I picked up this concert video by mistaken identity. I miss-took this for a live performance of a solo project that included the Hit song "There's no way out of here"(which was a big hit for David Gilmour)that he recorded between Pink Floyd records. The shock that I had was instantly replaced with total Awe! This wonderful moment of guitar playing and song, captured in time for us to enjoy shows right from the beginning that David Gilmour could easily entertain us with just his guitar and a few electric gadgets. But it doesn't stop there! As guest musicians slowly enter this sonic arena one by one, we hear old classics like "Shine on You Crazy Diamond" and the all time classic "Comfortably Numb" done to perfection live! As I was watching and hearing, my mind put to rest any left-over notions that old "die-hard" Roger Waters disciples used to throw out saying "Pink Floyd is a fake without Roger in the band". As a true Pink Floyd fan I would never try to doubt Roger Waters importance to Pink Floyd's unique blend of Music with his cynical, sometimes twisted lyrics and unique bass guitar lines, but I think this Video proves that both David Gilmour and Roger Waters were sharing a parallel vision of music through Pink Floyd's Music. Maybe more then some would like to admit. This is a must own for even the most modest Pink Floyd fan, especially the die-hard David Gilmour version! The only thing that I could possibly say remotely negative about this video would be how easy he makes it look with his skillful playing and that, as always, it could have included so many more Pink Floyd Classics. That said, this is a masterpiece!
11 Reviews
Not Pink Floyd - Still Awesome!
ruddy_jim8 September 2003
I bought this DVD on faith in one of my favorite Guitarists in the world. At first I was taken aback. The concert starts with David, standing alone on stage noodling around on an acoustic guitar, and he works his way into Shine On You Crazy Diamond Part 1. OK, at this point I was enjoying the show fine, but it wasn't what I expected. Then the sax player came on stage and put goose bumps down my back. Not only is Mr Gilmour awesome, but every musician that appears on stage with David throughout this show is incredible.
The concert starts mellow and soft, builds to the climax (With Shine On You Crazy Diamond Part II) then ends with a very mellow Hush-a-bye Mountain. High points include the George Bizet tune and the home video on the extra's portion of the DVD.
This is not a renter - if you're a David Gilmour fan, buy it and watch it over and over again.
The concert starts mellow and soft, builds to the climax (With Shine On You Crazy Diamond Part II) then ends with a very mellow Hush-a-bye Mountain. High points include the George Bizet tune and the home video on the extra's portion of the DVD.
This is not a renter - if you're a David Gilmour fan, buy it and watch it over and over again.
do yourself a favor, buy it, turn up your speaker system, immerse yourself.
bxb_chicago2 January 2006
do yourself a favor, buy it, turn up your speaker system, let there be silence, and immerse yourself in. i have watched it several times already, it still gives me thrills. video, audio, editing is superb. the atmosphere of this concert, audience - as on almost all PF concerts - is intimately expecting and quiet throughout the performances just to burst into ovation and applause. There's really no point in describing it, go see the raving reviews on the Amazon site. Additional materials on this DVD, are as well superb and will leave you on the edge. That is, if you're the Floyd fan. Which you will become after experiencing this.
My favorite concert DVD! A must have!
sonniep8 February 2006
This is my favorite music DVD and one worth some discussion whether you are a Pink Floyd/David Gilmour fan or not. I don't know that there has been a concert enjoyed my so many of our friends who have never listened to much of Pink Floyd. So, even if you don't care much for Pink or you haven't listened much to Pink... you can still appreciate this DVD concert.
The guitar pickin'... use of the varied instruments, the choral group, and the relaxing style of music make this a must have DVD in my opinion.
The video quality is just okay... nothing spectacular, but the camera work is done very well.
The sound quality is where I believe this DVD shines... it is nothing short of awesome in DD 5.1, however a stereo track is available for those who would rather listen in stereo.
The guitar pickin'... use of the varied instruments, the choral group, and the relaxing style of music make this a must have DVD in my opinion.
The video quality is just okay... nothing spectacular, but the camera work is done very well.
The sound quality is where I believe this DVD shines... it is nothing short of awesome in DD 5.1, however a stereo track is available for those who would rather listen in stereo.
