Concert Review
Roger Waters
First Niagara Center
Buffalo, NY
June 21, 2012
Review By: Mike Stein
Photos By: Joseph Suto
The Roger Waters show was incredible, larger than life, a timeless masterpiece that emanates with emotion. It was the kind of performance that happens once in a lifetime. The Wall, Pink Floyd’s 1980 double album release is an anti-war time concept album that infuses Waters personal demons of tyrannical school teachers and an overbearing mother while secluding himself mentally from the outside world. Hence the construction of “The Wall”. The rock opera culminates into a spiraling hallucination where Rogers’ alter ego “Pink” is put on trial and forced to tear down the wall. David Gilmour and Waters along with drummer Nick Mason remain the surviving members of Pink Floyd.. Rumors still circulate of an impending reunion although David Gilmour denies these claims, even though the band reunited in 2005 for the Live 8 performance. With that lone exception however, since 1994 no one have performed under the Pink Floyd name.
Even at the ripe old age of 68, Waters delivers. Vocally he sounds every bit as good as he did in 1975. Waters backing band performed with thundering sonic perfection, even the guitar solo from “Comfortably Numb” was flawless. There was a slew of guest performers including Waters son Harry who has performed with his dad since 2002. David Kilminster is Waters first choice on guitar and rightfully so as he and guitarist G.E. Smith kept things intact. Backing vocals were also stellar, performed by the Lennon family from the group Venice. Gimour’s vocal parts were sung by Robbie Wyckoff. It is also rumored that this Tour could be Waters last, in hindsight this show was one of greatest experiences of my entire life two thumbs way-up!
Set List
The Wall in its entirety
Special Thanks to Tracey Mancini for her help in obtaining the photo pass
