Pink Floyd by Candlelight Review: Live Concert Verdict

The popular Concerts by Candlelight tour rolled into the market town of Bury St Edmunds for Pink Floyd by Candlelight. It was my first ‘by candlelight’ concert and it won’t be my last. With music duties performed by the tribute band ‘What the Floyd’, the event delivered 90 minutes of great Floyd in the cavernous, atmospheric space of Bury St Edmunds Cathedral.

The candles were bunched neatly around the front of the stage and along the first few rows, with static lighting framing the stage. This meant only the front few rows truly experienced the up-close glow ‘by candlelight’, but it in no way impacted my enjoyment of the show.

Unlike authentic Pink Floyd gigs, there was no massive projection screen or elaborate wider lighting and theatrics. This made for a harder build-up for the band in such a vast space as the cathedral, but as both the musicians and the audience relaxed, we all settled into a brilliant first half.

From the Piper to the Bell: The Setlist

The wider Pink Floyd discography was brilliantly represented—running the gamut ‘from the Piper to the Bell’—with selections spanning The Piper at the Gates of Dawn, Wish You Were Here, The Wall, and The Dark Side of the Moon. Post-Waters era material was also expertly handled, featuring tracks like On the Turning Away and What Do You Want from Me.

Lead vocals were shared well between the bassist and lead guitarist, striking a strong balance reminiscent of the classic Waters/Gilmour partnership. Opening with Shine on You Crazy Diamond was an obvious atmospheric choice, and the first half closed strongly with On the Turning Away from A Momentary Lapse of Reason.

The Turning Point

For the second set, the band were truly in form. We were treated to more Dark Side, more The Wall, and a very notable rendition of The Great Gig in the Sky.

Whilst modern Pink Floyd concerts, including Gilmour, Waters, and Marshall Gilmour Webbs, split the song across three or four voices, Adele Harley delivered the full song solo. It was undoubtedly the turning point of the evening, as any lingering doubts about the performance quality vanished. I have to say it was the best live rendition I’ve heard since Delicate Sound of Thunder.

Looking Ahead to Next Year's Tour

From that moment on, the band were thoroughly rocking, pushing through more Dark Side tracks before turning their attention back to The Wall. Run Like Hell (an interesting choice for a cathedral!) and Comfortably Numb brought a fantastic night of music to a close.

The band will be touring again next year, and I certainly hope to catch them with the full light show.

Marshall Gilmour Webbs Debut at Piano Smithfield, London July 2025

A new vocal group, with connections to Pink Floyd and Leonard Cohen step into the limelight.

This concert review captures the official debut of Marshall Gilmour Webbs, a newly formed four-piece vocal harmony group whose roots lie in David Gilmour’s Luck and Strange World Tour. Their first public performance as a group took place at Piano Smithfield in London on 2 July 2025 — an intimate, low-key evening filled with warmth, new music, and a deep sense of musical camaraderie

Who Are Marshall Gilmour Webbs?

The group comprises Louise Marshall, Romany Gilmour, and Hattie and Charley Webb (The Webb Sisters) — four artists who bonded as musicians and backing vocalists on Gilmour’s Luck and Strange tour in 2024. Their onstage chemistry, both vocally and personally, was clear to audiences then — and now they return with a project of their own

Venue Spotlight: Piano Smithfield in London’s Culture Mile

Piano Smithfield, located in the newly revived Smithfield Market district, provided the perfect backdrop. With its tufted red velvet bar, mirrored shelves and dimly glowing light, the room was cosy and atmospheric. Seating was a mix of small tables, a few booths, and high chairs at the back — every seat with a clear view of the stage.

Waiters ferried cocktails, champagne bottles, and fresh pizzas throughout the show. The crowd? Under 100 — but international. Some had travelled from as far as Palm Springs, suggesting that word about this group is already travelling.

Full Setlist: Originals and Influences from Gilmour to Cohen

This was their first public performance as Marshall Gilmour Webbs. The night before was technically their first show — a private “friends and family” event — but this was the real unveiling.

Split into two 40-minute sets with a short interval, the concert was a mix of original material written by each group member and reinterpretations of favourites from Leonard Cohen, David Gilmour, Pink Floyd, and Billy Joel.

The first set featured original songs created for this project. The second drew on their influences and personal histories, including Great Gig in the Sky and a moving encore of And So It Goes, one of my favourite Billy Joel songs.

Industry Response and Audience Atmosphere

The crowd included a healthy mix of industry insiders, family, friends, and loyal fans. From overheard conversations and the attentive atmosphere, it was clear this was more than a small gig, it was a showcase of immense talent.

And it worked.

Marshall Gilmour Webbs may have started as “David Gilmour’s backing singers,” but they’ve stepped confidently into their own space. With only seven rehearsals behind them, they’ve already written and performed an impressive suite of new music.

What’s Next for Marshall Gilmour Webbs?

This felt like the beginning of something. Whether it’s a run of bigger shows — the Barbican, perhaps — or a studio recording of their original songs, there’s no doubt this group has something special.

If you get the chance to see them live — take it.

Marshall Gilmour Webbs Set List

Live at Piano Smithfield2 July 2025

First Set

– Hammond Song

– Les Fleurs

– MGW

– The Sea Bride

– Baroque Thoughts

– In Full Colour

– The Knowing (Sha La)

Interval

Second Set

– I’m Full of Your Love

– Great Gig in the Sky (Pink Floyd)

– Wait for You

– If It Be Your Will (Leonard Cohen)

– Hattie Song

– Vita Brevis

– Between Two Points

– The Bargain Store

Encore

– And So It Goes (Billy Joel)

Concert Review- David Gilmour at the Royal Albert Hall 2024

Last autumn, David Gilmour brought The Luck and Strange Concerts to the Royal Albert Hall, delivering a series of sold-out shows that combined Pink Floyd classics with songs from his latest album. These performances formed part of a short but extraordinary tour that also included Rome, Los Angeles, and New York. This is my review of the London concerts.

David Gilmour 2024 Royal Albert Hall Set List

The Luck and Strange tour setlist remained consistent across cities, giving fans a perfect mix of the new and the timeless. At the Royal Albert Hall, the audience heard Gilmour move seamlessly between Luck and Strange highlights and iconic Pink Floyd moments, from the pastoral Fat Old Sun to the soaring Comfortably Numb.

For fans searching for the David Gilmour setlist from these concerts, here is the full sequence performed in London:

• 5 A.M. (Rattle that Lock)

• Black Cat (Luck and Strange)

• Luck and Strange (Luck and Strange)

• Speak to Me (Pink Floyd Dark Side of the Moon)

• Breathe (In the Air) (Pink Floyd Dark Side of the Moon)

• Time (Pink Floyd Dark Side of the Moon)

• Breathe (Reprise) (Pink Floyd Dark Side of the Moon)

• Fat Old Sun (Pink Floyd Meddle)

• Marooned (Pink Floyd The Division Bell )

• Wish You Were Here (Pink Floyd Wish You Were Here)

• Vita Brevis (Luck and Strange)

• Between Two Points (The Montgolfier Brothers cover) (Luck and Strange)

• High Hopes (Pink Floyd The Division Bell)

• -- Intermission --

• Sorrow (Pink Floyd A Momentary Lapse of Reason)

• The Piper's Call (Luck and Strange)

• A Great Day for Freedom (Pink Floyd The Division Bell )

• In Any Tongue (Rattle that Lock)

• The Great Gig in the Sky (Pink Floyd Dark Side of the Moon)

• A Boat Lies Waiting (Rattle that Lock)

• Coming Back to Life (Pink Floyd The Division Bell)

• Dark and Velvet Nights (Luck and Strange)

• Sings (Luck and Strange)

• Scattered (Luck and Strange)

• -- Encore --

• Comfortably Numb (Pink Floyd The Wall)

Royal Albert Hall Review

This wasn't a sweaty rock fest, but more of a sedate, seated evening with David, his band and his family. The Royal Albert Hall is an iconic concert venue, a bonafide London music landmark and that was part of the evening. This was David Gilmour at the Royal Albert Hall! - not a cover band at Wembley Arena, or some other soulless venue.

Before the tour David had hinted that the set list would not contain much 'Waters era' Floyd tracks, so no Animals, no Run Like Hell and certainly no Final Cut! The 'old' Pink Floyd we got was the wonderful 'Fat Old Sun' from Meddle and Wish You Were Here.

The first few tracks of Dark Side included another attempt at 'Great Gig in the Sky'. This latter track is something, I feel, that is pretty unique and live song track that has never lived up to the album track. But it framed a nice intimate part of the show which included 'A Boat Lies Waiting' from 'Rattle that Lock'.

There was a better showing for the post Roger Pink Floyd tracks covering tracks from 'A Momentarily Lapse of Reason' and 'the Division Bell.' From the former we had a wonderful 'Sorrow' a real highlight complete with stunning lasers beaming out into the venue.

