Santiago Concert

Saturday’s flight over the Andes on the approach to Santiago, Chile, is a majestic sight to behold. Once in the city, the landscape continues to inspire, with snowcapped peaks seeming to peep out from behind the city’s modern skyline. The drama of this Chilean modern metropolis has added to the air of excitement and anticipation for David’s final concert in South America: one national newspaper described the concert as the most eagerly anticipated of the year.

The Estadio Nacional, the concert venue, is Chile’s Wembley Stadium, and is well used to staging major sporting and music events. The 47,0000 fans roared their welcome as David and the band took to the stage. Money took a different turn yesterday evening as David unexpectedly called on Guy to play a bass solo, which he did with aplomb. He then told the audience, “I’m going to whistle for you now” and In Any Tongue began. During the band introductions Phil, aka, El Magnifico, said a few words in Spanish to the audience … “Vival Chile, Viva Los Chilenos”, which drew an enthusiastic response.

During this tour, David’s virtuoso guitar playing, brilliantly supported by Phil, Guy, Jon, Stevie, Kevin, João, Lucita and Bryan, has been lauded by fans and media. But special mention must go to the incredibly hard working and professional crew, led by Roger Searle, who make these concerts happen. Throughout the Rattle That Lock tour, the sound and lighting have been raved about: Colin Norfield makes the band sound great, night after night, wrestling the different challenges that each venue presents; and Marc Brickman is the lighting magician, who conjures his visual spells and creates a light show rarely equalled.

As David and the band left the stadium, with the crowd’s cheering still ringing in their ears, David reflected:

“I’m glad I’ve finally played in South America; it took me 50 years, but perhaps I’ve appreciated it more at this period of my life. I’ll be taking home many happy memories. Obrigado and gracias”.

Last night’s setlist was…

First Set: 5 A.M.; Rattle That Lock; Faces Of Stone; Wish You Were Here; A Boat Lies Waiting; The Blue; Money; Us And Them; In Any Tongue; High Hopes.

Second Set: Astronomy Domine; Shine On You Crazy Diamond (Parts 1-5); Fat Old Sun; Coming Back To Life; On An Island; The Girl In The Yellow Dress; Today; Sorrow; Run Like Hell.

Encores: Time/Breathe (reprise); Comfortably Numb.