COLUMBUS, AUGUST 15TH, SCHOTTENSTEIN ARENA, 8:00 P.M.
by Barry
...the kid from Cleveland...
Before the concert...
Riding to the concert with my girlfriend Kathy made the ride quicker than I ever thought it would be. We listened to selected tracks off of Roger's solo albums that were going to be performed LIVE in front of us that night - made the songs sweeter to hear. I had seen the concert 2 weeks prior at Cleveland and Kathy had not achieved that milestone. Yet.
We arrived at the Schottenstein Arena at 3 P.M. As we pulled up to entrance, I saw only one uniformed worker talking to a lone car ahead of ours and I patiently waited for my turn. I asked when parking was open for the public (which was 5:30 P.M.) and asked if I could drive around the empty lot near the arena. He said, "Sure." I said, "Okay!"
We parked our car in the lot at the back of the arena and saw some fans gathering on a bridge. Leaving the car, we went to meet them. It was Scott Johnston (of "Meet Me In the Flesh website fame, Echoesian), Tim Roth (Echoesian) and Tom (non-Echoesian, but musician all the way).
We talked about the usual... "Did you see Roger come out of the tour bus? What goodies are you sneaking into the arena?" Yadda yadda you know.
Out of the blue, a young man popped out of nowhere and joined us talking amongst ourselves. He had tons of Roger Water and Pink Floyd recordless albums, solo tour programs, and his (young man's) autographed bass.
We talked to him and he was going only to see Waters for autographs, not shows. Man, he knew where Rog was every waking minute during the tour or thought so. He claimed to get 16 autographs in one session with Roger this tour. What is this world coming to? If I had one autograph IN THE FLESH signed by Roger Waters, I would never sell it for any amount of money. The young man left and we shrugged. Time to move on to supper.
Off to eat at the Mexican Restaurant for our Meet Me in the Flesh Preconcert Meeting (thanks again to Scott for his comprehensive, original, and frequently accurate RW MMITF website!!). When we arrived we met Kendra (Echoesian) and Janet (non-Echoesian) at our table. Scott, Tim, and Tom arrived a little later. Then we were joined by more fans from down south of Ohio and we had close to 20 people at a large table for a Roger Waters Fiesta!
After our fun dinner, we all left and headed to the Schottenstein Arena. Kathy and I pulled into a lot and I saw a brand new shiny Ford 150 pickup truck with DSotM pyramid graphic on back with a gold pinstripe ala the green heartbeat line. I briefly talked to the Ohio man and he said he was seeking a patent for it. Said if you do something like that to a car, you need to change it 30 percent or so. It looked awesome to me and Kathy and some other followers in the path.
People were starting to fill the parking lots. Kathy and I were walking around the front of the arena and soaked up the aura of pre-space cadet glow. We entered and had no problems getting in my one (I should have bought more) instant Kodak camera in her purse.
Got in line and picked up myself a tour book. Read the interesting part about the Silent Oceans Day and thought that that was a wonderful and original cause. Anyone else? I was thinking why not the title Silent Waters Day, but that would be not good because I can't picture Roger being quiet for too long, let alone 7 minutes. :^)>
Peeking into the arena itself, we were like little kids getting ready for the biggest Christmas party we would witness. I loved every moment of stepping down each step, moving closer and closer to our 3rd row floor seats. I never sat that close at a concert of that size or bigger before. And they weren't even scalped tickets!!!
We caught up with our friends Maria (Echoesian) and her Mom, Marcella. Maria and I met on Echoes back when Rick Wright's Broken China album came out and we happened to write to each other from that point on. Maria, Marcella, and Kathy had never seen Pink Floyd or Roger Waters perform live and they were excited as we waited and talked to each other.
The music for the preshow was excellent. John Lennon, Don Henley, Porcupine Tree!!!
A real dream to hear Porcupine Tree at a Roger Waters concert. Thanks to Jim Ladd of KLOS to program the preshow music!
The concert starts...
In The Flesh. The band trickles on the stage. My eyes are flipping around for the man and suddenly he appears! He comes out not brooding, but triumphantly to the wailing masses. He stands up there, amongst the non-cattle pen we were in, and commits the Marching Hammers' salute. I mirror him back in all glory and irony. An act I always wanted to do at his solo concert.
The Thin Ice. Another Brick in the Wall, Part 1. The juicy primer for the themes to be explored during the first set. Masterfully performed and ripped through by the fine musicians.