For me it was the Division Bell tracks that had me most excited. It is one of my favourite albums [full stop] and it was a treat to see david play High Hopes, with the original music video and 'Pink Floyd balls' that came bouncing out into the arena. They didn't quite reach high enough for me to bop but never mind!

High Hopes performed by David Gilmour at the Royal Albert Hall on the 12th October 2024

But this wasn't just a Pink Floyd show, this was a David Gilmour show and it was full of love. That became evident when he introduced 'Coming Back to Life' and how it was a song he wrote for Polly. If 'Learning to fly’, from 'Lapse' was a metaphorical reference to finding himself professionally and personally, 'back to life' was him confirming his personal direction - toward s Polly and a bright future together.

Coming Back to Life performed by David Gilmour at the Royal Albert Hall on the 12th October 2024

So these gigs were almost the culmination of this personal and professional relationship. Polly grew to understand David's thoughts and feelings and how to convey them into words.

This combination yields beauty. I mentioned 'A boat lies waiting, whilst 'In Any Tongue', is powerfully brought to life on stage with a thought provoking animation. Is this a story of a soldier, or the challenges of communication with your kids?

In Any Tongue by David Gilmour at the Royal Albert Hall on the 12th October 2024

And for me the highlights of this concert became his latest work, where Polly's words match David's sound and feeling, giving us magic. From the whimsical look back at the past on the title track, to the playful ‘The Piper’s Call’ we saw a relaxed David surrounded by his family, sharing these wonderful tracks with us.

The Piper's Call performed by David Gilmour at the Royal Albert Hall on the 12th October 2024

And family… this album and tour is a family affair. Polly provided lyrics, photos and support. Their son Gabriel sings on the album and Romany Gilmour sings lead on a full track, their version of 'between two points' which has rapidly become a fan favourite.

Between Two Points performed by Romany Gilmour and David Gilmour at the Royal Albert Hall on the 12th October 2024

These concerts did not disappoint. As the encore of 'Comfortably Numb' rang out I felt this was a great great show.

I was in the Royal Albert Hall surrounded in love, with a ticket bought with love from my daughter to remember not one but two incredible nights with David Gilmour. Yes it was great to see the classics again, but this concert, this tour is so much more than a greatest hits show.

Memories and Merchandise

Just like the album packaging, the concert ticket and programme were of a very high quality. The physical tickets included the iconic 'Luck and Strange' outline.

The concert programme included more great photography of David and the band, taken by Anton Corbijn, and Polly. There is also a great interview with David, and a full page dedicated to each of the band members and collaborators.I didn't buy any of the t-shirts (although you can buy them online) but what I do have is a fitting memento for two wonderful nights.

As The Luck and Strange Concerts continue to make headlines with the upcoming Rome concert film and live album release, this review stands as a reminder of what made this tour so special. For those who missed it, the film will bring the experience to the big screen; for those who were there, it’s a chance to relive an unforgettable moment.

Dreaming of a Desert Trip 2016

One stage. Six concerts. Three nights. Desert Trip billed itself as a once in a lifetime event. Big words perhaps but with this line-up, few could argue with it.

Sharing the same location as the annual Coachella festival – leading it to acquire the nickname ‘Oldchella’ due to its contrast to its unbelievably-hip long-established sibling – Desert Trip was held at The Empire Polo Ground, Palm Springs, in the desert (unsurprisingly) of California from 7-9 October, with repeat performances a week later.

And boy did it rock.

Unlike similar events, Desert Trip had only one stage, hosting two full sets from rock royalty each night with proceedings kicking off at 6pm, providing a full concert experience – and home before 12. Unless Paul McCartney is playing.

We visited on the second weekend, staying nearby at the JW Marriott Palm Springs, so had an inkling of what to expect. But only an inkling.

Across the festival site, civilised was the watchword of the weekend, with the Polo Ground featuring a wide variety of entertainment before the night’s events kicked-off. Alongside the vinyl record store and the big wheel, billboard-sized album covers (Some Girls, The Kids are Alright, Highway 61 Revisited etc) provided a great photo opportunity for those with the patience to queue.

And once you’d done all that, you could grab a beer and enjoy the largest exhibition of rock photography ever assembled, in air-conditioned comfort. A perfect amuse-bouche before the feast of music each evening.

“Who was best?” is the question I’ve been asked by everybody since my visit; with the six artists setting themselves up for easy, direct comparison. Music and memories are subjective so all I can give you is my opinion.

