Comfortably Numb
I finally saw Pink Floyd's "set" (a whopping 23 minutes) from Live 8 on video and was left with very mixed feelings. It's amazing to see the four of them on stage together after 24 years, especially after the feuding between Gilmour and Waters. Waters happens to be an extremely talented musician and lyricist, but also one of most egotistical, self-serving pricks of all the great bands in the 70s, so I was thrilled that he was finally able to get over himself (even if it's only for Live 8) and play with the band again. He was also quite gracious on stage, saying how great it was to be back with the guys again. Gilmour is the man - one of the great guitarists of all time and a genuinely nice guy - but as post-The Wall Floyd shows anything, it's that these two guys work so much better together. Of course, I'd give Gilmour the edge since Delicate Sounds of Thunder and Division Bell have a few great songs wheras The Final Cut is The Wall without the great music behind it. So yeah, just seeing everyone on the same stage was enough to bring tears to my eyes.
As for the set itself, let me say that I didn't expect them to get up there and play Bike or Careful with that Axe, Eugene, but millions of people were not waiting 24 years to see a grand return consisting of four of their most "radio-worthy" tunes - Breathe, Money, Wish You Were Here, and Comfortably Numb. I understand they're trying to raise money to fight poverty and all, but throw in a Have a Cigar, Dogs, or Shine on You Crazy Diamond (all 3 which I've heard on the radio - the first quite often actually) for the fans. I would imagine they had at least SOME say in what songs they were playing and if they in fact never play live again, this would be a comfortably numb reunion. I have faith that Gilmour, Wright, and Mason will tour again and god-willing come out with a new album, but I have a feeling that Waters returned because it was for a good cause.
Still, no matter how old the guy is, it's pretty fuckin' awesome to see Gilmour play the solo at the end of Comfortably Numb, even if he could play it in his sleep by now.
As for the set itself, let me say that I didn't expect them to get up there and play Bike or Careful with that Axe, Eugene, but millions of people were not waiting 24 years to see a grand return consisting of four of their most "radio-worthy" tunes - Breathe, Money, Wish You Were Here, and Comfortably Numb. I understand they're trying to raise money to fight poverty and all, but throw in a Have a Cigar, Dogs, or Shine on You Crazy Diamond (all 3 which I've heard on the radio - the first quite often actually) for the fans. I would imagine they had at least SOME say in what songs they were playing and if they in fact never play live again, this would be a comfortably numb reunion. I have faith that Gilmour, Wright, and Mason will tour again and god-willing come out with a new album, but I have a feeling that Waters returned because it was for a good cause.
Still, no matter how old the guy is, it's pretty fuckin' awesome to see Gilmour play the solo at the end of Comfortably Numb, even if he could play it in his sleep by now.
posted by Derek at 9:14 PM
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