The Spirit of Pink Floyd Show – The Alexandra Theatre – Thursday 3 September 2009

What better way to celebrate a birthday (the last of my 20s!) than going to see one of the best Floyd tribute bands in the world?! Formed by six former members of “Off the Wall” and one from “Think Floyd”, TSOPFS were in the middle of a world tour. As soon as I saw the poster (in the nail bar, ahem), I knew I would have to see the show described by the BBC as “possibly the best gig experience ever.”

Starting with a classic opening of “One of These Days” the show got off to a promising start, and it did not fail to deliver, although by “Coming Back to Life” it was obvious that even this enigmatic frontman was not going to get the tough crowd going. (However having seen the Australian Pink Floyd this seems to be a problem for Birmingham.) The grins and smiles on stage proved this wouldn’t spoil the show!

TSOPFS moved on to "Echoes," and the beautiful melodies interspersed with loud all-encompassing sections proved TSOPFS can tackle the trickiest of Floyd with ease. "Run Like Hell" finished the first half, and to put a negative note in, the backing singers really need to be more punchy. However this was the only bad point of the show.

It needs to be said at this point that this is not like TAPF who perform a studio-feel show, The Spirit of Pink Floyd really do give you that – the spirit. From the slurring of the lead singer, to the sliding of the saxophonist, you feel in the middle of excellence. Although more accurate than an interpretation of Floyd, this at no point felt clinical and over-rehearsed, it was almost like sitting in on a jam session.

"The Great Gig in the Sky" was performed by the guitarist, and was certainly a stand out track. The band remained tight, with amazing musicianship, as we were transported to another world by the vocals. It was amazing to hear one lady perform this track with ease, although sadly I was the only one to give a standing ovation.

Overall, the show was certainly one worth seeing, and I will be keeping a close eye on the tour, although when the busy schedule will bring them back to Birmingham I don’t know. I feel that the lead singer should do more of his addresses to the crowd; otherwise you may as well just listen to the CD! I thoroughly enjoyed my evening and thank the band and crew for definitely one of my favourite gigs. (Oh and just to put the knife in – I got a triple A before Chop!!!)

Setlist: One of These Days, Time, Learning to Fly, Pigs, Coming Back to Life, Echoes, Money, Hey You, Run Like Hell; Shine On You Crazy Diamond, Not Now John, Astronomy Divine, Us and Them/Any Colour You Like, Brain Damage/Eclipse, The Great Gig in the Sky, Wish You Were Here, Another Brick in the Wall; (encore) Comfortably Numb

For more photos click here