The Happiest Days of Our Lives. Another Brick in the Wall, Part 2. The crowd really picked up on these two songs. Perhaps because it was about a frustrated teacher, his domineering wife, and a bunch of Americans singing "We dun't knead noh, edukashun!!!" I enjoyed it, even being a music teacher, but not frustrated in the least tonite!
Mother. When Roger put his bass down and pulled out his guitar for this song, it was showing Roger's fun and dark side through his singing and lyrics. He made the greatest face during the line "Mother, should I trust the government?" and he shook his head in a Vince McMahon (pardon the WWF, but it helps illustrate my point) way as if he was saying "No way!!!"
Get Your Filthy Hands Off My Desert. Too fast for even being called a song. Loved it anyhow for the sheer quad song effect.
Southampton Dock. It seemed as if Roger took the tempo down as compared to when I saw him in Cleveland. I do like it slower (more like the studio, but a notch faster on the metronome) and being that Pink Floyd never played this song (or album), it was sadly touching for me when I saw the red poppies covering the stage and band.
Pigs on the Wing, Part 1. Roger was smart to keep the setlist the same as far as concluding the 2 Final Cut songs into the Animals tunes was a great segue. I only wished Roger would have played both parts with Snowy's engulfing solo. He was directly in front of where I was sitting and he plays with so much grace and ease it is like his playing is someone's simple act of breathing.
Dogs. This song makes me wish I was a teenager when Animals came out. The jamming, projections, and cardplaying band members made this most memorable to me. Kathy really loved this song and performance, too. Do not forget Jon Carin. He is underestimated in his value and contribution to this tour. No wonder why he played with Pink Floyd for the last 2 tours.
Welcome to the Machine. I could feel the bass, but not as much as I thought it would. It was a funkier, fresher arrangement that I think was an evolution to the original being performed live.
Wish You Were Here. There are no words to express how much meaning this song is to me. It is what I wanted to hear most from Roger going into this concert. It was beyond my expectations.
Shine On You Crazy Diamond, parts I-IV, VI, VII, reprisal of part I. These last two songs fit perfectly together in their sequence. The arrangement of SoYCD is musically solid. The band played brilliantly and the round mirror reflector made me feel like I was in the 1970s. Wonderful emotion throughout on part of Roger and the band.
Intermission...
Breathe. Time. Breathe (Reprise). Great Gig in the Sky (keyboard teaser only, ending where vocals would have begun). Money. Doyle Bramhall islike a Greek patrician out there on that stage. He sang confidently, had a great stage presence, and played his own style and he fit right in. Loved seeing those upside down right handed guitars being played left handed by Doyle!!!
5:06 A.M. (Every Stranger's Eyes). That familiar roaring truck. The waitress. Sounds I wanted to hear being played live since I first listened to the PaCoHH. This was touching and a tribute to Roger's great lyrics and themes. It sounds as beautiful as the words are. Not many songs have that balance.
The Powers That Be. I really enjoyed the new version of this song. I thought it benefitted the keyboard and vocal treatment it needed on a 1999 tour. Perhaps it will get Joe Floyd to purchase the back catalog afterall and realize that Radio KAOS is a great album, despite the criticism of the dreaded *80s* sound label many people love to conveniently (ab)use.
What God Wants, Part 1. Snowy White plays the opening solo 4x slower than Jeff Beck on the studio album. I love both because Jeff Beck is a guitar mutant with chops but Snowy's got the blues in him so much this solo was appropriate for him and the song. Why would Snowy play like Jeff Beck on that solo? Or likewise?
Perfect Sense, Part 1. Perfect Sense, Part 2. Roger really appeared to be enjoying singing these songs from Amused to Death. He was chanting, waving his arms around the air (Syd?), and just plain projecting his ideas to the receptive audience. I know these songs like the back of my hands. I wish the audience knew it more because I am sure Roger would have taken this concert up a notch higher, if possible than already was. Submarine periscope images were best with the audience.
It's A Miracle. "No thoughts to think. No tears to cry. All sucked dry..." Towards the end of the song, Roger walks to stage left and eyes someone in the front row as he is singing. The person throws a white tshirt to Roger. As Roger sings, he opens it, smiles, and shows "It's A Miracle" with a red "NO" sign encircling it. It said something else, but I couldn't read it. Roger was really happy and he walked to the couch and threw it upon it. I took a pic of it, but unfortunately, it was while it was not opened fully.