A must see for all Floyd fan's
leviathan722 April 2007
Warning: Spoilers
I've got to say i absolutely loved this show from start to finish This not a Pink Floyd Concert as such so lets not get the two mixed up. David Gilmour in Concert is a more unplugged approach to the Floyd universe with some of the best versions i have heard to date. My favourate track 11 Shine on you crazy Diamond and also of course track 9 Comfortably Numb. There are a couple of tracks for Syd Barrett fan's Terrapin and a nice chunky sounding Dominoes. With a special guest appearance's by Richard Wright, Bob Geldoff (Though Bob doesn't give Comfortably Numb justice)and Robert Wyatt sings on the first version of Comfortbly Numb. Overall if your a floyd fan you will enjoy it as i did i'm sure.
Play it through the sound system and play it loud.
Play it through the sound system and play it loud.
Forget Roger Waters!
Reverend Flea4 April 2003
This is the DVD to own! David Gilmour gives a spectacular performance of a number of Pink Floyd songs, as well as some classical pieces and a couple covers. The guest appearances are fantastic! Be sure to check out the Special Features section for additional performances, including a cover of Elvis Presley's "Don't."
For Us, Orphans of Pink Floyd and Syd Barrett
claudio_carvalho19 November 2005
A good lecture must begin approaching some very interesting subject, or a joke, to catch the attention of the audience. I believe the same principle applies to the opening of a concert. In this regard, David Gilmour almost spoils a great concert with an awful presentation of the wonderful "Shine on You Crazy Diamond Parts 1-5", with a very cheap and boring lonely solo. In this moment, I was completely disappointed with the DVD. Fortunately, he seems to be only warming-up for a great presentation.
Listening to the songs of Syd Barrett, and the most of the classics of Pink Floyd sang in the soft and beautiful voice of David Gilmour worth the show. I loved also Caroline Dale, magnificently playing the cello. The singers are efficient as usual in a Pink Floyd concert, only in a higher number (twelve, I guess). I personally did not like the narrative of "Confortably Numb" made by a guy in a wheelchair, in the Melldown Concert; and Bob Geldof reading the text, in the Royal Festival Hall Concert 2002, disappointed me a lot. I am Brazilian and I know the lyrics by heart, and the guy needs to read them? Further, lasting the arrangement of the song, extending the compass to change the guitar to an electric guitar is also very unusual in a live presentation. David Gilmour singing in French is also weird. The DVD has lots of Extras and I believe no fan will be disappointed with its content. My vote is eight.
Title (Brazil): "David Gilmour in Concert"
Listening to the songs of Syd Barrett, and the most of the classics of Pink Floyd sang in the soft and beautiful voice of David Gilmour worth the show. I loved also Caroline Dale, magnificently playing the cello. The singers are efficient as usual in a Pink Floyd concert, only in a higher number (twelve, I guess). I personally did not like the narrative of "Confortably Numb" made by a guy in a wheelchair, in the Melldown Concert; and Bob Geldof reading the text, in the Royal Festival Hall Concert 2002, disappointed me a lot. I am Brazilian and I know the lyrics by heart, and the guy needs to read them? Further, lasting the arrangement of the song, extending the compass to change the guitar to an electric guitar is also very unusual in a live presentation. David Gilmour singing in French is also weird. The DVD has lots of Extras and I believe no fan will be disappointed with its content. My vote is eight.
Title (Brazil): "David Gilmour in Concert"
Great DVD, Gotta Love Gilmour.
SomeTrendyName10 September 2005
Being a fan of Pink Floyd, and a fan of the incredibly underrated guitarist that is David Gilmour. I naturally had to go pick it up, It is a fantastic DVD, It has some of the greatest Floyd songs Shine on you crazy diamond parts 1 and 2, comfortably numb, wish you were here. The additional material like the Syd Barrett songs are excellent, even some of the other songs that were not as good as the Floyd material, Gilmour stills tackles them with impressive vocals and always impressive guitar playing.
If you enjoy David Gilmours Work, and your a Pink Floyd fan, and you don't own this go and get it I've had it for a couple days and I'm on my fourth viewing-Great purchase.
