It’s kind of cool when something becomes relevant for the second time around, infusing new energy and a positive light in this lifetime, replacing negative associations of old. David Gilmour accomplished this transformation at his March 24th Hollywood Bowl concert, with the combination of new music from Rattle that Lock and classics like Wish You Were Here and Shine on You Crazy Diamond.
Like many of my contemporaries back in the 70’s and 80’s, I listened to a lot of Pink Floyd music with words like “Your lips move but I can’t hear what you say”. The songs reflected a teenage rebellion and helped me escape from the throngs of a difficult family situation. The music was a coping mechanism.
Fast forward to the present, and I’m watching my husband and son jamming on their Fenders, taking turns soloing on Comfortably Numb. I am delighted to be part of this multi-generational experience, as much as I was at Thursday’s concert, complete with David Crosby as the menacing doc singing, “There is no pain, you are receding.”
While I enjoyed the softer melodies such as 5am, Faces of Stone, and A Boat Lies Waiting from Rattle that Lock−all masterfully performed by Gilmour, with Crosby harmonizing on a couple, I was equally captivated by the assimilation of the venue into the show. For example, a colossal flow of coins was projected onto three giant columns to accompany the thunderous ca-ching sounds in the Money intro. And then there was the mesmerizing laser show á la The Wall during Run Like Hell. The song came to an astounding climax with an eruption of fireworks from the back of the stage; a total surprise that provoked oohs and ahs en masse.
I am especially thankful that my life partner was with me during this magical, musical adventure. Our concert experience began much earlier in the day when, after our six-hour drive from the Bay Area to Los Angeles, we decided to fill gas. A chance meeting resulted in an 80% off tee shirt deal…souvenirs of an amazing show.