I wish I had an Echoes (Pink Floyd emailing list for those who do not know) tshirt to throw him!!!!!
Amused to Death. Perfect way to end the ATD set. Images of the monkey watching TV with women were a great complement to the idea of the "Western woman" theme. Great backing vocals, ladies!!!
After Amused to Death, Roger Waters took a moment to tell us that there WAS MAGIC that evening with us. The best thing I could ever hear him say to an audience at any of his concerts.
Brain Damage. Eclipse. I love how Roger plays his bass. He played it like a funky, bluegrass version of Brain Damage. Those two songs were so awesome to hear live especially at the end of the concert. There was an eclipsed moon that hung over the top of the screen when the band left the stage. Audience went nuts waiting for encore.
Encore. Band introductions.
Comfortably Numb. A Roger classic. I finally reached peace with myself as I sang with Roger "in the flesh." I always wanted to sing along especially on this song with Roger. Great closer and both Snowy and Doyle waved their axes round each other on the elevated walkway.
After the concert... Kathy, Maria, and Marcella were thrilled to have gone and had a great concert experience. I had sang every song that concert and felt this ebbing inner harmony within me throughout the whole concert even when it was done. I felt complete.
We went outside to catch a glimpse of our man and the band. It was 11:10 P.M. and we waited on that bridge we were on earlier in the day. I had my cd liners and tour program ready for autographs and we waited. At 11:20 P.M., we saw a new white Cadillac leave the premise with a police escort. I waved to it. I thought it might be Roger. We stuck around until before midnight and we saw the rest of the band get in a minibus. They waved to us fans and got on board and left.
Kathy and I left the arena feeling moved beyond any conventional meaning.
I wish I could have met Roger Waters in the flesh for an autograph, but when I look back at it, I am proud to have been there in Cleveland and Columbus to see him play live at last.
Thanks Roger for playing out in 1999. Keep doing it.
Barry ...the kid from Cleveland...
The venue was newly built in december last year so it was state of the art with incredible acoustics and classy lay out. It was much larger than the other two shows. 5000 and 3500 seats respectively. This was about 4 times as big and was abouut 50 % filled. The crowd itself brought a down home freindly presence to the show. the best of the three shows i was at. My hat goes off to all of you ohio folk! The scene was very laid back and there was no sign of druken, disorderly or unruly fans, all of which I saw at the othe two shows. After a long day of mountain biking, eating, swimming, smoking and drinking, we walked over to the venue on a beautiful early evening summer day and anticipated we would once again be treated to a magical performance.
We found our way to our seats which were located about level with the stage at the back of the venue. I brought my camera along with me this time and was in a perfect spot for some photographs. I would like to submit them to this website so if anyone knows how to send them from 35mm to this page, please let me know.
Roger and his band took stage right on time like usual. I was excited to see this show again, but was afraid id be too critical because it was the third time. The set list was the same as all the others. The energy wasnt as high at first as it had been at the other shows. I think this tour is more suited to a smaller venue, but I was glad to see Roger switch some shows to larger venues to accomodate more fans and maybe cut down some of the ticket scalping that has been happening.
All of the songs were played flawless in the first set. dogs being the highlight. This seems to be the majority opinion for all of the other shows and was for me. I really liked the guitarist's on this tour and dont agree with all of the criticism they've been getting. They played Gilmours soaring guitar passages identical to him, although maybe not quite the same tone. I dont think Roger intended to copy Gilmours style, and if he did, it was as close as you can come to it. Very satisfying. I think Gilmour is an incredible muscician and is as important to Pink Floyd as the other members, but this is a Roger Water's tour, not Pink Floyd. the comparisons are unfair. All of the muscicians were more than well suited to perform on this tour. I dont think the energy was as high in the first set at the previous shows I was at. Probably because of the intamacy of the smaller venues, but it picked up considerably as the show progressed.
Between sets we explored this cavernous venue and it was a neat place to see a show. Carpeted hallways, convenient vending stands, lounge areas and outdoor balconies. The mood was very laid back with alot of what seemed like pleased fans. My only complaint was the men's rooms all had long waiting lines, but they disipated before the 2nd set.
