•
Rating: Legend, myth, extraordinary guitarist endowed with an exquisite voice, and finally, icon of a group that has made rock music history.
This is David Gilmour.
A musician like few others capable of astonishing and delivering some of the most intense emotions. The album "On an island" (which I will review in a future post) is truly magnificent, and it ensured that the good David planned a world tour to support his latest endeavor. Fortunately, this world tour also touched Italy. Indeed, he performed for two consecutive evenings at the Teatro degli Arcimboldi in Milan.
A truly wonderful setting for what, in my opinion, has been and will be the musical event of the year. The theater, luxurious in its magnificence, is also equipped with splendid acoustics, ideal for savoring the concert at its best. Comfortably seated in our chairs, we patiently waited for the performance to start, thrilled. The stage, truly enormous yet bare and essential, was presented with the various instruments of the band.
At nine o'clock sharp, the lights go out, and a roar accompanies the entrance of Sir Gilmour. Armed with the faithful Stratocaster, he plucks the strings for a majestic intro, where the guitar notes stand out in the unreal, admiring silence of the entire theater. An intro that flows into the beautiful "On an island", the title track and one of the best pieces from our artist's latest record. A wonderful song, with a crystalline melody and typically Floydian atmospheres, where David's guitar takes the reins, with a liquid and clear solo, truly spine-tingling.
He is supported by a cohesive and technically excellent band, highlighting the presence of former Floyd Richard Wright on keyboards and Hammond. Joining him are Phil Manzanera on guitar and vocals, Guy Pratt on bass, Steve DiStanislao on drums, John Carin on keyboards, and Dick Parry on saxophones.
David announces that the concert will be divided into two parts, and in the first, he will perform his entire latest album right after the band starts "The blue". A song played on the melody and sung in unison by all band members. Among the best moments of the first part are undoubtedly "This heaven", a beautiful blues song with fine work from the good David on slide, and the wonderful "Then I close my eyes". But the entire first part was engaging and magical, testifying to the excellent craftsmanship of the guitarist's latest studio work. At this point, the band leaves the stage. Worth mentioning is the ovation that accompanied the band's introduction, particularly for Richard Wright, visibly moved by the warmth and affection.
After a short break of about twenty minutes, the lights dim again. David's figure is seen on stage, and shortly after, the first notes of "Shine on your crazy diamonds" echo throughout the theater. It is the apotheosis, it feels like going back in time, an emotion that words can barely express. Wright's liquid Hammond accompanies the leader's guitar, exploding in the band's choral performance, for what is one of the most beautiful songs of all time. A version of Gilmour solo, different from the Floydian one, with a central part of just voice, guitar, and Hammond that does not, however, take away from the magic and beauty of the piece. Among the best moments of this second Floydian part are undoubtedly the medley "Breathe/Time/Breathe", of a disarming beauty, as well as the redoing of "High hopes", a splendid piece sung together with the good Richard. The set closes with the epochal "Echoes", presented in all its entirety and beauty, for what was one of the most intense and memorable moments of the entire concert.
An authentic stadium ovation accompanies the band's exit, which returns for the encores a few minutes later. An intro starts, and then David picks up the acoustic guitar. It is indeed "Wish you were here". Here, a lump in the throat takes hold of me, and I think of all the attendees as well, as tears of emotion break on the faces of more than one spectator. A wonderful song, perhaps the most beautiful of all time. I had been longing to hear it performed live by the Floyd, and in part, I succeeded tonight. Spectacular is the acoustic guitar solo, a worthy testimony to our artist's class. Emotionally speaking, the highest moment of the entire performance. Closing with the splendid "Comfortably numb", a perfect seal for a stunning performance. The good David thanks the audience for the warmth reserved for him, and together with the band, leaves the stage.
The concert is over. With the notes of "Wish you were here" still in our ears, we leave the theater and dive into the cold Milanese night, tired but happy to have witnessed an epochal concert. Great applause to David Gilmour, as well as to the band, for managing to convey in one intense performance both his own songs and the mother band's classics. Much credit is also due to lighting technician Marc Brickman, whose genius created truly sensational lighting effects.
All that's left is to hope for a new album and another tour from our artist.
Loading comments slowly
