of course he mixes in the over the top lyrics that veer off into kindergarten level insults. The Impeach Bush floating pig (with a few other choice slogans), again, just almost a bit comical in its lack of subtlety, but obviously if you share his views, then you will find it great I'm sure. He did get about a 50/50 mix of boos and cheers at the end of Leaving Beirut, but otherwise the red state portion of the crowd let it ride... obviously one guesses that this show played to a much more positive reaction in Europe.
My final thought was that I was actually pleased that Roger has this setlist
tightly packed - definitely plenty of solo time and you never feel rushed in the
instrumental parts, but the show was done in under 3 hours with plenty of room to
spare (did not literally start music til about 15-20 min after the start time,
but the video graphics start up earlier)... to me as a non-purist, it was a great
performance of all of the great songs without belaboring the point, and so I
liked how he arranged the lengths and transitions.
The first few songs were great, but the remainder of the concert was horrible and I cannot believe I paid to see this man spout his religious beliefs and politically banter. It is appalling to me that people pay to see someone sing and end up listening to someone preach their beliefs.
My $220 dollars spent were stolen from me. I am going to dispute this charge on my credit card and refuse to pay. I cannot say this enough - I did not pay Roger Waters so he could condemn this great nation; I paid so I could hear him sing.
The tears rolling down my face last night were not tears of joy or tears following this mans misguided plight. They were tears of betrayal, tears of anguish that someone could hate this country so much and profit from his warped beliefs.
It should be unlawful for someone to sell tickets to a concert and then use the stage as a politically platform. What happened to the days of going to a concert and listening to an artist sing?
Roger Waters is not someone to look up to or someone to get religious or political advice from. He is merely a musical artist and THAT is it. People who use their publicity to flaunt their personal opinion should be ashamed.
If I asked Roger Waters is opinion then fine, but I do not appreciate him using the
stage for his opinion. What a blind sided attack - Particularly when I can't respond!
Tell me up front that you are going to give a political message. Then I'll choose
whether to attend or not. I would have not attended that is for sure.
As far as the political message, I think Roger let the music speak for its self and politics. Except the Pig... it had its own agenda... But I came for the music, not the Pig...
In my opinion, I got Roger's point about politics and war up to the point of the showering of pills late in Dark Side and the dude that appears to be checking out with self medication. Seems like a 180 degree turn on the message of being politically aware and taking a stand and not tuning out.
Thanks for the music!
Roger Waters is NOT an AMERICAN and has no right, or place to criticize the President of the United States while a VISITOR to this country. Further, his bullcrap line about poor Lebonese is absolute nonsense. He blames us?.. Guess again.. I suggest that you and Roger and all the other Palestinian sympathizers continue to help them put forth their nearly Islamic Fascist ways.. hope you like Allah!.. by the way.. they likely will make you toss out all that pink Floyd music you morons.
Wanna blame for the suffering in Lebanon.. how about Hammas, Hezbolleh.
So you are aware, I have called for a meeting of the United Jewish Congress to announce a boycott of Roger Waters for his one sided and clearly anti-American, and one sided views. I plan to make a speech in a temple this week discussing exactly that.
As for the Impeach Bush Pink Pig- what a crock of horse pukky.. We
Americans will deal with our president. We do not need, or appreciate
some 1960s left over from England meddling in our affairs.
I did feel Roger was in great form. His vocals were fine and I doubt he did much better back in their heyday. As for the political part of the show. Well, that Leaving Beirut song is pretty lame. Musically and lyrically it's not all that impressive. And the pink pig with the scrawled anti-Bush messages was kind of funny. A bit childish. But I can't believe a couple of the other posted reviews where people were so angry. Man, talk about needing to grow a backbone. I voted for Bush twice and wasn't bothered at all by the pig or message. Is anyone really that surprised that a band started in the late 60's that dealt with drugs and psychedelica would have a rebellious streak?
I enjoyed the night and am glad I went. Arena shows usually leave me cold and
while this was not the best concert I've ever seen it was plenty good. Worth the
ticket.
As for the politics of the show - any real follower of Roger's solo work and some of Pink Floyd's records knows that Roger is very anti-war as his dad was killed in WWII. The Wall, The Final Cut, Radio Kaos and Amused to Death are all political records and he has talked about Reagan, Thatcher, the Bushes, Stalin etc. and how they along with Saddam belong in the Fletcher Memorial Home for Tyrants and Kings. Also Roger believes all religions divide us and are a source of conflict in the world. I thank God that there is now a full fledged movement out there that says the same thing that religions are designed to keep us as stupid and obedient as Sheep! Three of the Republican Presidential candidates admit that they do not believe in evolution. How many do not believe in gravity? How many believe in Santa Claus? I for one am proud and very happy that Roger shares his political views and I wish more artists would do so. I hope the message gets through to more people and gets them involved in ending this war in Iraq and battling the nefarious influence of organized religion!