The 2nd set was a whole other animal. it picked up with dsotm material and was played with vengence. the true highlight was the performance of Roger's solo material. I wish he would do a solo material only tour. I missed the radio kaos tour and pros and cons, so I can imagine that those were incredible as well. The material was played better than the two previous shows I had seen, so it made up for the 1st set. I found it hard to believe so many people head for the exits when he plays his solo material. This was just an absolute gem of a performance. The vocals, sound and production were flawless. I dont think people realize the time it takes to set the lighting cues for this tour and it changes from venue to venue. It is a real delight to witness it and anyone who thinks this show was slapped together with no planning is sadly mistaken. This tour is not making money, its braking even if that and Roger deserves recognition for the fact. Speaking of Roger it was nice to see him so animated and freindly. He seems to really be enjoying himself on this tour. He greeted the crowd in the 1st set with a humble "hello", and ended the show by thanking eveyone for making this a magical performance. Thank you Roger!
After the show the crowd exited with various bursts of cheer and applause after witnessing a top notch production of creativity, sight, sound and performance that will not be soon forgot. I only hope we get the chance to see him tour again. we made our way to the Varsity Inn, a local tavern on lane avenue. There were some after concert revelers there and it was a perfect way to socialize and end a blissful weekend with Roger Waters, "in the flesh!"
by Mina
Begic
Sunday, August 15, 1999
Jerome Scottenstein Center
Columbus, Ohio
First I'd like to start off by saying this is not much of a review but more of a personal journal of the concert so if at anytime you are bored and think this is a waste of your time please click, scroll or just look away.
(I could not see Roger Waters and Co. in Chgo or Milwaukee because I had a Wedding Rehearsal Friday night then I was honored by being a bridesmaid the next night.).
I started my journey to Columbus from Chicago, IL on Saturday, August 14th at noon. I picked up my good friend, Fadila, and we were on are way. Fadila knows about 1/8th of the music I know from Pink Floyd and Roger Waters. But she's a trooper and was getting fueled from my pure adrenaline to see this show.
We drive into Columbus about 5.5 hours later without altercations. No scatches, no tickets, no running over a cute little critter, nada. As I got off the highway and reached Olentangy Road I started getting a sick / jittery / anxious feeling over me. I turned to Fadila and said, "It just hit me. Roger Waters is somewhere in this town. He could be in that restaurant over there. He could be in that car over there.". I finally calmed myself down and was humored by the way I felt like a 16 year old girl fainting at the sight at one of the many popular teenage bands today.
I hope you are still with me. Now to the review.
ARENA:
Very clean. Very organized. Very polite people. I didn't feel irritated, mistreated or uncomfortable at all.
STAGE:
The stage was set up in a very neat way. The drums were to the left - the backup singers to the right. There were couches on the stage and it gave a very relaxed and cool feeling.
MY SEATS:
8th row center. I carried my ticket around like it was my pride and joy.
"Good seats, huh?!". I exclaim while waiting for an authorizing tone of approval by one of the ushers.
He said, "Oh! Yeah, your right on the floor".
As we were walking to our seats I became transfixed. I could not believe how close I was. I've never been this close to a band. I stood there in amazement for a while looking at the 'mike' that Roger was going to sing out of less than an hour away. As the venue started getting filled up I noticed a couple of empty seat in the third row. I inquired to one of the Ushers about them and he said at the intermission if there was nobody sitting there and if he didn't "catch" me sneaking to that seat I'm sure I would be able to stand there.
THE SHOW:
This is where I get "all choked up". Believe me I know there are so many more important things to worry about in this world than a concert but it was so much more to me. All the time I drove with Roger Waters / Pink Floyd playing in my car. Listening while doing dishes, cleaning my apartment, having a little party or just sitting back and relaxing. This was coming to life.
I don't know if I was overly worked up and going kinda crazy when they came out but it seemed that the concert goers could have been a little more enthusiastic. Don't get me wrong, there were powerful applauds and screams here and there but I felt like I freaked out some people around me with my passion and enthusiasm of every chord.
Every song from 'In the Flesh' to the song before the Intermission, 'Shine on you crazy Diamonds' were performed flawlessly. They had passion, they had soul, they had guts and they made it look so easy and cool. What talent! Roger started the show very powerfully and theatrically with 'In the Flesh', The Thin Ice and Another Brick Wall. 'Mother' was such a treat. It was very magical. I don't think Southampton Dock was a very popular one for the audience but when Pigs on the Wings came on it enthralled them back into there enthusiastic tone. NOTE: A couple of the other gentlemen in the band sang some parts of some songs and sounded great. It gave the stage a little more variety.
