Below is a recent, hour and a half interview with Roger Waters, posted online by The Global Consortium for Sustainable Peace. The fascinating, wide-ranging chat conducted by Professor John Haas of Cerritos College, covers a wide range of subjects as you may expect, with Roger sharing his views on things such as nature, human rights, BDS, and music, including touring. He talks about his concert plans for this year – dates in the US, Canada and Mexico – and answers questions about playing at the border wall. From our busy email inbox, we know that many of you are keen to know what is happening with his next tour (which he has said will be a new production) and as soon as we have the confirmed information we will of course let you know. Here’s the interview:
official David Gilmour Italian Album Store (https://DavidGilmour.lnk.to/storeIT) (including those who have already done so), with the general sale of tickets beginning on Friday, May 17th via this link at Ticketone.it (https://www.ticketone.it/en/artist/david-gilmour/) Other than the store presale, there is a Virgin Radio Presale at this link (https://www.ticketone.it/virginradio), from May 15th at 9am until May 16th at 11:59pm. There’s also a Sonyo Presale running at the same time as the Virgin Radio Presale. As with the Royal Albert Hall tickets, we suspect these shows – the only ones that will be performed in mainland Europe – will be extremely popular. The capacity of the venue should be higher than the London venue, so hopefully plenty of fans will be able to secure tickets.
Leeds dream-pop artist Nii releases new single “Silk”, on the loss of a love interest. “Silk” represents a new sound for Leeds dream-pop artist Nii – one of vulnerability and openness. For fans of The 1975, John Mayer, Boy Pablo and HAIM, “Silk” features glimmering synths, a driving beat and heart-on-sleeve lyrics. Nii is entirely …
Recently published is The Development of Large Rock Sound Systems, Chris Hewittâs homage to the development of amplified sound systems spearheaded by Charlie Watkins whose company, WEM (Watkins Electric Music) was synonymous with the supply of PA systems to a raft of artists and festivals through the 1960s and 70s. You need to have a basic understanding of the principals behind amplified sound systems to get a grasp on this book because it not only traces the history of sound systems but the individual components that made up those systems. It can get quite technically overwhelming but it is strangely compelling, not least because its author is a hugely enthusiastic authority, but is also a world renowned collector of vintage PA equipment. So much so that Chris has supplied his equipment for films including the recreation of the Live Aid stage for Bohemian Rhapsody and scenes in Elton Johnâs biopic Rocketman and more recently a recreation of David Bowieâs infamous July 1973 concert at Hammersmith Odeon for the soon to be released Sex Pistols film by Danny Boyle. (Iâll leave you to work out the connection.) Watkins began the design and manufacture of amplifiers, mixing desks and speakers in the early 1960s when pop music was on an upward trajectory and venues were becoming ever bigger which in turn demanded better equipment. It was also surprising to learn how late in the day stage monitors became the norm. Watkins, however, made a critical business error at the very outset â he thought that supplying the artists with his equipment for free â emblazoned with the recognisable red WEM logo – would encourage retail sales to would-be musicians. It is hardly surprising then that many acts took advantage of that offer â and not least Pink Floyd, but it ultimately became his downfall as other companies began making their own mark, including Marshall, Allen & Heath and Martin to name a few which ultimately spelt WEMs demise. Unsurprisingly, WEM also spearheaded the supply of PA systems to the burgeoning festival scene and supplied systems to the early NJF at Sunbury, Windsor and Plumpton; all the Hyde Park free festivals; Isle of Wight and Bath. For anyone interested in that scene alone this book is a must with plenty of rare photos â some of which that defy todayâs health and safety regulations!
