FLOYD FIELD TRIP

Four years after the final Pink Floyd album with Roger Waters at the helm, the trio of David Gilmour, Nick Mason and Rick Wright released A Momentary Lapse Of Reason (1987). After the sparring and backbiting between the warring parties, it was a big deal. Fans agreed, with sales of the album topping ten million worldwide. Inevitably they toured; an extensive schedule taking the band far and wide for a full year. There was even an encore tour in 1989. After that massive effort, a well-earned break was taken, as befitted rockstars now in middle age. They could probably afford to put their feet up for a while; gate receipts from the tour topped US$135 million.

Like most megastar rock tours, this one was documented on an album, the well-received Delicate Sound Of Thunder. That set included material from Pink Floyd’s curtain call performance at Knebworth 1990 where they had the honour of closing the festival, edging out heavyweights such as Paul McCartney and Eric Clapton. Having first appeared as part of The Later Years box set (2019), this one-off show was finally released as a stand-alone 2 LP vinyl album on 30 April 2021. And a fine entry into the 'Live Floyd' catalogue it is.

There is a relaxed energy present on this recording, audible from the opening moments of the classic "Shine On You Crazy Diamond, Parts 1-5". When Clare Torry steps forward to reprise her Dark Side Of The Moon glory on "The Great Gig In The Sky", it is positively spine-tingling. New song "Sorrow" holds up well in this exalted company, though for this lifetime fan of Pink Floyd the extended "Money" is a show-stealer. Giving the backing vocalists—an integral part of the band’s concert sound—some extra space is wonderful, while Candy Dulfer adds new spice to that well known sax solo. Throw in some rhythmic juggling and you have a true tour de force. Floyd staples "Comfortably Numb" and "Run Like Hell" close out proceedings with a jolt of energy as strong as those rotating spotlights that blast the audience with white light and white heat.

This is a mature Pink Floyd playing to a huge audience who are right into the music. The band are confident but not casual, powerful yet never ponderous. And apparently they stumped up the sixty thousand quid for the closing fireworks you can hear at the climax of "Run Like Hell".

For this vinyl release the live tapes were remixed by guitarist David Gilmour and engineer Andy Jackson. The results are a rich, deep sound augmented by an exceptionally solid bottom end delivered by the 45RPM cut. There is also a lavish program-style booklet with lots of action photos. The whole package comes in a classic Hipgnosis sleeve that eschews clichéd live album images of multitudes in a field in favour of a downbeat image of a chap standing in a soggy paddock holding an oversized pill. But whether you were there or are participating in the event via this recording, there is no way you will be deflated by Live At Knebworth 1990. Take the red pill. It may not be life-changing, but it will be thoroughly entertaining.

© Bruce Jenkins—April 2023