We have a number of small news items for you concerning the reunion of Pink Floyd and Roger Waters at the London Live 8 concert, being held on July 2nd. As a sidenote, today is of course, exactly 24 years since the final time Roger appeared with the others live, in the final Wall concert at Earls Court.
News of the band has been all over the media, worldwide, with many reports rehashing the same details and quotes (as seen here on Sunday/Monday). One of the more unusual stories appeared in the Cambridge Evening News (and subsequently repeated in the daily press). Rosemary Breen, Roger (Syd) Barrett's sister, told him about his old band mates reforming for the Live 8 concert - news which was met with complete indifference, apparently.
One disturbing facet of the reports was the use of a modern day picture of Roger Barrett cycling around Cambridge, and one newspaper in particular also showed the front of his house.
For a bit of light relief, though, it's worth checking out a look at the Floyd's rehearsals for Live 8, which can be seen at The Times UK newspaper website. Not to be taken seriously, it is a spoof of the actual rehearsals, which are yet to take place.
It was confirmed today that Jon Carin (keyboards) and Tim Renwick (guitar) are to appear with Pink Floyd, augmenting the band. Jon Carin, of course, appeared in the first Live Aid show alongside David Gilmour during the Bryan Ferry set.
Other personnel couldn't be confirmed this evening; with decisions still being made as to which songs to perform, they don't know yet what additional musicians (if any) they will need.
TICKET UPDATE
In separate Live 8 news, despite the sale of tickets on eBay being stopped, tickets are still cropping up on the online auction site. Some of the sellers are getting round the ban by not mentioning "Live 8" anywhere in the description. However, this loophole is known about, and is being investigated with the view to these sales also being stopped.
For those without tickets, though, there is good news. Following pressure from various quarters, including demand for tickets from eBay, and a campaign by UK newspaper The Sun, the organisers are said to be erecting a large number of video screens and PA systems OUTSIDE the fenced-off concert arena, so that anyone turning up at Hyde Park will be able to see and hear the show (albeit on screen rather than "in the flesh"). We've heard from loads of people worldwide who are coming over, with no tickets, just to be in Hyde Park for the occasion.
More information on the show/the band's appearance will be with you as soon as we have it.
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