Verizon Wireless Music Center

Ticket scan - thanks to Elliot Tayman

Capacity: 6,000 seated under the pavilion, and 18,000 on the lawn
Concert starts: 8pm

Address of venue: 12880 E. 146th Street, Noblesville, Indiana 46060. MAP

Website: www.verizonwirelessmusiccenter.com

With the curious absense of Nick Mason at the show held in the heart of US motor racing - Indianapolis, Indiana - Roger and the gang nevertheless wowed the crowds with another polished and fiery show. We are getting many comments from repeat concertgoers that the band are playing better at each show - there is no sign of this trend abating, so those lucky enough to have tickets for the final shows of the tour should be in for an even bigger treat!

In two days time, the band head over to Phoeniz, Arizon, to play at the Cricket Pavilion. An apt venue for an Englishman! If you are going to the show, have a great time and tell us about it!

Pictures on this page thanks to Greg Graf.

PRESS REVIEWS

There will be reviews of this show in a number of the local newspapers, and the first of these can be read over at the Indianapolis Star website.

SHOW REVIEW

By BD contributor, Jason Ringuette

The tour rolled on into Indiana on Saturday making the last stop of the Mid-West and East Coast dates. The tour now heads out west.

First off, the venue has to be the most poorly set-up ampitheater I have every been to. It is nearly impossible to find. Once your in the parking lot, if you can find the venue, you're parking a mile away from where you enter the theater. Once inside the venue, you have walk quite a ways to get to the seating area and lawn. The worst thing about this place is getting out after the show in the car.

Getting out of the lot is a disaster and not very well thought out. Once out, there is 1 road with 1 lane for 3.5 miles to the nearest main road. It took 1 & 1/2 hours to get out & go the 3 & 1/2 miles. Terrible design. I will never go back there again and after talking with some other people at the gas station, I am not the only one.

The show was a bigger improvement performance wise over the night before in Chicago due to nicer weather. The sound was loud and clear, probably the loudest I have heard at a outdoor venue this tour.

Dave and Snowy really shined tonight and Carol belted out Gig like her life depended on it. Graham pretty tight on Time. Roger and the band seem to really be in good spirits this show. Roger had a grin ear to ear for most of the evening.

Indy may be north of the Mason-Dixon line, but you would've never known where we were sitting. A lot of negative vibes during Leaving Beirut and a lot of idiots screaming racial slurs for the remainder of the evening.

Dark Side was as close to perfection as I have seen on this tour. This was a beer drinking crowd and it translated into a very rowdy crowd and the band seemed to feed off the energy. If you're attending one of the West Coast shows, have fun. If you haven't got tickets yet, get them and go!

SHOW REVIEW

By BD contributor, Jonas

I saw the Roger Waters/The Dark Side Of The Moon tour on Saturday, September 30 in Indianapolis. I have to admit that Roger Waters wowed the crowd like no other with an extremely polished and fiery show that was absolutely incredible. His musicians (including full band with horns, percussionist, props, the pig, etc)... was no different than seeing/hearing an actual Pink Floyd show. This was most defiantly the best concert I've ever experienced!

Roger did a brand new song titled "Leaving Beirut" which is one of his best to date. He explained how at 17 years of age... his car down in Beirut while he was playing music in the area. A family took him in for the evening and the song explains the rest. Truly amazing lyrics and his passion was clearly seen and heard in his voice.

SHOW REVIEW

By BD contributor, Tim Coulon

I just saw the Noblesville, IN show and it was spot on! I was overwhelmed by the whole performance. I was in a box seat and had a perfect view, and the sound could not have been better. I enjoyed the new tune Leaving Beirut, it was done in the classic Waters style. The female vocals were such a wonderful bonus to the music. What a great tribute was Shine On YOu Crazy Diamond ... the video was well-done, with random precision! The guitar was so exact throughout the show that I thought for a moment that it was the full Floyd! Thanks Roger, for an awesome experience!!!

SHOW REVIEW

By BD contributor, Brad Allen

I just got back from the show in Indianapolis, and it was incredible. I'm 21, so I've been far too young to have ever attended a Pink Floyd show before, and it was one of my dreams in life to see them perform.

After hearing Roger was going on tour, I decided I had to go to the nearest show, which was, for me in Tennessee (I'd also like to add, from the license plates I saw on the Interstate there were people from Texas, Virginia, Ohio, and Kentucky there), in Indianapolis. I can now say that dream has been fulfilled, regardless of the absence of his bandmates.

The energy and emotion he put into the show really showed, by the end the whole crowd was singing along to "Best Days of Our Lives/Another Brick in the Wall (Part 2)", "Comfortably Numb", and an incredibly stirring rendition (brought me to tears) of "Bring the Boys Back Home".

