Waters still runs deep

Details of former Pink Floyd member Roger Waters' Dubai concert

In a little over two weeks' time Roger Waters, the former creative genius and lyricist with premier British space-rock band Pink Floyd, will bring his In The Flesh 2002 World Tour to the Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club.

But a more fortunate group of music lovers, corporate guests and members of the media were treated to an exciting sneak preview of the rock great's world smash tour at the city's newest five-star hotel, Fairmont Dubai, on Monday evening.

Guests were privy to video clips from the concert which attracted sell-out audiences in the U.S., South America and South Africa.

Pink Floyd are known mostly for their grandiose concept albums and performances and Waters has continued in that tradition ever since he split from the band in 1983 to pursue a successful solo career.

The show will see bassist/vocalist Waters perform classic songs from Floyd's historic Dark Side of the Moon and The Wall albums in addition to material from his solo albums Amused To Death, Radio KAOS and The Pros and Cons of Hitchhiking.

"There has definitely not been a show like this in Dubai before," Pancho Campo, president of organisers CSM, told the gathering. "We want to thank Club Nokia for making it possible.

"The production really is astonishing. The crew are bringing 17.5 tonnes of equipment with them, in addition to what we are hiring locally. The sound quality, the pyrotechnics, the lighting and the typical Floyd imagery projected on to 80ft wide and 50ft tall video screens really makes this a show not to be missed."

Commenting on the event Claire Malcolm, director, public relations, Fairmont Dubai, said: "We wanted to host the evening because this is by far the biggest show to hit Dubai and we wanted to give our guests a sneak preview of what they can expect to see on the night.

"The enormity and production quality of the concert really is something that has to be seen to be believed and the Fairmont Dubai is delighted to be associated with an event of this calibre."

Eddi Maalouf, marketing manager, Nokia, title sponsors of the concert, echoed Malcolm's sentiments. "Roger Waters is a true musical genius and one of the world's most influential artistes," he said.

"We are proud to be able to bring his unique show to the Middle East and give Club Nokia members the opportunity to enjoy the songs that have inspired so may people across the world."

Accompanying Roger Waters on his In The Flesh 2002 Tour are some of the best session musicians in the world, including guitarist Andy Fairweather-Low (a member of Eric Clapton's band), blues guitarist Snowy White (of the Bird of Paradise fame), Chester Kamen (who has played on albums by Paul McCartney, Robbie Williams and Madonna), percussionist Graham Broad (currently a member of Rolling Stones Bill Wyman's band), keyboardists Andy Wallace (ex David Bowie band member), and Harry Waters, and guest vocalists Katie Kissoon (a member of Clapton's band), PP Arnold (who has toured alongside Hendrix, The Who and Blind Faith) and Linda Lewis (she recently recorded with Oasis).

The show is sponsored by Club Nokia, in association with Evian, the Fairmont Dubai, Showtime, Spinneys, Budget, SAPO, Virgin Megastores, Protech, Gulf Technical Commercial Printing Press, Megastar, Welcare Hospital, Emirates 99.3FM, Hum FM, UAE FM and CSM, who were also responsible for smash-hit concerts by Sting and more recently Shaggy.

The show will be held on April 15. Tickets are priced at Dhs 160 (standing), Dhs 174 (seating) and Dhs 475 (VIP). They are available at Virgin Megastores, Planet Hollywood, Megastar outlets, the Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club, Spinneys, the Fairmont Dubai or online with www.csmshows.com

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