The intermission came and left and next thing you know I'm in third row! The only pisser was I lost my POW-MIA shirt when I went to the bathroom.
I was so close I felt like God was in my corner tonight. Since I was closer I was much more hyped and became one with the music. I was definitely not on any substance other that one beer earlier, yet I had such a euphoric feeling. As I said earlier I was really into the concert and probably freaked people out around me, but now I felt like I was freaking out the band. I was just so incredibly happy that every bone and nerve in my body was screaming, "Yes" that I just let myself go and had no inhibition on someone judging me. It was very revitalizing.
I loved the concert sooooooo much that I am going to see Herr Waters in Indianapolis next week. (Aug. 24, Tues.). This time I don't have to sneak to the 3rd row because I am in the third row! So, if anyone sees a girl giving it her all to the haunting, sexy, tough, intelligent sounds of Roger Waters and Co. don't fret be happy 'cause that's what I will be. Overwhelmingly happy!
by Matt
Roames
The concert was the best damn indoor
concert I have ever been to. Roger hasn't lost any of the passion
he holds for his music, and he was full of energy and style.
The musicians he got to tour with him did a fabulous job as well.The
whole concert sounded perfectly clear and perfectly amazing.
I consider myself very fortunate to be able to see a performance
of this magnitude. Roger rocked the holy hell out of Columbus,
OH last night and I witnessed it all. Seeing the man perform
live was a highpoint in my life. Roger, Im glad you decided to
tour again, and Im even gladder I got to see it.
by Stephan
Baishanski
Went to the show with a few friends.
Two Points:
Point #1.
As a Columbus native, I was embarrassed and very irritated by the behavior of many audience members who were walking around, going to the concession stands, etc during the performance.
To me, it seems obvious that walking around like that during the show is disrespectful towards the performers and towards the other audience members who are trying to appreciate the performance.
I can understand if you need to go to the bathroom, or if you need a drink of water, or if some emergency arises. But can't you wait until after the show before you go stuff your face with another hot dog or pretzel?
I don't think those people realize that their behavior is offensive; perhaps they simply weren't brought up or raised properly.
And shame on those who run the place and decided that the concession stands be kept open during the show!
That's equivalent to encouraging people to talk loudly during a movie.
Point #2.
Remarkably, all that fidgeting and bustling in the rows and aisles was not enough to deter the musicians from giving a great performance.
There were several sections of people who were absorbed in the show from the very beginning, and by the end of the first set, I think, most everyone finally understood that this was something special, and I'm sure concession sales plummeted during the second set.
The second set was incredible. I had never heard any songs from Radio KAOS, or Amused to Death until this show (although I know all of the Pink Floyd albums).
What God Wants is a very intriguing song, I think, and the performance was amazing, and by this time, ALL of the audience seemed to be in tune with the show.
Then they played It All Makes Perfect Sense, and although I didn't catch all the lyrics, what I did hear and see was very moving and I don't think I will forget it.
Before playing "Comfortably Numb," Roger Waters thanked us for bringing "the magic" that he felt was missing when touring in Pink Floyd.
I have a feeling the magic is going to last.
by Phipil@aol.com
Oh my goodness, as a long time Waters/Floyd
fan, the show in Columbus, OH was terrific, no, it was amazing.
First, let me voice my opinion. The concert was at the Schottenstein
Center- where the Ohio State basketball team plays. It was SUPPOSED
to be at Veterans Memorial- the type of small venue Waters wanted
the shows to be at. I am totally pissed that the promoters of
the show try so hard to make an extra buck and compromise the
audience/performer interaction. VOICE your concern to those money
hungry people.
Outside the venue, people were just standing around. I was honestly surprised about the people I saw there. There were many little kids that I was surprised to see since Floyd was way before their years (granted Floyd was before my years too). However, it's great to know that the music of Floyd and Waters is still alive and well. There were also many people scalping tickets. one guy told me he sold third row seats for $125. Tickets were only $40, so I agree with Waters that they are taking the opportunity away from true fans to see the show.
The concert started with "In the Flesh" and from the moment the song started, I knew the concert would be a powerful one. The audience was totally into it and Waters composed himself like the hall of famer that he is.
The stage was set up like a hotel room- there was a lamp, TV, etc. There was a huge screen behind the stage where various pictures from past concerts, art work, and even Waters himself were projected. There was not the complicated light show that Floyd is so well known for. But the lights probably would probably interefere with the music.
