Capacity: TBA
Concert starts: 8pm

First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre

Ticket scan thanks to Pedro Cabrera

Address of venue: 19100 S. Ridgeland Ave., Tinley Park, IL 60477. MAP

Website: www.firstmidwestbankamphitheatre.com

The Chicago crowd gave a typical welcome to Roger - to which he thanked them, stating that they'd made "an old man really happy"! Wet weather greeted the audience but in line with the Windy City itself, Roger and his band soon blew away the rain! Sounds like the audience were quite happy with Leaving Beirut's sentiments, with little dissent reported so far.

Tonight the band head over to the US home of motor racing - Indianapolis, in Indiana. If you are going to the show, have a great time and tell us about it!

Pictures on this page are thanks to Kirk Koster.

PRESS REVIEWS

There are reviews of this show in a number of the local newspapers. You can read the first of them online over at the Chicago Daily Herald. More as we get them.

SHOW REVIEW

By BD contributor, Onzie

Chicago’s turn to experience the tour-de-force that is Roger Waters et-al. A great show that delivered in every respect.

The set started at around 8:30, just as the light drizzle started to clear. The set list was the same as other venues and the performance was fantastic.

We had lawn seats off to one side which put us behind the pavilion and the full effect of the surround sound, but even there we were able to hear the sheep, bird whistles, clocks and bells, go round the different stacks.

The crowd were on their feet the whole time as the different band members took their turns to demonstrate their skills. Dave K was superb and played with great feeling. I also particularly liked the sense of intimacy between Roger and son Harry during the intro to TGGITS.

I would have liked to see a few more of my “favorites“ in the set list, but Roger has put together a great show that flows and hangs together as a concept in and of itself. The video tie-ins, the inflatables, the lighting, and the pyrotechnics WORK GREAT! This is my first time seeing one of the Floyds live and it will live long in the memory.

Roger closed off by saying we had made an old man really happy, and that emotion is reciprocated. By the way, “That is really what I think.”

 

SHOW REVIEW

By BD's RonToon

Roger (almost) in Chicago:

I must say that I was not to thrilled about seeing this show. Roger's 1999-2000 "comeback" was very exciting because he was returning to the stage after a 13 year absence and nobody knew what to expect. Just a few years later he is coming back without a new album to support and basically playing most of the same material. His "vocal assistance" has increased (I only noticed it on Every Strangers Eyes in the past), and he is playing Dark Side in its entirety, which I feel is a faux pax. Okay, so he wrote all the lyrics and conceptualized the piece, but from a musical standpoint he only plays bass and does vocals on the last song. I wanted him to do what Gilmour recently did which was to dig a bit deeper into his catalogue and play some different material for a change. All that being said, here's what I thought of the show.

It was pretty good. The giant screen is now LCD crystal clear, like you are looking through a window at times. The visuals throughout the 1st set were excellent, 10 times better than the last tour which were basically a slides projected onto some large bed sheets. The whole show was semi-conceptualized by recreating Pink (from The Wall) in his hotel room listening to an old radio instead of watching the TV like in the movie and LP (don't know who the actor was that played him).

In the Flesh is always a good show opener and lets the audience know right away that this isn't Pink, its a surrogate band, which automatically forgives Roger for any poetic license he takes with the material. Ian Ritchie's sax on this song is very forgivable, mostly because you can't really hear it.

Mother was just okay... really took the crowd down a notch. Set the Controls was also just okay, highlighted by another incendiary solo by Snowy White. These 2 tracks could have easily been dropped and replaced by alternate material that he hadn't played before. Shine On was better this time around, sticking closer to the original, and only performing the 1st half of the song. Have a Cigar was a highlight of the 1st set for me, if only for Kilminster's perfect copycat version of Gilmour's guitar work... Roger's "vocal assistance" (aka lip synching) took it down a few notches (so much for integrity Roger). I really didn't care for Wish You Were Here... didn't need the sax part or the girls taking lead vocals during the chorus. Didn't work. The Final Cut material definitely slowed things down again and The Fletcher Memorial Home, while a good track on the album, was totally embarrassing to me because of the (poor) lip synching job that he did. It was especially noticeable during the middle section when he was reading off the names of tyrants and kings... his vocals sounded so much different here, obviously different than the playback used.

