Capacity: 250

Concert starts: 8:30pm

Address of venue: 93 Lower Richmond Rd, London SW15 1EU. MAP

Website: www.halfmoon.co.uk

COMMENTS

When Nick Mason made comments in Italy about heading out to small venues, to play early Pink Floyd songs, few took the remarks seriously. As unlikely as it seemed, Nick was entirely truthful and in the initial announcement a set of four shows in London were announced for his new band.

Nick Mason's Saucerful Of Secrets brings together some familiar names, all great musicians: joining Nick are Gary Kemp and Lee Harris on guitar, Guy Pratt on bass, and Dom Beken on keyboards. Kemp is best known for his work with Spandau Ballet, Harris as having played guitar with The Blockheads (Ian Dury's band), Pratt needs no introduction, and Beken is principally known for his work with The Orb, and Transit Kings (with Pratt). The band will be playing early Pink Floyd songs.

This is a unique opportunity to experience Pink Floyd's celebrated and significant early body of work played live including songs from albums 'The Piper At The Gates of Dawn' and 'A Saucerful Of Secrets'.

The regular sale of tickets started on TUESDAY, APRIL 17th at 10am (local time), via TheSaucerfulOfSecrets.com. Inevitably the tickets sold out almost instantly. All ticket holders will require photo ID with their ticket for entry to the shows.

WARNING - SPOILERS AHEAD!

Do not read on if you don't want surprises to be spoilt, regarding what the band played!

This review of the third night of Nick Mason's Saucerful Of Secrets "global tour, playing both Camden AND Putney" (as Nick amusing put it) should be read in conjunction with the review of the first night at Dingwalls. Most of the comments within that, apply equally to this show. Rather than repeat ourselves, if you've not read that one, scamper over and take a look now.

Well, night three of the "tour", and the second night at the Half Moon. Gone was the amusing, low key chalkboard outside advertising the show (spirited away by an errant souvenir hunter?) but nonetheless those seeking their musical thrills still managed to find the venue with little difficulty. The queue to enter seemed to start earlier this evening, a sign of things to come - the audience for this show proved to be really "up for it", with a palpable energy and enthusiasm which seemed to help propel the band along.

Part of the joy of live performance is the unpredictable nature of it, and thankfully the band were able to laugh off the false start to the show. This was a result of the small stage dimensions, with Dom Beken having to wriggle through a small space to emerge amidst his keyboards - it looked a bit like a 3D version of Twister to get there - and in the midst of this, a vital connection was knocked out. Assuming the band tour, one assumes it will be in venues with stages that give a little more space, meaning this sort of thing is much less likely!

Once fixed, we all pretended that the band had literally just walked onto the stage, and the show started properly. As mentioned above, the band really seemed to feed off the energy from the audience, and it did seem to take the performance to another level. They really seem to be getting better and better, as each show takes place, possibly working with audience feedback as to what works best in each situation.

There is also a lot of improvisation within the songs, as would have been heard when the Floyd originally performed much of the set in the 60s and early 70s. This is the sort of thing the fans have been getting a real buzz from, with these shows; it also showcases the abilities and musical sensitivities of the band. Post show chatter seems to concentrate on just how good every member of the band is - Harris and Beken were unknown quantities to many, and Kemp, with his CV, felt an intriguing choice to many. All five are playing so, so well, with an innate understanding of the music, with passion and enjoyment, which makes them a joy to watch. Let's hope a proper tour isn't too far away...

So, show three done, three quarters through the aforementioned global tour, and a further 250 very happy souls thankful that they were there at this most unexpected of venues to catch a member of Pink Floyd, and his excellent new band, performing. Some of course will be lucky enough to be at the final night, also at the Half Moon. If you are, enjoy (we're sure you will!) and let us know your thoughts on it.

We'd love to know from those attending how they felt the concert went. How was the show for you, if you were one of the fortunate ones to attend? Let us know what YOU thought!

YOUR HELP NEEDED! We want to cover Nick's concerts the best we can, to share the experience with everyone, especially those who won't be able to attend the shows. We'd love to see ANY pictures, tickets scans, reviews, newspaper reports, and anything else you come across for this show - we look forward to hearing from you!