Desert Trip night 1: Bob Dylan and The Rolling Stones

Day one started with Bob Dylan in enigmatic mode, what else to expect for a – then – soon to be announced Nobel laureate? Kicking-off with “Rainy Day Woman 12 & 35” (its refrain of “everybody must get stoned” being taken quite literally by many of the audience), it seemed we would be in for a classic greatest hits set. Oh how wrong I was…

What we got instead was black and white images of the band mixed with footage of the forging of industrial America and a tour of his deep and – for me – obscure back catalogue. Dylan fans would have been in Bob Heaven. I, as a casual observer, don’t consider myself one of those but will definitely investigate further after this crash course.

But then The Rolling Stones brought the party. In full Technicolour style. This was the first time I'd seen them since 1990's Urban Jungle tour so I was excited for my family to share the experience.

The band including Mick, Keith, Ronnie and Charlie gave the crowd what they were looking for – the hits. Though I could have done without them letting Keith sing! The first night finale, a choir supported version of “You Can’t Always Get What You Want”, with fireworks, saw us leave Friday on a high.

Desert Trip night 2: Neil Young and Paul McCartney

Day two arrived, and so did Neil Young with an acoustic set, a brave move in front of 85,000 people. Captivating with just guitar and voice, we enjoyed classics such as “Harvest” and “After the gold rush” before he was joined by current backing band “The Promise of the Real”.

After a stunning version of “Harvest Moon”, they turned the dial up to 11, rocked the desert audience and delivered a raucous crescendo of “Rockin’ in the free world”; picking up a raft of new fans and the ire of California lawmakers along the way

The stage was set for Paul McCartney and the rumours were flying thick and fast: especially after the content of his performance the previous weekend. A three hour set was what we’d heard, and Sir Macca delivered in spades.

Covering his catalogue from The Quarrymen, The Beatles, Wings and his solo work, McCartney regaled the audience with tales of hanging with Jimi Hendrix, dedicated songs to his wives (well, two of them anyway) and duetted with Neil Young on a few numbers.

After playing his oldest/first song he then introduced his latest song, with a special guest: FourFiveSeconds with Rhianna! The younger crowd members went wild as the she performed one number then left. You couldn’t fault McCartney for delivering great set. I suspect that was nothing unique but still a fantastic evening of singalong hits.

Closing Desert Trip: The Who and Roger Waters

The final day came around, opened by The Who, delivering their usual high-quality set. Occasionally struggling with the dryness, singer Roger Daltrey joked that singing in the desert was like singing “into a hair dryer… full of pot”.  Yes there was certainly a lot of it going around. Still. The Who’s show was great but nothing earth-shattering.

Roger Waters left the best til last;  boasting the largest quadraphonic sound system ever used in a concert incredible visuals and a tight band including Lucius. And it sounded like it. Combined with stunning visuals made this possibly the best concert I’ve ever been to.

Covering old tracks from Syd Barrett-era Floyd, through Dark Side of the Moon and Wish You Were Here, Waters then focused on Animals. And as he did, rising up from the massive stage screen came four chimneys and the ubiquitous flying pig. Battersea Power Station had come to the desert!

Two tracks from Animals took on renewed significance when accompanied by a shopping list of Donald Trump insults. The Republican Presidential candidate was ridiculed on the huge screen, with visuals mocking his speeches, dressed up as a lady, called a charade and generally lambasted verbally and visually. But the piece de resistance was a vast floating pig, rising up from the middle of the crowd. And decorated with anti-Trump slogans not repeatable to a family audience.

There’s already talk of another “once in a lifetime” event, such was the success of the inaugural Desert Trip. But who could top those performers?

Led Zeppelin perhaps? The band allegedly turned down a huge payday this year. Some form of Clapton/Baker Cream reunion? Maybe U2 (after all the Joshua Tree National Park is not far from here.) At this point these are only delicious rumours but if the event I attended is anything to go by,  Desert Trip will become a regular feature of the festival calendar – and a “must visit” for rock fans – before very long.

Desert Trip Bootlegs

Update - July 2025. Whilst on holiday in Aix en Provence I stumbled upon not but two Desert Trip bootlegs. In the days of streaming I hadn’t even considered the thought of bootlegs but I was happy to come away with the CD for the Rolling Stones and Roger Waters. Both say weekend 1 but I need to listen to check. I believe the second weekend (which I attended) Roger dropped Pings on the Wing 1 so that will be the ‘tell.’