Roger was really into the crowd and judging by the multiple standing ovations 90% agreed with his message and 9% were just amazed by the show. You could see that Roger was moved and he said "What a great audience, thank you Atlanta," several times. There probably were 1% who walked out and who will now burn their Pink Floyd records (I've read other reviews like this) because he is anti-Bush. Too bad suckers - he will use your ticket money to promote peace or maybe to just buy more Dixie Chicks records! LOL.
Dissent is the highest form of Patriotism!
How many times are we going to hear idiots say Roger hates America or the Democrats hate America because we hate the Bush Administration and what they have done to this country and the world. We support the troops by wanting them to come home. We love America. If you support the occupation of Iraq and support Bush YOU are AGAINST the troops. And Roger says it in the song: He loves America and wants us to strive to be better. He is crying out for us to recognize our potential and warns us to not let Bush and Christian Right, Fuck it all up for you (the U.S.) and the rest of the world!
It was my third time seeing this show and I am going again in Vegas. I would go to every one of them if I could... I never get tired of hearing the most awesome song writer and band in the world!
Thank you Roger!
I also wanted to address the Comfortably Numb comments from above: I do not think you get that message at all (that all this war is OK and just get stoned and forget it). In fact in 2000 the encore was a new song called Each Small Candle which was about people standing up for what is right and the common bonds of humanity... a much more political and positive ending which was after Comfortably Numb. This time, before Comfortably Numb he plays Bring the Boys Back Home from The Wall and it clearly says Support the troops, bring them home!
I know what the reviewer above is saying however because it is true that the song Comfortably Numb shows a guy getting stoned and wasted on the screen. Because this guy (Pink) has issues with his wife and mother, and he is so famous and feeling disconnected from his audience, he succumbs to the evils of the drugs. He lives out a fantasy of being a dictator. But Roger has talked about this before (listen to his commentary on The Wall DVD) and he had years of therapy to help him deal with the death of his father as well as for other issues. He does not do drugs and probably has not for years... except for wine and beer. He certainly knows what the drugs did to Syd (Wish you were here you Crazy Diamond).
I think the fact that Numb is the encore and the last song is because it is probably the most popular Pink Floyd song and a great song to see live as an encore... and just like Cocaine by Eric Clapton and other songs - people think these songs are pro-drug but they are really anti drug. I think Rogers message is get politically involved and do not get so wasted you disconnect from reality... rather get help for your psychological problems and then stand up for humanity and realize that we are all people with the same hopes and dreams for love and peace. He also wants to say that Bush and Blair (and other politicians) are criminals and should be impeached and that we should vote and get involved in ending their reign of power for good! It is a message to get involved! I will agree that Each Small Candle, The Tide is Turning, or Every Strangers Eyes could have ended the show on a more positive note but I'd be happy no matter what he played! I would have loved to hear the new songs To Kill the Child or Hello, I love you maybe next time! Keep writing and recording Roger you are a beacon of light in the darkness of the American soul!
REG Member
Mitch Stillman
Albuquerque, NM
I personally don't feel that he was bashing America - I actually made a comment to my wife that surely even the fiercely entrenched conservative could see the humanitarian message that Waters was putting out there... it was powerful on a human level - not a political one.
Anyway... that's the fourth time I've seen him and the best - his band
is top flight with luminaries Andy Fairweather Lowe and Snowy White... just an
excellent, inspiring and very satisfying experience. Thanks Roger.
For my son Kyle's 16th birthday... I took him, his best friend Locklan, his younger brother Dakota and I to see Roger in Atlanta, Georgia on Tuesday May 22...
I'm still not fully grounded yet!!! We drove the old 86 Lincoln from Milton, Florida (small little country town) to (crazy ass city) Atlanta. I'd do again in a heart beat!!!
Everything was so above and beyond what any of us could have expected. The security was helpful and polite (which is quite the opposite from what we're used to in this area!)... All the other concert goers around us were very friendly and talkative... We loved how the stage and the background screen where set up... genius! We all enjoyed how he spoke so passionately from his heart about the concerns worldwide... of peace... of the Bush bullshit... of his life experiences...
THE WHOLE BAND shows how amazing each one is ...how all of us coming together make beautiful music!!! The lady who sang her solo... The great gig in the sky.....The Gods and Goddess's couldn't have blessed her with a more perfect voice!!! His lead guitarist... absolutly AMAZING !!!!! Keyboard and drums....outstanding! What ever team put together what went on the back drop screen... that was absolutely mind blowing!!!!!!!!
Roger Waters... I know he doesn't get to read this... but if he ever did... I would say to you... a whole hearted - Thank You!!!! I've seen many bands throughout my life..... this experience was truly the best. To look over at my boys with constant smiles on their faces... singing their hearts out... jamming hard... appreciating every drop of sweat you gave... and telling me over and over all the way home... that they'd never forget this... that this was one of the top best things they ever experienced... and their thank you's... you made it soooooooooooooo worth while. And I must say.... I have watched and listened to countless artists from the past... who had hits in the past... and try to do now... what they did then... they sound and look old and tired... worn out... Roger... you gorgeous piece of eye candy... you absolutely amazing musical man... you are such an incredible gift to humanity!!! Keep going! If you ever need a mini break and feel like pitchin a tent along Black Water River in N.W. Florida... I'll bring the fishing poles for catchin some fresh fish and an iron skillet to cook them up in!!!
I truly hope I (we) get another opportunity in this life time to get to another on of your concerts. I Know from here... your going north... then west... then back east... then home. How exciting!
***TO ALL THE ROGER WATERS FANS**** Scrap together your change... if you ever
have a chance to go see and experience him (them)... GO!!!
****To Roger... and your amazingly harmonious band... MANY BLESSINGS OF PEACE,
LOVE, GREAT HEALTH AND HAPPINESS TO YOU AND YOUR RELATIONS... ARE WISHED TO
YOU... FOREVER!!!!
peace,
Mamabear
I am probably a Pig or at least a Dog in Roger's eyes, but I love his stuff.
Always will. The whole evening was great. Top three shows ever in my view.
The only downer to the concert to me was having to read or hear about his political viewpoints. I am not saying I either agree or disagree with them, I am just saying that I was not there to hear about his political views. Frankly, I could care less what his political views were. What I am saying is that was not the platform to air them. I am sure there are some that would disagree with me but there is a time and a place for everything and that was not the time nor was it the place to air his political opinions. I was not there for that. I was there for the entertainment.
His music,
on the other hand, was very entertaining. I have always enjoyed his music and I always will. The concert
was a blast.
I was diaspointed at the feedback by some of those in attendance. Who did you
think you were going to see? C'mon Georgia!ÊI guess the reconstruction is still
a work in progress.
Unlike a lot of people posting these reviews... I believe in free speech and freedom of expression. So I post all reviews, positive or negative, to further the public discourse and communications by which a free society is based. It's only through the dissent and communication of conflicting and controversial ideas that a people learn and grow and are free.
So I've read these many opinions, and posted them all... now here's mine:
It's hard for me to believe that people that have been Pink Floyd fans, let alone Roger Waters fans can be surprised by political overtones in Roger's concerts given his writing or beliefs.
Throughout the history of Pink Floyd and Roger's solo work, his songs have been riddled with politics. In fact during their heyday, it was because of the political content of the songs of Pink Floyd, that their songs became the anthems of the youth and aniti-war movement during the '70s.
It's because of the political and social content of Roger's songs that Pink Floyd became legend! Therefore, I'm constantly dumbfounded when people begin foaming at the mouth and become indignant when they are presented by Roger's politics!
It amazes me how apparently conservative republicans can continually hail our democracy and freedom until someone opens their mouth to politically disagree with their view. Whatever happened to I may not agree with what you say... but will fight to the death for your right to say it...?
These are the kind of people who espouse freedom, but are willing to sacrifice it for security. They wave the flag and proselytize liberty until someone uses their freedom of speech to disagree with them. True fascist behavior!
...let freedom reign... until they say something you don't agree with and then kill their fucking commie asses... That's the spirit... true American patriots... and it's because of so many people like this in America... that we deserve the fascist despot that occupies the white house.
So, please excuse Roger for spoiling your "entertainment" and having the nerve to force people to think about trivial events, such as 10 more US soldiers dying today in an illegal war, and the invasion by the US of another country that never attacked us, or heaven forbid being reminded that our civil liberties are being destroyed right before our very eyes and nobody seems to care or do anything about it. After all, Hitler did away with habeas corpus, why can't Bush? And who cares if the government violates the constitution by illegally wiretapping millions of Americans without a court warrant. Who needs their privacy to be protected. After all, if you're not a terrorist, what have you got to be afraid of? And if Hitler and Stalin can indefinitely imprison anyone they accuse of terrorism without any proof or charging them with any crime, without recourse to legal counsel, and then at some point try them in front of a secret military tribunal... well then Bush sure has the right to do the same thing. I mean what's good enough for other's is good enough for us right? God Bless America!! Now lets all bow our heads in prayer for our beloved president.
How dare Roger provoke thoughts about issues that might be unpleasant. I know thinking sometimes can be such a downer and can really destroy the cheering smiles and uncaring bliss that entertainment can bring. Thinking deep thoughts about important political and social issues can also be so taxing to ones brains.
For the many who wrote reviews but were devout fans and who've loved Roger's music so much, yet bashed Roger's right to free speech... it's a pity they've never listened to the words... I guess they went in one ear and out the other... oh well... no sense interrupting the flow of synapses about more mundane and entertaining events.
Perhaps Roger should have written songs about Angela Jo Lee going back into rehab, or whether K-Fed will get back with Brittany... or maybe a whole damn album based on Anna Nicole Smith's life. I know... he should come out with an album about inconsequential super models and TV personalities and perform the songs on American Idol... yeah... then everyone could be entertained and no one would have to think. Or maybe these so called fans should read the words in Roger's song "Sheep" and then look in the mirror.
Michael Simone
President of REG
The International Roger Waters Fan Club
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