If you enjoy David Gilmours Work, and your a Pink Floyd fan, and you don't own this go and get it I've had it for a couple days and I'm on my fourth viewing-Great purchase.
Gilmour takes us on a bumpy ride
autiger-19 July 2006
I knew that this concert movie was an acoustic show so I wasn't surprised that the tempo was slow at the beginning. But to start the show with Gilmour tuning his guitar was a bit much.
Once he did start playing, Gilmour was having such a hard time finding his rhythm that I found myself praying for the drums to kick in.
By the time things settle down, the really glaring problem with this film comes to the surface. The mix is horrible. The crowd noise drowns out Gilmour at times when they cheer a song they recognize, he is almost inaudible when talking between songs and at many points the backup singers completely cancel him out. I found myself constantly adjusting the volume which really takes away from the "concert experience".
There are high points in the show, but the low points are rock bottom. Comfortably Numb is a song that millions of people know by heart. Two versions are provided on the DVD - from the concert and in the bonus section. Neither of the guest singers (Robert Hewitt and Sir Bob Geldoff) know the words, have to read from sheet music and based on their phrasing have never heard the song before. Gilmour would have been better off asking for a volunteer from the audience.
The very best thing on the DVD is, oddly enough, in the bonus section. Screamin' Jay Hawkins' I Put a Spell on You, a blues standard performed with Mica Paris and Jools Holland, almost makes the DVD worth buying. Almost.
Watch Jonathan Demme's beautiful treatment of Neil Young: Heart of Gold if you really want to see a great acoustic concert film. That is the gold standard.
Once he did start playing, Gilmour was having such a hard time finding his rhythm that I found myself praying for the drums to kick in.
By the time things settle down, the really glaring problem with this film comes to the surface. The mix is horrible. The crowd noise drowns out Gilmour at times when they cheer a song they recognize, he is almost inaudible when talking between songs and at many points the backup singers completely cancel him out. I found myself constantly adjusting the volume which really takes away from the "concert experience".
There are high points in the show, but the low points are rock bottom. Comfortably Numb is a song that millions of people know by heart. Two versions are provided on the DVD - from the concert and in the bonus section. Neither of the guest singers (Robert Hewitt and Sir Bob Geldoff) know the words, have to read from sheet music and based on their phrasing have never heard the song before. Gilmour would have been better off asking for a volunteer from the audience.
The very best thing on the DVD is, oddly enough, in the bonus section. Screamin' Jay Hawkins' I Put a Spell on You, a blues standard performed with Mica Paris and Jools Holland, almost makes the DVD worth buying. Almost.
Watch Jonathan Demme's beautiful treatment of Neil Young: Heart of Gold if you really want to see a great acoustic concert film. That is the gold standard.
David Gilmour did it wrong
zooropa-29 November 2005
I must say i was quite disappointed with David Gilmour.. I was somewhat amazed when he pulled the long reverb sounds out of the chords in shine on your crazy diamonds, but I lost my interest right afterwards.. The way he plays these beautiful classics sound like stereotype-music with no purpose... It doesn't work at all with him playing it acoustic and alone, and when he gets the other musicians they continue to deliver the music inelegant empty and exposed for soul. For a moment I thought that pink floyd's music was uninteresting.. and I don't get it because I know Pink Floyd are good, so this must be a mistake from Gilmour, he was drunk, or maybe he wasn't.. anyways this doesn't work! Pull your act together big guy, I know your up for it..
Hold on to your hats fans
Stu-429 January 2007
I'm giving this a 5 not because it was mediocre per se, but rather because compared to the Pink Floyd I know and love it was very disappointing. I was all ready to enjoy a different kind of experience from the great Gilmour when about 2 songs in I realized something was wrong. He was taking awesome music and making it depressing. The whole wonderful point of Pink Floyd was to create a feeling of being mesmerized by the delicious sounds of the unique band. Mellow music in some cases, on the fringe of sadness at times, but never boring or generic. Of course there was some fun in seeing him perform some of the classics, but it almost always ended up leaving me cold. I also wasn't impressed by that French song and even the special features were at best mildly interesting. Sorry, but go ahead and pick up the Pompeii disc instead, you'll get much more of what you really want.
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