Chicago: United Center; Night One

The tour arrived in Chicago to a snow storm and temperatures below zero, with the inevitable confusions between those in the band ‘on Centigrade’ and those still ‘on Fahrenheit’: whatever the number, all agreed it was a shock to the system.

The Rattle That Lock tour plays three concerts in Chicago, the home of the urban blues. Muddy Waters and Howlin’ Wolf are just two of the Chicago singer/songwriters who significantly influenced many British rock musicians in the ’60s, of which David Gilmour was one.

Each night, during the concert, a guitar ‘choreography’ takes place, to which the audience is oblivious, and that’s a mark of its success. Phil Taylor (production director) and David’s longserving guitar tech has 16 guitar changes to make during the concert; Steve Prior, guitar tech to Phil Manzanera, has 14; and ‘Alfie’ Barton, Guy Pratt’s bass tech, also has 14 changes. This constant activity on and off the stage invariably takes place in the dark or in blinding light, but such is the brilliance of Phil Taylor’s ‘choreography’ that it is flawless … and incident free.

Last night’s concert maintained the high standard of the tour, the audience loving every moment and David conjuring magic from the guitar and the voice. Special mention goes to João Mello who, although struggling with illness, played his usual brilliant sax.

Last night’s setlist was…

First Set: 5 A.M.; Rattle That Lock; Faces Of Stone; Wish You Were Here; What Do You Want From Me; 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; The Girl In The Yellow Dress; Today; Sorrow; Run Like Hell.

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