Roger Waters World Tour 2007
Northern Hemisphere
Tour Reviews

Roger and the band played very well and the setlist was the same as previous shows on this 2007 tour. So I won't do a review of the individual songs and how they were performed. Simply put, they were all performed very, very well.

I again heard no booing during Leaving Beirut. The Milwaukee crowd cheered the song pretty loudly at the end. This surprised me a bit, albeit pleasantly, because I perceive Milwaukee to be a conservative city when it comes to opinions on foreign policy. But maybe this crowd was made up of knowlegable fans who were tuned into Roger's world view. In any case, it was nice to again hear the song get a good reception.

The crowd was very large, over 20,000 and was very loud with its applause for the whole show. Even the lesser known tunes (lesser known to the casual fans anyway) like Perfect Sense, Southhampton Dock and Fletcher Memorial Home got pretty good responses from the crowd.

This concert completely sold out a few months ago, including lawn seating, and the crowd was quite worked up and eager when Roger and the band started the show. It seems like Roger has conquered the midwest this year, based on what I heard in Milwaukee and St. Paul, and based on what I read of the Omaha show. The Milwaukee crowd was at a fever pitch when the band began In the Flesh.

I should point out that this concert took place as part of Summerfest, an 11 day Milwaukee music festival held at a festival ground on the shore of Lake Michigan. There are several smaller music stages within the grounds, and the Marcus Amphitheater is located at the south end of the grounds. Much of Roger's audience had probably come to Summerfest earlier in the day to hear other music and was in a very festive mood when Roger's show started.

What struck me during this show and the St. Paul show, was how much Roger engaged the crowd as he roamed the stage during instrumental portions of songs. He often mouthed thank you's to those near the stage, smiled and gestured towards the crowd. He appeared very content and comfortable in front of the large audience. He also smiled often at the frequent and deafening applause. Roger came across as comfortable in the role of triumphant rock star.

This is a contrast to descriptions I have read of Roger's stage demeanor during his days with Pink Floyd. These descriptions made Roger seem like a performer who did not like demonstrative crowds. David Gilmour once described Roger as the bass player who stomped around the stage with a scowl. Maybe Roger has simply come to accept the nature of large rock audiences. In any case, he looked like he was having a great time on stage. He truly appreciated the crowd.

Another great show. Those with tickets to any of the remaining shows on the tour are in for a treat.

Rick Wimmer
Milwaukee

It was very refreshing to see how he has connected so many diverse historical dots to form a very human, global point of view through his collective body of work. It seems that an overwelming and reoccurring theme is "Those who do not study history are bound to repeat it." Roger's musical references and imagery through his songs seem to bear this idea out.

I was particularly moved by "Leaving Beruit" in which people of diverse cultures, religions and backgrounds become bound together through gestures of kindness for someone lost, alone and in need, far away from home. When a bond like this happens, we can more clearly appreciate our simple, basic humanity and shared commonality with our fellow citizens of the world. Perhaps Roger is showing us that Peace happens one person at a time.

In any case, I'd much rather listen to rantings of a gifted artist over a stark raving politician any day. Besides that, I've never, ever seen any politician with more incredible special effects and light show than what Roger had going on around him during his show in Milwaukee. I laughed out loud when Roger's crew unleashed and released the flying pig into the skies over Wisconsin at the conclusion of a stunning rendition of Sheep. Good thing that the prevailing winds were out of the south so the Pig on the Wing didn't end upon the killing floor at Patrick Cudahy!

The Dark Side set was filled with several interesting new twists and bends. The touch of surround effects that I've come to know and love over the years were augmented by some pretty powerful SFX especially during On the Run. The extended roto-toms solo on the Time intro were a real kick. The female vocalists were stunning in every note they raised from the bottom of their souls to the Great Gig in the Sky. The bit of a train wreck coming out of a beautiful Us & Them (nice vocals from Jon Caren) going into Any Colour. Nice recovery, too, with Roger, Dave & Snowy crossed-eyed and laughing as they pulled it out of the fire and headed for the Brain-Damaged Eclipse. The union of 30,000 voices joining those coming from the stage made for one holy choir.

Roger honored us with a more than generous encore where he featured his engaging, physical theatrics along with his note worthy band. It was especially wonderful to hear Andy Fairweather-Low step out of his utility role as multi-instrumentalist to let rip with some passionate leads and tears.