Leaving Beirut, the only new track, had some fine solos, and excellent graphics, but the song is pretty weak in general. A bland and repetitive melody certainly doesn't help and while Roger's heartwarming story is touching, the over-the-top, overly heavy handed political statement (which I happen to agree with) was like being hit over the head with a sledge hammer during such a sentimental song... didn't work. Perfect Sense once again got the crowd on its feet, but the inflatable spaceman seemed like a dopey toy-of-a-prop that was more embarrassing than anything.

Kudos for Roger for playing yet another track from the usually overlooked, brilliant Animals album. But again, vocal assistance came into play yet again, and the little propaganda-graffitied Pig seemed like a cheap gimmic rather than a "WOW" concert prop. Even so, the song was a powerful way to end the 1st set.

The 2nd set was all DSOTM and seemed a bit uninspired. The visuals were a bit bland and were formatted in the classic circular screen format. Roger stayed out of the spotlight for the most part, only taking the vocals during Time, which he adequately delivered. For an album that was being performed almost literally note for note, Broad's improvised opening on the Tom Toms was pretty lame and a far cry from the brilliance of Mason's original. Carol Kenyan's Great Gig in the Sky was excellent.

The only time I've ever seen a better performance was during the last tour of The Australian Pink Floyd show... hands down the best vocal ever.

Money and Us & Them were just okay, but Any Colour You Like was a brilliant jam. This is where the 2nd set really came to life for me and the closing tracks, with Roger doing the vocals was terrific.

The Happiest Days and Another Brick 2 started off the encores and were certainly a crowd pleaser. Vera and Bring the Boys Back home followed and were certainly welcomed new additions to the set list (even though Boys used vocal assistance once again). Comfortably Numb closed the show, and while it was nice to hear Roger singing his part, the guitar solos really missed Gilmour's soul and passion.

The band was well rehearsed and, for the most part, spot on. The visuals were very entertaining and distracting enough to compensate for some poor musical choices at times. Gilmour's show was right up front, stripped down to the music, and I hung on every note. Roger was more like a magician that employed the art of misdirection, using flashy visuals to distract you from what was really going on, which was basically a mediocre show. While it was far from great, I still enjoyed it despite the cold whether and crappy venue that is located way too far outside Chicago city limits.

While the sound was pretty good from where I was sitting (close to the center), moving in either direction could result in a pretty bad audio experience. While Roger may have been the brains of Pink Floyd, this year David came off as the heart and soul of the band, and certainly answered the question of "Which one's Pink" once and for all, for me anyway.

Finally, the crowd seemed to LOVE this show and was enthusiastically supportive throughout. This seemed to genuinely touch Roger as he has certainly run into some resistant audiences along the US leg so far.

SHOW REVIEW

By BD contributor, Jason Ringuette

Rogers tour rolled into Chicago on Friday night just as the bad weather rolled in. On top of the lawn, the cold temps, rain and strong winds numbed the packed crowd. It also seemed to affect the band on stage. It really showed in the performance.

The surround sounded great on the lawn despite the cold winds.

I am starting to really like the playing of the New Dave. He's really trying to nail the Old Dave's licks as close as possible. His vocals on Money are much better than Doyle, Chester or Paul Carrak. Jons vocals on Us and Them & on Time seem to be improving as the tour progresses, but as stated in previous reviews, this seems to be the biggest if only part lacking in the Dark Side set.

