Concert Review: The Australian Pink Floyd Show – “Darkside 50 Tour” @ Palace Theatre, 06/29/2023

By Mark Hudson On Jul 1, 2023

The Australian Pink Floyd Show delivered an interstellar performance that captivated an enthusiastic crowd at The Palace Theatre on Thursday night. This tribute band, in existence since 1988, is currently embarking on a massive tour to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Pink Floyd’s highly successful album, “The Dark Side of the Moon.” The tour extends until the end of the year, with numerous dates scheduled in the U.S., Canada, and the UK.

There is a reason why “Dark Side” has remained popular over the years—it’s simply that good. A profound exploration of madness, isolation, greed, war, and politics, accompanied by dynamic and accessible music with clear and concise lyrics, the album still stands as a masterpiece. Having purchased it upon its release and listened to it countless times, I found myself fully immersed in the experience when APF opened their concert by performing the entire album from start to finish. Despite my familiarity with the material, I was far from bored.

APF is much more than a mere “tribute” act. They are all exceptional musicians and vocalists who put on a stunning show complete with special effects, lighting, back projections, lasers, and inflatables that the original band was renowned for. The imaginative back projections on a massive circular screen behind the band are particularly impressive, incorporating subtle references to their Australian heritage, such as kangaroos marching alongside the animated hammers from “The Wall.”

APF prides themselves on meticulously replicating the source material note for note. They only deviate from the Floyd arrangements at the end of the first set, where they vamp a couple of extra guitar and keyboard solos as a coda to “Another Brick in the Wall Part 2.” Apart from that, they faithfully stick to the original compositions and recreate them splendidly.

Guitarists David Domminney Fowler and Luc Ledy-Lepine flawlessly share David Gilmour’s iconic solos. Keyboard player Jason Sawford skillfully provides the orchestral washes of synthesizer and beautiful piano and organ patterns reminiscent of the late Rick Wright. Paul Bonney demonstrates electrifying skill in covering the drums and percussion of Nick Mason. Ricky Howard handles the bass lines of Roger Waters while also providing excellent vocal support to Chris Barnes. Barnes, in the challenging role of lead singer, tackles a wide range of vocals, from the aggressive hard rock of “In the Flesh” and “Run Like Hell” to the contemplative folk balladry of “On the Turning Away” and “High Hopes.”

Special recognition goes to the three backing singers—Lorelei McBroom, Emily Lynn, and Lara Smiles—for their impeccable harmonies throughout the performance. Their standout moment, of course, is the wordless improvised vocal segment in Wright’s “The Great Gig in the Sky.” Each of them delivers a captivating and emotionally charged rendition that leaves the audience in awe.

We must not forget Alex Francois, who steps out to deliver the brief yet vital saxophone solos in both “Dark Side” and the bluesy tone poem of “Shine On You Crazy Diamond.”

The band performs for two and a half hours with one intermission, concluding with a powerful and exhilarating rendition of “Run Like Hell” (accompanied by “Skippy,” their giant pink inflatable kangaroo, bouncing along) and the grand and anthemic encore of “Comfortably Numb,” bringing the evening to a close.

No Pink Floyd fan could have left disappointed.

Set List: Set 1: The Dark Side of the Moon: