Q&A :: Brit Floyd

Words: Caroline Foran
 

What is it about Pink Floyd that you think has resonated around the world across all generations for so long?

Well they are just one of those groups, aren’t they? They produce timeless music. The lyrics deal with issues that resonate with fans and really create an emotional connection. Their music is often sublime. There are fans from the late 60’s and every year teenagers discover Pink Floyd and become another generation of fans.

What's your favourite Pink Floyd song?

I would say ‘Comfortably Numb’. ‘The Wall’ was the first Pink Floyd album I ever listened to. It has one of the classic guitar solos of all time – it’s amazing.

Pink Floyd were synonymous with big staging and light shows, how difficult is it to bring all that to life for this show?

It is certainly a challenge that we do our very best to meet. Brit Floyd is a substantial live show. We have the circular screen with projections onto it that Pink Floyd is famous for. We have all the inflatables – everything to give the audience an authentic Pink Floyd experience.

Have any Pink Floyd members ever seen you perform? Have you met them? What's their reaction?

Yes, David Gilmour came to watch one of the concerts in Australia. He must have thought quite favourably of it as he invited us to perform at his own 50th Birthday! Richard Wright got up on stage and performed with us before. I met Nick Mason before as well.

David Gilmour is often touted as being up there with the best guitar players in the world, where do you rank him?

Absolutely up there with the best without a doubt. He’s not a master technician in the way some guitarists are but his style and talent are phenomenal.

What song gets the biggest reaction when you play it?

It’s a toss up between two. ‘Comfortably Young’ is probably the climax of the show. Before that there’s ‘Great Gig in the Sky’ which always gets a standing ovation.

When you play Wish you Were Here, what goes through your mind?

Just that "I’m really enjoying playing this song right now!". I never get tired of playing that song. You always get a great reaction from the crowd for that track, no matter what city you’re in.

Can we expect any large inflatable animals when you perform at The O2?

I can say that you can expect a large inflatable pig at one stage or another!

What are you most looking forward to about this show?

Playing in Dublin for one thing. Dublin always has an amazing audience. I’ve been playing here on and off since 1994 and every time I find there’s an amazing vibe from the crowd.

What can fans expect at The O2?

Everything I’ve just mentioned! You can expect two and a half hours of every era of Pink Floyd – from Syd Barrett to Division Bell. You can expect the full 23 minutes of ‘Echoes’ and of course a spectacular light show.

You must be thrilled to be supporting Squeaky Gate, what does the charity mean to you/how important is music in helping with mental health issues?

We are so thrilled and proud to support Squeaky Gate. Rosemary Breen, sister of Syd Barrett is a supporter of the organisation that uses the transformational effects of music to help people who have mental health issues. We hope to help them to raise lots of money for the organising who really deserve it.

Brit Floyd will play at The O2 on 4th May. Tickets from €35
For more information see www.theo2.ie
 

Story by EI Team | 09:00 | Monday 23rd April 2012 | Music

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