The biggest highlight from the 1st set was Sheep once again. The crowd tried to tear the pig apart once it flew over the lawn. They did get ahold of it & almost pulled it into the crowd. When the pig flew away & got to very high distance in the sky, a airplane could be seen heading near the pig. Not sure if this was a plane retrieving the pig or a plane just flying near it (wonder if the pilot reported that one to the tower?).

The response to Leaving Beirut was very positive where we were at. The person next to me even said he thought the song was the highlight of the 1st set.

There were rumours floating around prior to the show that Nick Mason would be playing, but this did not happen.

The venue itself is very large & really lacks any personality. Parking was free & easy though! See ya in Indy!

SHOW REVIEW

By BD contributor

I enjoyed a very fun show last night with a very appreciative crowd. Roger really worked the crowd, despite the chilly weather. Before the show in the parking lot, I could see two lights making a huge X on the hill in front of the amphitheatre. The show hadn’t even started and the hammers were already making their presence! I was surprised to find out that the guy who brings out the pig dresses in a butcher’s uniform complete with a bloody apron (lol). The sound, which was very clear, came from a sound system that featured the most speakers I’ve ever seen rigged at the top of the stage.

Dark Side of the Moon lived up to expectations. Shine On and Us and Them were the highlights for me. The former should always be sung by Roger, who always gives it the correct emotional treatment. (Why do David and Roger both cut off the beginning of this song?!?) I give props to Waters for recognizing Jon Carin’s vocal talents. His parts on Dark Side really filled out the sound left out by Gilmour and Wright. The ladies had very strong vocals also. The crowd particularly liked Carol Kenyon’s spot-on version of The Great Gig in the Sky. Snowy White and Dave Kilminster were excellent and seemed to have a lot of fun playing together. As written about before, the videos were so interesting that I had a hard time keeping my eyes on the stage!

I wouldn’t have minded more Amused to Death songs, or the first part of Shine On. Still, it was worth the five year wait since I first saw the In the Flesh video.

The standing ovation at the end of Comfortably Numb left Roger to remark something like, “You make an old man very happy.” The feeling is mutual Roger. Here’s hoping the ’07 rumors are true.

SHOW REVIEW

By BD contributor, Rob Mefford

I saw the show last night, and although I have seen both David Gilmour, Pink Floyd sans Waters and all of Waters solo tours this was by far the most mesmerizing awe inspiring show. The music, the visuals and the crowd came together to create magic that only RW can create.

The one thing that struck me throughout the concert, and something I haven't seen in print, is that the show seemed to be a Tribute/Memorial to Syd Barrett. Added was RW's typical slam against US/England aggression against the world, with his montage of Southampton Dock to Sheep and the pig with all of the slogans. The cool thing being an outdoor venue, they released the pig into the sky...

But all in all the images of Syd and the then songs that memorialized him were selected for the first set. I was captivated by the footage of the man (strikingly resembling Syd) sitting in the chair smoking on the backdrop screen. I don't think it was actually footage of Syd, but the similarity could not have been a coincidence.

I would love to find out if Syd was any motivation for the songs and tour. All in all one of the most memorable and enjoyable concerts I have ever attended.

SHOW REVIEW

By BD contributor, Kevin Klein

Despite knowing in advance every song that Roger was to play last night in Chicago, I still came away feeling that I got more from the show and performance than I was hoping and/or expecting to. I feel lucky to have seen this band with a good many dates already under their belts – because this band is ON. I was impressed. It was my second time seeing Roger (last was in 1999). And as good as that show was in ’99 – this was altogether different (and IMO, better). The genius dramatist at work.