The tribute to Syd and "Leaving Beirut" were both incredibly heartfelt, and I'd have to say the show was, to take one of your contributers' words, a "religious experience" for me. It seemed that nearly the whole crowd cheered for the political messages, the releasing of the pig, and the messages written on it (although someone needs to tell Roger that election day is Nov. 7th this year). It was fantastic, and I'd like to say if anyone can possibly get to one of these shows, they NEED to.

One more thing I'd like to mention is the diverse crowd, there were people there from anywhere from their early teens, to my age, and people up into their 60's. It even seemed that most of the people there were my age or younger. Almost everyone knew the words to all the songs, everyone was friendly. It just goes to show, Pink Floyd is timeless, and spans all generations.

SHOW REVIEW

By BD contributor, Kelly Graham

Having seen Waters on two different occasions during the ’99 and ‘01 tours, I was understandably excited to see the show at the Verizon Amphitheatre in Indianapolis. As usual, Roger and the band did not disappoint.

There were several surprises in this show, other than just deciding to perform Dark Side of the Moon (How ‘bout a new album Rog?). Many of the changes were subtle, but all worked together to create a different kind of experience than I had had in the past.

The crowd was a mixture of ages. Of course there were the folks there who had not yet realized that the 60’s were long gone, and there were middle aged to older fans present. I also saw many parents there with their kids. It is good to see younger fans appreciating the music of Waters and the Floyd-- a testament to the fact that the music has a timeless quality that each generation discovers anew.

The stage was different than previous shows. It still had the same basic configuration though: speaker arrays placed strategically around the venue, modest but impressive light effects; but gone was the “homey” living room facade—the sofa, lamp and circa 1970’s TV promulgating Stanley Kubrick cinema. The huge screen once again served as the backdrop for the stage, but this time it was a mega expensive high def screen that was astonishing in its clarity and resolution. During Set the Controls a line of flames came from the bottom of the screen and slowly moved up, and you would have sworn that it was real fire. During Shine On, a shower of bubbles slowly descended on the crowd—nicely done. The sound effects we have come to know and love were all there in all their glory, bouncing from speaker to speaker with impressive realism. Overall, the stage felt “crisper” to me this time; it was simple and tastefully presented—just what you would expect from Roger Waters.

Before the show began the screen had a stationary close-up picture of a vintage radio with a glass and ashtray sitting in front of it. Shortly a hand came into view and changed the station on the radio which then changed the “warm up” music that was playing. After changing the station a few times, the hand one last time reached for the radio and In the Flesh began as the band took the stage. Very cool.

The music, as always, was masterful and entrancing. It wasn’t too loud, but got pretty intense at times. Songs like Have a Cigar and On the Run had a fresh, cutting edge quality that I have not experienced before. The actual song lineup contained few surprises: A stellar performance of Dark Side of the Moon sandwiched between Pink Floyd songs and Roger Waters solo works ate up almost 3 hours more quickly than you can say “Careful with that axe Eugene.” The songs seemed a bit truncated than those of past shows, a few times I wanted just a little more…this obviously due to the time it takes to perform the 1973 masterpiece in its entirety. The standards were all present: Mother, Shine On, Wish You Were Here, Perfect Sense. Refreshing numbers appeared this time including: Southhampton Dock, The Fletcher Memorial Home; and most incredible was the performance of Sheep. I have no idea how long it has been since this piece has been performed live, but it was tight and very powerful—a glimpse of what once was for those of us unfortunate souls who never got to see the magic of the Floyd so long ago….. Included this time was a new song, Leaving Beirut, which was quite impressive live-very cool guitar solos and meaningful (although abrasive), lyrics.

On stage were assembled some of the finest musicians in the world. The amazing Snowy White and Andy Fairweather Low on guitar (Ever wonder about the “weather” names in this band? Roger WATERS, SNOWY white, Andy fairWEATHER low…interesting). Graham Broad was on drums, and Jon Carin was masterfully performing his musical spells as always. Replacing Doyle Bramhall on lead guitar this time out was Dave Kilminster. He is a great guitar player and pretty much nailed the infamous Gilmour solos…but something was just slightly off. I have always maintained that David Gilmour has such a special sound. Each note in his playing is its own special entity—fluid but distinct, delicate but forceful. I have heard many guitarists play the famous four notes at the beginning of Shine On, and no one, I mean NO ONE, can make these four simple notes sound as haunting, mesmerizing and beautiful as Gilmour. Snowy came close during the last tour. But Bramhall does the best in my opinion of representing the Gilmour tradition overall.

This show showcased the talents of Snowy White and Andy Fairweater Low less than that of previous tours. Too bad, as these guys never disappoint. Ian Richie was on saxophone—his solos during Set the Controls and the pieces in Dark Side were perfection! Wow can this guy play! Roger’s son was on Hammond and Katie Kissoon, PP Arnold and Carol Kenyon did back up vocals.