Never, have a heard the crowd cheer so loud. It's hard to describe a concert. But if you have the chance to see Waters' "In the Flesh" tour, do it! I drove 2 hours each way, and I had to get up early the next morning. No doubt the $83 for my 2 tickets was tough on a student like me, but it was so worth it. So worth it.
Finally, if you have any pictures from the show, please email me, and I might have some to trade. (phipil@aol.com)
by E2112Rush@aol.com
Well, great show in Columbus Ohio at
the Schottenstein Center - moved from Vets Memorial. I got my
tickets over the phone and drove to the show. The wife and I
really liked the show.
Stage was different, because of no lights above the stage. Crowd about 15,000, 3/4 full and Vets only holds 4,000.
The reason I went to the show was to see songs I know Pink Floyd will not play, plus great playing. Songs like DOGS and Brain Damage. Set list was the same as other shows.
I feel damm lucky Roger came here to play and it's not like he needs the money. People should remember that! GO TO THE SHOW!
by Ross
Slucher
Columbus OH
I recently went to the Roger Waters
"in the flesh" tour in columbus,oh. The venue was the
schottenstein center and it was fairly nice, this was my first
time at an event in the place.The show itself was great, I am
a huge fan of Roger and I was even lucky enough to get to front
stage for machine, diamond,and wish to end the first set. The
crowd was rather small when compared to compacity but it made
for nicer acoustics. I must say I felt alot more energy after
seeing the '94 tour with the rest of the gang. After 12 years
from not touring he still has the fire. WAY TO GO Roger!!!!!!!!!
by Ron
Before the Columbus show we found out
that cameras were permitted. After we had contacted the center
and gone through all the proper channels we were told it was
OK to bring our 35 mm camera. After arriving we were told that
it was not permissible, at this the head supervisor over security
came over and told us it was OK that we could take it in. Later
when we made it to our seats, 4th row center, stage security
gave us even more of a hassle. At this we were told they would
take our camea and film, and escort us out if we used it. After
being told several different stories, first it was OK, then it
was not, we were confused. We found the head of security who
gave us the definition of what "they" consider a "professional"
camera to be.
We were told that as long as it had a lens that was shorter than 6 inches that it was permissible, and the only way they would say anything else to us was if the band members themselves had a problem with it. Apparently they didnt, as we were not harassed any more after that.
I think that anyone taking a camera to any of the Roger shows should be prepared for a security hassle unless you are taking a "fixed lens" camera, leave your 35 mm at home. And for God sake don't take a telephoto lens!
On a side note flashes should be avoided as we could planelly see Roger was not pleased with the audience members using flashes, and I cant say I blame him, thats why we had ours turned off. He glared at one man in front of us when he apparently blinded him with his digital camera. He also avoided eye contact with us when we were shooting, and when we stopped he smiled.
His concert from our point of view was very intament, he treated his audience well, and put on an incredible, energetic show. He was in top form from begining to end, and seemed quite emotional toward the end of the show. A great show from a great performer. Shine on you Crazy Diamond.
Ron
by Jedo
When the tickets had not arrived
by the Friday before the Sunday August 15th show I was panicking
and called to see what the deal was. After being put on hold
for close to an hour I finally talked to a live human and explained
that the show was a three hour drive from my hometown (Madison
In.) and where the !#$% were my tickets? The guy said I was to
pick them up at the ticket office at the show. My two friends
and I make the trek to the show, get the tickets in plenty of
time and kick back and relax. We get in the place and I lead
the way down the steps to the floor section, hand my stub to
the guy seating people and say "where's our seats?"
He points about 25 rows up and on the left side of the stage
next to the seats that aren't sold because there's no view.
At
this point I am ready to strangle someone. I climb back up the
steps to our seats and after talking to the other people around
us find out that they all originally had floor seats. Oddly it
makes me feel a little better knowing I was not the only one
screwed out of my perfect seats. I drink some beer, my blood
pressure slowly drops back down to normal and the show begins.
Although at times the stage lights pointing in our direction
made it hard to see the images on the screen behind the stage,
I have to say that we had an excellent view of the band, the
sound was superb and the fact that I got to see Roger perform
again after 20 odd years (Animals Tour at Freedom Hall in Louisville,
Ky.) made up for the ticket fiasco. I'll let someone else provide
the song by song analysis. I'll just say I loved the visual effects,
I loved the song selections and the dueling lead guitars on Comfortably
Numb just about choked this old geezer up. If you're out there
Roger cheers and don't make it so long between tours.
