Maybe Erie expected just a laser light show; I don't know. But the few folks who braved the cold on Wednesday -- about 700 or so -- got that and plenty more, a terrific band playing the best of Pink Floyd, on Wednesday at the Warner Theatre.
Pink Floyd Experience delivered a powerful show, capturing the majesty and scope of Floyd, along with all the whirling sound effects -- helicopters, cash registers, etc. -- in ear-pleasing surround sound.
Floyd isn't the easiest band to recreate; they don't just write epic songs, they sculpt them, creating emotion-laden songs in which the space between notes, and the guitar phrasing, especially -- are paramount.
Guitarist Tom Quinn acquitted himself admirably in the David Gilmour department, playing with grace,nuance, exceptional tone, and most of all, feeling. He especially shined on "Shine On You Crazy Diamond," the epic from my personal favorite Floyd album, "Wish You Were Here."
No one in this band was a weak link but special mention must go to saxophonist Jesse Molloy, who played fluid, Gilmour-like solos. His strong work helped take songs like "Another Brick in the Wall," "Young Lust," and "Time" to new heights.
Lead singer Graham Heath did a great job -- especially on the difficult wailing/caterwauling close of "Great Gig in the Sky." PFE left its exceptional, extended "Dark Side" set for the second half -- except for "Astronomy," a Syd Barrett salute -- and 15-minute encore.
PFE delivered visually, too. An oval-shaped screen, pitched over the band, flashed psychedelic videos, film, and lava-lamp like effects throughout the night. At times, band members stood silhouetted in cones of light. Lasers lit up the Warner, too, but never too blindingly or obtrusively. As promised, a huge, radio-controlled pink pig floated over the crowd during the finale, "Run Like Hell."
The emphasis was on best-known Floyd; the band also navigated "Have a Cigar," "Hey You," and, during the encore, "Comfortably Numb." Tossing in an obscurity or two might have satisfied the diehards but we're fed "Dark Side," "WYWH," "Animals," and "Wall" so often through classic-rock radio you can't blame PFE for accentuating them.
Hopefully, PFE will give Erie another chance. The band sold out in Wilkes-Barre, and has drawn exceptionally well in other markets. Word of mouth alone will help. I'm normally not a tribute-act kind of guy, but, man, these guys were amazing.
Looks like new-age pianist and Windham Hill perennial George Winston is headed back to Erie. He's penciled in for an April 16 show at the Warner Theatre.
Sherlock's and Rocket 101 have firmed up the lineup for the sixth annual Rolling Rock Battle of the Bands. This year's event will feature a few changes -- all for the better.
Each week's winner -- four in all -- will advance to the semifinals. The two non-winning bands with the highest scores will also move on as wild cards. This helps avoids situations where a particular night might feature three killer bands.
Two rounds of semifinals -- with three bands, each -- will take place on March 14 and 21. The finals, set for March 28, will feature just two bands, but each one gets to plan an hour set.
The battle starts Feb. 14 with the Jungle (formerly Channel 4), Hello Kitty Death Squad, and Otis at 10, 11 p.m. and midnight, respectively.
Feb 21: Beneath the Scars, Moving in Stereo, Matty B and the Dirty Pickles.
Feb. 28: I Am Frankie Scrap Metal, KnifeFight the World, AK 37.
March 7: On the Ashes of Angel Wings; Years from Yesterday; Misery Bay.
Just 12 bands made it from 50 or so entries.