P-U-L-S-E

I'm so glad to own this concert, and so disappointed to have missed it live. Fortunately, this has to be the next-best thing. Numerous friends of mine who could care less about Floyd's music are mesmerized by the fantastic visuals and lights. There are plenty of different camera views to get a sense of each member's contribution, and the music just wonderful. I've seen multiple Floyd tribute bands who have tried to re-create parts of this show, and while admirable, they have shot themselves in the foot, because I can imagine only a few acts to be able to pull off something this huge (you know, the U2s of this world).

I like the fact that it's not just a list of hits, but rather a commitment to dig deeper in places (of course, Dark Side) and deliver the true spirit of the music. Guy Pratt does fine covering bass and occasional vocals, and Dick Parry still "has it". Nick and Rick are dependable as always, although very workmanlike.

However, what this really feels like to me is a big send-off for Dave, as if he had decided long before that this would be the last big stadium tour, and that he was going to do it on his terms: big, ambitious and visually gratifying, but somehow intimate and endearing at the same time. I think that has a lot to do with Dave as the leader: he smiles, he directs, and when appropriate, he just lets it rip. And I think after this he looked back upon his effort and felt pride and relief, and walked away from this kind of production for life. That's what I call grace and class, and Dave has always represented that for me.

Of course, the main show is great, but the best is saved for last, as the three encore songs are just fantastic. Special mention must be made for Comfortably Numb, as the visuals are simply extraordinary: during Dave's solo, the strobe-lined screen is lowered over Dave, and then the enormous disco ball above the crowd opens, creating perhaps one of my favorite live moments in rock. Fantastic stuff.

All in all, a wonderful show, and an equally satisfying DVD, with real extras (i.e., not simply a couple of last-minute throw-ins). A must-have for Floydians, and worthwhile for anyone who likes Floyd or enjoys rock shows with incredible visuals.