Five minutes after they went on sale
for Veteran's Memorial Auditorium in Columbus Ohio I had my tickets
confirmed by Ticketmaster. I got them in the mail a week later,
three excellent seats on the floor at a very small venue, I was
happy as happy can be I must say. Two weeks before the show I
get a letter from Ticketmaster saying I need to send them back
for "comparable seats" at Schottenstein Center because
the venue had been changed. Words cannot describe the sense of
dread I felt. Possibly the best seats I've ever scored and now
I'm told to send them back.
p.s. If anybody out there knows where I can get a decent video of the Animals Tour (with the animation that went along with Wish You Were Here, Welcome to the Machine, Shine On etc.) please let me know. It's been so long I can only remember bits and pieces.
by Michelle
Osborne
Review for 8/15/99: Roger Waters "In
the Flesh" LIVE at the Schottenstein's Value City Arena
OSU campus Columbus, Ohio. 8:00 PM
This concert is a MUST SEE for any Roger Waters or Pink Floyd fan! My husband & I (age 24&25) thoroughly enjoyed the entire concert. (My husbands response "Awesome Roger ROCKED the Schott and we were there !" ) Roger played at the new Schottenstein's Arena on the Ohio State campus for a pumped up Columbus crowd. The show started on time. The crowd was responsive and LOUD. There were a few points where the crowd chanted Roger ... Roger ... Roger.... We were sitting on the floor about center court toward the right side of the stage.
This section did not sit the entire
show.. by looking around, the arena, it appeared that most of
the crowd was on it's feet for most the show ! Columbus made
me prowd as I give a great big "Hell Yeah!" to the
crowd, which should have made Roger feel very Welcome... The
concert goers were mixed, all ages and sexes, all styles of dress,
more males than females, but as a female I could care less, I
felt comfortably numb as I enjoyed the show ! I admit I just
started listening to Roger's new stuff recently, and I have to
say it is AWESOME!
I am disappointed that I did not get into
it years ago, but in a perfect sense I am happy because now I
have all this great "new" music to listen too. Roger's
solo stuff is very good live...., all the performers helped add
to the studio sound on his solo songs A+. I can never get enough
Roger, and even though he rocked for nearly 3 hours, I would
certainly love to have heard more. The security was tolerant,
as there were several joints burning around us, as well as out
on the balcony. I had a great evening, and just would like to
say Thank You Roger.
by Lauren
Green
To those of you still waiting to see
Roger, you're definitely in for a treat! The Columbus show was
again proof positive that Waters is in top form and has put together
a superb group of musicians.
This was especially true in light of the fact that apparently the Columbus show was nearly canceled, due to Roger having throat problems. A friend and I learned this from Shottenstein Center personnel shortly after the concert. At any rate, you could not discern any difficulties with Roger, who seemed to have an exuberance for performing that I have not seen him demonstrate in years.
To those of you familiar with the set lists of previous concerts, this show offered up no real surprises in that regard, the list being about identical to what has been played at those shows. However, it was great to hear tracks from "Amused to Death," which sounded great live, particularly "Perfect Sense," during which Roger got the whole arena going in a sing-along which was tremendously moving.
It was also great to hear songs like "Dogs" live, for most of us it was the first time. Doyle Bramhall and Andy Fairweather Low did a more than competent job with the trippy guitar riffs.
The lights and visuals, though not quite of the magnitude one would find at a Gilmour/Floyd show, were still excellent and complemented the songs well. The quadrophonic sound was the best I have ever heard at a concert. Music and sound seemed to emanate from every section of the arena to those in our section (right side of stage, about 8-10 rows from the floor).
There was indeed little to be disappointed with, although some of us had been hoping to hear the title track from "Pros and Cons," which unfortunately has not made it into the setlists. However, Roger and Co. did an excellent job with "Every Stranger's Eyes."
All in all, a most excellent night at the Jerome Shottenstein Center in Columbus, OH. Those of us wanting autographs, however, suffered quite a let down when Roger was wisked away immediately after the show. To my knowledge, this was about the first show in which Roger did not do autographing. But considering his reported throat problems, we're probably quite lucky that the show even went on. Hope you guys at Hershey Park have better luck!
