Sunday, August 18, 2013

Roger Waters and The Wall 2013 in Gothenburg, Sweden a success

The show is over and Radio Dupree's man on the spot at Ullevi Stadium in Gothenburg was pleased with Roger Waters and The Wall as it looks and sounds 2013.

It's a surround sound multimedia extravaganza featuring peaks like the appearance of the giant puppets, i.e. the schoolmaster and the pig. 
Radio Dupree's man in the audience says this is the most spectacular rock show he has ever attended: "The surround effects were fantastic! A few minutes into the show I almost believed that there was an aircraft that was about to crash land in the middle of the stadium".

The music was mostly true to the album, with minor differences as a couple of pieces that he'd never heard before as well as a few songs being slightly rearranged. Roger Waters looked to be in good shape and a happy mood. So thumbs up from The Wall from our concert attendee!

The local newspaper GP reviews the concert here (in Swedish) giving it a 4 out of 5 rating. A couple of translated senteces:

Popular culture is full of fools who assume the mantle madness and we should be extremely thankful for that. Otherwise we would have never known Roger Waters and been able to experience one of the most spectacular rock shows ever. This year's stadium edition of The Wall is signed by a man who moste likely is just that: both beautiful and challenging.

2013 The Wall is so packed with expression and impression that it is hard to take everything in.

The reviewer's only criticism is the anti-war propaganda, calling it "naive and over explicit".

Yet it is impossible to resist the force of the show. When the helicopter wings and hail of bullets are slamming into you from the surround system at Ullevi you can not help but be amazed.

"If you don't eat yer meat, you can't have any pudding!" The schoolmaster on stage.
Time will tell if this really is the very last tour performing The Wall. Ten shows remain before the grande finale in Paris, France September 21.

GP also tells the story of how a handwritten letter from Roger Waters reached Gothenburg's Mayor Anneli Hulthén two years ago. Written on a paper napkin it says:

"My Dear Mayor!
My old friend Thomas, well he´s not that old! But you know what I mean! Happened to mention that Göteborg has not only the best Symphony Orchestra in Sweden but also a great annual festival. Also that he might persuade you to consider a semi staged concert version of my opera "CA IRA" (There is Hope) for inclusion. Should that happen, I would be very happy. Thank you for your consideration!
Roger Waters"

Pic and full story (In Swedish) over here!

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