It seemed to me that Roger was doing more of the vocals this time out. If I remember correctly, Bramhall sang quite a few songs in 2001, and Carin had several vocal spots as well. This was a good thing actually, as Roger’s voice sounded as good as I have heard it. Roger seemed very energetic and enthusiastic this time….rocking back and forth to the music, walking from one end of the stage to the other; and during the encore, actually throwing down his jacket to better crank out ripping renditions of Another Brick, Vera and Comfortably Numb.

There were several political aspects to this show. During Leaving Beirut, the lyrics were on the screen for all to read—not very favorable words towards the Bush Administration. The lead- in to Comfortably Numb was just as it is on The Wall album: Bring the Boys Back Home. I am certain there was purpose behind this decision. And then I am sure you have heard about the Pig. During the song Sheep emerged the obligatory inflatable pig over the crowd with handwritten messages scribbled on its imposing girth… “Impeach Bush” appeared conspicuously on its ass end. Now I understand Roger’s politics and have never let them interfere with my love for the music. However, this was a bit inappropriate in my opinion, and I must say I was a little offended. I would think that we could have a great night of fantastic music without resorting to declarations for impeaching the president. Oh well, Roger has never been one for subtlety when expressing his world view.

I was a little surprised there was no mention of Syd. After all, he did pass away a few weeks ago. There seemed to be more recognition of him during the last show than this one. Perhaps it is just too much for Roger right now, or perhaps he finally feels free……

All in all it was a fantastic night and an inspiring performance from Roger and the band. All 3 times I have seen the band I have taken someone who new nothing of Roger Waters prior to the show; and each time that person has been blown away by the sheer professionalism and musicianship this band displays, myself included. I would highly encourage you to check out a Waters show if ever given the chance. I assure you that as far as live performances go, this one is not just… Another Brick in the Wall!

SHOW REVIEW

By BD contributor, Xavier Nazario

I flew from Orlando to Indiana to catch this show and in general it was worth it. Venue is in the middle of nowhere... but the hotel I stayed at had a door to door shuttle service (shoutout to Jerry's Cab Service!) and although I had to wait an hour after the show to get picked up, it took me less time to get back because he knew the back roads. Also got to meet some interesting, albeit extremely intoxicated folks.

If the band is sounding tighter every city that goes by, as the reports say, then I am glad I caught them almost at the end of North America. To me, the evening was more about individual performances than the band.

The show got off to a sloppy start and the sound was not quite dialed in, but the sound guys got it together just in time for Set The Controls, which to me, was one of the highlights. Kilminster was amazing despite the hair flipping. His bends and vibratos were right on... at times (dare I blaspheme) sounding just like David G. Snowy seemed extremely bored and out of energy... even Andy F-L was more animated. The ladies were amazing, although at times, again, the sound guy did not do them justice. The other highlight was Ian Ritchie... wow.

I was sitting behind the sound guy (should have slapped him on the head a couple of times) and did not catch Roger lipsyncing... although a guy I was talking to at the aiport said that he busted him one time. This guy was sitting out on the lawn and they had big screen tv's with closeups of the band.

During Shine On, with Syd's pictures flashing by, I looked back and everyone on the lawn had their lighters on and there was a half-moon in the background... sweet. During the Final Cut section of the show, many left their seats for refills, etc., which was great because I got to really enjoy these masterpieces. Perfect Sense was not as exciting as I expected (most around me didn't know the song) and Leaving Beirut was a non-event in my section. I don't know that most people even caught on. Sheep was a crowd favorite... lots of people "rockin' out", headbang and all!

After intermission, DSOTM went by without a glitch (too fast!). Graham was pretty impressive at the beginning of Time (sounded like he should have been in a college drumline). Carol was amazing on Great Gig. Once again, individual performances outshined the group effort, although if would definitely do it all over again for such a rare chance to experience truly amazing musicianship.

Finally, Roger did not disappoint. His vocals were good and he had good energy. Seemed like he fed off the crowd... he even got a bouquet of floors at the end. Overall I would give this concert a 7 out of 10.

SHOW REVIEW

By BD contributor, Pat Peak

Roger Waters performed to a packed house at Verizon Wireless Music Center in Noblesville, Indiana. This was a one word show – Spectacular. The first set was greeted enthusiastically with everyone standing through the first five songs. Then as if on cue we sat down for most of the rest of the set, resting our feet for Dark Side of the Moon and the encore. There was surprising little reaction in our section to Leaving Beirut, considering this is usually a very conservative area.

Dark Side of the Moon was performed with great precision, easily surpassing the studio recording. The guitars were crisp and Roger and the band were simply amazing. The crowd was also great, standing and cheering during the whole set. The encore was just as good, with amazing energy.

If this tour is going to be made for DVD, this show would have been a good one for it.