Just an observation from this self-confessed Gilmour guitar Lover; it didn't surprise me in the least that it took three very talented guitarists to fill the shoes of one. Don't get me wrong, I saw Snowy play Roger's Wall show back in 1990 in Berlin. And Andy's been a long time favorite. I've seen him perform with Eric Clapton several times and also with Pete Townshend along with Jon Caren. I have always admired Dave Kilminster's right-handed guitar playing even though he's left-handed. This is the same way I approach my guitar playing. My point is that as much as each of these very gifted musicians try to emulate the spirit of David Gilmour's original guitar performances, none of them come even close to David Gilmour'ssoulful and passionate guitar mastery. There is only one David Gilmour. That said, I enjoyed every note that they squeezed out!

It was beautiful to see Roger return to the stage at the conclusion of his performance. His humbled contentment was obvious to all of us in the audience as he walked from one end of the stage to the other while making and embracing a cross with his arms over his heart as a sign of acknowledgement and gratefulness to his devoted fans. This was one standing ovation that was deeply earned and deserved.

So... what if Roger called Dave, and he emailed Rick, and Rick text-messaged Nicky, while Nicky was at Rogers having tea and scones.... Breathe....

Best - Jonathon Leubner, Wauwatosa, Wisconsin

Indoor was better with the lights and DSOM prism laser. However, there were too many damn posts that were part of this venue. They even blocked the view of some of the good seats. Though the sound was fantastic. Unfortunately however, there were a lot more drunk people, plus ones stoned out of their gourd, due to there being a rather large all day festival on the same grounds.

What to say? Pink Floyd is the greatest band ever. The music gives you the chills & the lyrics make you really think. If you are a true Floyd fan you have to see any incarnation that pulls off the replication of the greatest music ever. Roger truly succeeds. I could care less to hear Time, Money, Have a Cigar, Wish You Were Here. These songs have been played to death on the radio a zillion times. But to see the guitarist nail the solo note for note in Have A Cigar, and to hit note for note the sax solo in Money, is just artistry of the highest kind. Money was played tonight the best I have ever heard anyone play it live. These songs were very enjoyable again.

My favorites were Mother, Vera, Bring The Boys Back Home (Anything from The Wall is my favorite). Is there a better concert anthem shout along then Another Brick In The Wall Part 2? Sheep is definitely one of the best and the pig floating away in the night sky was a KILLER way to end a set. Great Gig In The Sky & Us & Them just brought up so much emotion. The two noise interruptions during On The Run, freaked the shit out of many in the crowd. Perfect Sense & Leaving Beirut were very poignant.

I couldn't agree more. FUCK THE CHRISTIAN RIGHT!!!! It truly is amazing that in this century and time, with all our knowledge, that religion is still such a force in this world. One that only divides & destroys us. Truly blind faith. Have faith in your fellow man, family, friend, neighbor, not some imaginary force.

I doubt that Roger will be back, but I can only hope a DVD will come out to review this great tour. Thanks Pink.

Mike T.
La Grange, IL

For those who have commented on Rogers politics, you have not listened to Floyd as he has always been firm in his stance. I have always been a Gilmour fanatic until seeing Roger solo. It is so apparent that he is the genius behind the bands music. The band was just fantastic, truly, and Dave Kilminster on guitar was awesome, as was Ian Ritchie on sax!

Definitely worth seeing, regardless of the price. I had cheap seats and wish that I had paid more to be closer. My philosophy was not to be too close as I was afraid that I would not see some of the lighting effects. The way Roger staged the show, front row would have been awesome. In other words, get the best (most expensive) seats you can. You will NOT be disappointed.

Floyd lives
Jim

I gotta tell ya... that was some kick ass shit. People were crying during Dark Side of the Moon from the emotional connection. Unbelievable!

I'm still deaf in one ear after the long version of "Sheep" from Animals... fringing great! I thought the David Gilmour show was an epiphany! I only wish I had a buzz like I normally have... Imagine that!

I was amazed at the sound quality and Quad effect. I was at the United Center, indoors, and this show sounded better from where I was sitting.

Snowy White played his best: highlights Mother/Set the Controls... I also loved the extended solo on Set the Controls... with Sax & Keys going up and back. Honestly, every song was played excellent.

This tour has been like a childhood dream come true. I always wanted to see the DSOM performed live and this show was the most honest version one could hope for.

Sure, I would love to see the original Floyd play together, but Waters showed the world that he can produce great music on his own. This is the best group of musicians he has played with since Floyd, let's see a new album and tour again.

Roger Waters is the greatest bass player in the world. Don't take my word for... open your ears to the message and music.

Please make a DVD of this tour!!!!

I took my 17 year old son and 19 year old daughter to the show and they both cant stop talking about it, and neither can I.

What a truly magical evening for all who attended. Thanks Roger. Please please make a DVD from the tour.