AUSTRALIAN PINK FLOYD, E Center, Friday.
The Australian Pink Floyd show returned to Utah for the third time Friday. And like the previous two shows, this was another outstanding performance.
Aussie Floyd has developed a strong following in the Beehive State based on the strength of word-of-mouth after the first two shows. For those who haven't seen them yet, just imagine six men and two women from Australia forming the world's ultimate Pink Floyd cover band and you get a pretty good picture.
As they have with the two previous performances, the members of APF devoted their first set to "Dark Side of the Moon," playing the entire album from start to finish. Such Floyd classics as "Time," "Money" and a particularly strong rendition of "Us and Them," and "The Great Gig in the Sky" were played with note-for-note accuracy.
The second half of the show was equally strong, with "Shine on You Crazy Diamond," "Learning to Fly," "The Fletcher Memorial Home," "Pigs" (complete with a large inflatable pig borrowed from the original Floyd) and "Careful With That Axe, Eugene" — again with all of the songs sounding like someone simply pumped a Pink Floyd CD through the E Center's PA system.
The stage for Friday's show was placed in the center of the E Center (center ice, if you will) and every seat in the half-sized arena was filled. APF brought its dazzling light-and-video show back, and yes, the inflatable dancing kangaroo also made an appearance.
As with previous shows, fans were exceptionally vociferous with their applause. The group seemed genuinely appreciative of the warm response, as most band members couldn't hold back their smiles at the end. "Thank you for making us feel so welcome," said guitarist Steve Mac.
Mac and fellow guitarist Damian Darlington, along with bassist Colin Wilson, showed more chemistry than David Gilmour and Roger Waters did during their Live 8 performance earlier this year, seamlessly trading off vocal parts.
By the time the group got to "Another Brick in the Wall, Part II" most of the crowd was on its feet for the remainder of the show. "Wish You Were Here," "Comfortably Numb" and "Run Like Hell" became a mass sing-a-along session.
Based on the response from the crowd, it won't be long before the Australian Pink Floyd show returns. Next time the band may even have to put its stage at the far end of the arena, because word will certainly get out again that this is a show not to be missed.
E-mail: preavy@desnews.com