Dark Side of the Wall

DARK SIDE OF THE WALL

IAC 5TH July 2025

Back to the International Arts Centre last night for this years gig by Dark Side of the Wall.

There are only a handful of tribute bands i would follow and DSOTW are probably top of that list... a superb band who deliver high quality sets every time!

Last nights set was as always perfectly chosen... Pink Floyd have a huge back catalogue and whatever songs DSOTW include, there will be some songs that you would like to have seen included... but none that could be dropped!! (I'd have loved "Mother" from the Wall!!)

Last night started with "Breathe/Time" from Dark Side, then delved into "Division Bell", "Animals", "Final Cut" and "Momentary Relapse" as well as a wonderful atmospheric spacey "Set the Controls for the Heart of the Sun" from way back on "Saucerful of Secrets"

The second half opened with a superb "Shine on You Crazy Diamond" then concentrated on medleys from "Dark Side" and "The Wall" separated by "Fat Old Sun (Atom Heart Mother)

After the "Wall Medley" the band changed mood for a wonderful always emotional "Wish You Were Here" before the magnificent climactic "Comfortably Numb"... which of course didnt end the show... as, as ever, "Run Like Hell" followed as the encore!!.

This band are hugely authentic and sound as close to PF as you can get... at the back of the stage Tony Norris is a superb drummer and Jon Murdock and Peter Riley deliver the wonderful keyboards.... Pete also delivers the manic laughter and Jon also contributes first class guitar.

At the front, mostly, Adrian Stokes is a superb musician playing guitar and pedal steel, Mick Freeman is a superb and charismatic singer, and cowbell maestro. while Steve Chilton plays superb bass. To his left welcome back to the band Louise Wilson with her superb backing vocals and at times guitar work. Finally, Pete Taz Morgan pops on and off to play some superb sax as well as delivering (I seem to think more than before?) vocals to the mix

Floyds music is generally serious, but DSOTW not only play brilliantly throughout, but also clearly have a ball playing... finding a lot of space for humour and generate a truly warm and vibrant rapport amongst themselves and with the audience... the whole performance is delivered with brilliance, integrity and a real sense of joy...

An absolute joy to see and hear every time... if you like PF music, get down to see this band... they are consistently outstanding and last nights gig was an absolute beauty...

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