I recall a news release or article back in August of 2010 saying that the Australian Pink Floyd Show had split up, and through the benevolance he was always known for, Chas Cole/CMP would be putting together a band to honour the dates already booked for the Aussies. Well, Mr Cole, CMP, Nick Cassidy, all I can say is that I'm so pleased this alleged 'split' happened and bollox to their disingenious attempts to muddy the Aussiefloyd name. Without it, the Aussies would not be blessed with the lineup they are currently enjoying, together with all the plaudits they are rightfully receiving wherever they play.

A group of us were lucky enough to see them at the Birmingham NIA on Wednesday night, and what a great night it was. The sound was spot on (as always) through Colin's excellent work on the sound desk. Some of these large arena's have a horrible echo to them, but not here - the sound was absolutely spot on. And as for the lighting! Well, there's no point in saying anything as its already been written about previously. Just to add - superb and a visual feast!

Which brings me on to the music. Again, the setlist was excellent, spanning the Syd years through to The Final Cut. Mrs Skotch remarked the the band sounded 'mellower' than when we last saw them at the start of the year in Poland. I would agree - there was a smoother 'flow' through the set list. A bit difficult to describe on paper - you really had to be there to appreciate it.

All this brings me to my highlight of the evening - hearing Lorelei and Durga McBroom sing Great Gig in Tandem. I've now heard this so many times by so many different singers I though there would never be a version that would top some of the one's I've already heard. How wqrong I was. The sisters in harmony and individually were simply breathtaking! Easily the best live version I have heard of this soulful track.

Stand out tracks of the evening for me were: Great Gig, Pigs and Fletcher Memorial Home. As well as these tracks, I believe its worth mentioninhg the the imput Alex McNamara gives to the show. He has a fantastic vocal range and covers the Waters and Gilmour roles with professional accomplishment few others can manage. He also commands the stage and appears in control of his area- unlike a certain bass playing American who just appears awkward when trying to impersonate the characters he is supposed to be acting out. In addition, he's a witty and personable individual. Long may he continue his role.

Many thanks to the Band and Management for your fine hospitality after the show - to the individual menbers who always have the time to say 'hello' and to everyone involved in the production of such a fine show. Roll on, you Aussies - anyone else who thinks they come close had better have a proper look at how its really done.

I'd just like to post my thanks and appreciation for yet another first class gig at the NIA in Birminham on the 21st March. The whole of the set list was a joy to listen to. With the stage production values being of the highest order....both lighting effects and lasers were of the highest quality....complimenting the sound to unbeatable perfection.
 Thus provoking the as yet unasked question ? If the previously employed guitarist was such a valuable/indispensable component part of the TAPFS production....the brains and talent behind everything that occurred on stage....how come the show is immeasurably better now that he has fallen for the oldest trick inthe book, that is to say.....allowing himself to fall for a concerted campaign of having his ego massaged and has moved on to bigger and better things...sic.
 Fletcher as sung by Colin Wilsom was most excellent. GGITS by Lorelei and Durga was beautifully showcased.  Mike on sax was a continuing joy to see and hear (especially when I was encouraged to believe at the beginning of 2008 that he'd had to give up playing due to to poor health....another N.C. lie) Bonney on drums especially in sync with the lasers on Time was terrific as usual....ah but hang on, let's cut is short ! In brief the whole of the set list met with my complete approval.....and I'm an old boy now. I'm able to remember what The Floyd should sound like.
 This band my friends don't make a living by performing to an audience of people who are unsure of what they are listening to, unlike lesser session musicians available elsewhere.