London, UK – Victorious Albert

There is always something special about playing London’s Royal Albert Hall, and David’s fans will remember the 2006 shows as particularly special, given the presence then of Richard Wright. A Boat Lies Waiting was therefore a poignant moment tonight, especially since there came the surprise appearance of David Crosby and Graham Nash, who of course sang on the recorded version. In a reprise of their 2006 guesting, they also added their peerless harmonies to On An Island as well as taking the lead on the verses of Comfortably Numb.

Another addition to tonight’s show was the assured debut of saxophonist João Mello, who will be taking over the reeds role from now on. His deservedly warm reception was, however, as nothing compared to the rapturous reception of the return of lasers to the live show: as mesmerising as ever, and monumentally exciting. Live shows just don’t get any better than this. The superlative production, light and sound really came into its own within the regal space of the Royal Albert Hall, in some places reducing the hugely enthusiastic audience to silence, and in other places to tears.

The full list 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; On An Island; The Girl In The Yellow Dress; Today; Sorrow; Run Like Hell.

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