Ufa is a lucky city. Due to the eruption of the volcano with a difficult name, airports of London and Manchester were closed, whereupon The Spirit of Pink Floyd Show failed to depart for Russia in time. As a result, the concert in Orenburg was cancelled and shows in Magnitogorsk and Chelyabinsk were postponed. And in our city the concert took place right on the fixed day. The fans were in raptures over it.
       The Spirit of Pink Floyd Show is not Pink Floyd itself; it is a rather young band playing the hits of the legend with the approval of the authors and right holders. Time zips along and we will hardly ever be able to see the real Pink Floyd again. Thus, we have to be satisfied with what their young British successors do.
       I believe such groups will become more numerous with the lapse of time. Legendary musicians advance in years, but the public still wants to hear them live. In many cities and in Ufa as well there are many groups playing famous hits. And people like it. The difference between The Spirit of Pink Floyd Show and minor groups lies in the supreme professionalism and quality of the show. Technicians and the soundman are Britons, the equipment and light are of a very high quality. Everything is planned up to the minor details. To see a real professional concert is worth a lot.
       As we can learn from the name, the aim of the band of nine people is to reproduce that unique spirit created by David Gilmour, Roger Waters and other Pink Floyd musicians.
       We would report to those who know almost nothing about Pink Floyd that it is very popular in the civilized world English rock-group that was progressive for its time and paid much attention to psychedelic music. This band is mostly known for its philosophical lyrics, sonic experimentation, innovative album cover art, and elaborate live shows. About 200 million albums of Pink Floyd were sold all over the world.
       The main albums of the band are "The Dark Side of the Moon", "Wish You Were Here", "Animals", "The Wall". Most fans learnt about the group by these albums.
       In "The Dark Side of the Moon", all compositions are united by one idea that is pressure of the modern world on a human psychic. For example, the hit "Money" tells about money that comes with fame and takes possession of a person, and "Time" describes advance of old age and waste of life.
       Alienation became the main theme of "Wish You Were Here". The title track and "Shine On You Crazy Diamonds" are the gems of the bands' creative work.
       "Animals" was an accusatory album. Dogs personified careerists and businessmen in it, and pigs were immoral politicians and moralists. Dogs and pigs ruled over sheep, which were a resigned flock of average people thoughtlessly following their leaders.
       The most famous album of Pink Floyd is "The Wall" (1979). The main idea of it is the protest against bans, barriers and walls. And the movie that came out later protested against fixed ideals and English passion for order. This album included the most famous composition Another Brick In The Wall (Part 2), which shows how indiscrete stuffing is made out of pupils at school...
       Imagine yourself in the place of a person who listened for these albums for many years, watched video, read articles and books, but never happened to watch the live show. And now he is watching all this, he is feeling and listening. The quality is supreme, musicians put their hearts into the work, the atmosphere is tremendous. All the hits have been played, and the most famous one, about school, is sung as an encore. "Hey, Teacher, leave those kids alone!" What emotions can it arouse? Only the strongest ones!
       There was a storm of applause that evening; the spectators had happy faces as they left the auditorium. They felt the spirit of Pink Floyd show.
       What can be said about the musicians of The Spirit of Pink Floyd Show? Each of them is an expert of his trade. Almost all of them participate in other projects.
       Let me first tell about the ladies. The backup singers are two British sweeties with the last name Harley - Caroline (the brunette) and Adel (the blonde). They are not extras at all. Their voices are heard in the songs and, of course, they beautify the compositions.
       The drums and the second guitar are also women. Though they are not virtuosi, but surely know their trade. Stella Fairhead sings much better than plays. Her singing can be said to be astounding. And the drummer Caroline Boden has recently toured with Take That.
       The keyboard player Richard Benbow looks like a former member of Pink Floyd. But it is not so, of course. The bass player Neil Fairclough is good, but the main virtuoso is the leading guitarist Nick Radcliffe. It is not difficult for this guy to play relatively simple solos of Pink Floyd, he is capable of more.
       Girls most probably liked two red-haired guys: Andrew Gibson with his strong and strained singing and the saxophonist Ben Appleby in a green- black kilt. They turned the public on most of all and their professionalism is faultless.
       So, we liked them and they likes us. After the concert the musicians came out to be photographed, they smiled and willingly talked to spectators. The vocalist Andrew Gibson, who won the hearts of Ufa ladies, said to BASHvest:
       "We have already been to Russia, and the previous shows were good. But today was a special show and special audience, who gave us a warm welcome. The spectators were just rocking and getting off on it. It was excellent...
       Yes, Andrew, it was excellent...
       Photo by Andrey Starostin.