After enjoying David Gilmour’s brilliant show (and new album) this past spring, I somehow doubted that Roger could match the experience in my mind. After all, David was touring with Rick and was singing and playing better than ever – not to mention the fantastic set lists and spontaneous vibe the band produced. {The simple fact that these two “camps” play some of the same material is the only reason I even mention David in a write-up of a Roger show - - but you know, these things do sometimes go hand in hand – and it makes no sense to pretend otherwise.}

In any case, I enjoyed the musicality and the conceptual arrangements of Roger’s show immensely. He exceeded my expectations. This was a Roger Waters production of the most modern variety. The backdrop screen was astonishing. I’ve never seen anything quite like it. Truly mesmerizing. And the band! Sorry Gilmourians, I am with you guys, but you gotta hand it to that Kilminster guy. He can play – and makes no apologies for going out there and trying to recreate nearly exactly what David Gilmour would do. He has the gear, the tone, some of the attack, the ear…it was frighteningly impressive. Only on rare occasion did he fall short of what the songs were begging for. This sounded quite a bit like “Pink Floyd.” No Echoes of course…but did hear Sheep. No Fat Old Sun or Wots Uh The Deal…but we did hear Mother and Set The Controls for the Heart of the Sun. It’s amazing in and of itself that one band could fragment in two directions, yet still hold such potency on either given side of the fracture.

Anyway, back to the show (we’ll leave the dream for the dreaming).

Parting thoughts on the show: Roger’s version of Wish You Were Here is quite possibly my favorite at the moment. Stunning, beautiful, heartfelt and somehow new. I love it. Roger’s vocal was pure. Oh yeah, is he lip-syncing? Probably…in places. Who cares. It’s not as if they are all dancing to the records. It’s a live performance – take it or leave it.

I could go on - - but I’ll wind it down. A big thank you to Roger and co for playing in Chicago. It was a memorable night for a lot of people (as nearly everyone was walking out of there just amazed by what they experienced. I nearly cried during Bring the Boys Back Home. Leaving Beirut was genius (not boos where I was sitting). The Final Cut medley was poignant. The guts and bravado of Roger Waters – inspiring stuff. THANK YOU from Chicago, USA

SHOW REVIEW

By BD contributor, John Materna

Roger Waters combined all of his talents in a live setting, giving his concert-goers a full emotional experience not fully realized until some after thought. The audience was at his command, mesmerized by the transcendent sound and intertwined video presentation that took over the open sky. The Moon never shined so bright as it did this last tour.

Carol Kenyan, P.P. Arnold and Katie Kissoon vocals were truly moving; Carol made her presence felt as she sang “The Great Gig in the Sky” to a higher God. Andy Fairweather-Low, Snowy White, Dave Kliminster on guitar and Graham Broad on drums had the audience feeling like they were on stage playing their own air-guitars and air-drums in a hypnotic movement with the band. Jon Carin and Harry Waters on Keyboard and Ian Ritchie on sax helped to harmonize this truly great sound.

Roger - thanks for the memories, I will never listen to your music the same way. You left me wanting more.

SHOW REVIEW

By BD contributor, AG

This show blew me away. I’m a musician that knows all of this music well and can tell everyone it was “locked-down-tight”.

I’ve seen the “Floyd” back in the day, also the “Floyd’s” since…( I love ‘em all) and I think this show was one of the best ever. Snowy White and AF Low and Jon Carin were perfect as always and the new guy Dave Kilminster hit DG note for note. When it comes to playing these lead guitar parts I think you have to really love the music and DG to “get it right”.

Roger's old choice of Bramhall never sat well for me because I believe he didn’t really know the guitar parts or cared to play them as written by David. Kilminster did the job as I would have liked to have done it myself. In other words, all of the guitar players in the crowd were pleased.

In the days ahead when this tour is over I’d love to see Jon Carin, Guy Pratt join up with Snowy and DaveK for a killer album of their own music. I love all these guys.

By the way, the crowd really shared Roger's political views. You could tell by the cheering. That said however, there were 2 drunks behind me that were trying to piss off the rest of us by chanting FU Roger. They were “faced” through the whole show. If Roger ever reads this…I was the big native American in the front row in front of you in the blanket. Those 2 assholes had their attitudes adjusted after the show. I think they were planted there by some right wing radio station.

P.S. The Screen show that started the evening was just too cool for words.