Touring life - Polysics vs Roger Waters

In the mid-2000s I managed several tours with a cracking Japanese post punk electronic outfit called Polysics. The band’s on-stage energy is among the most incendiary I’ve ever witnessed; their off-stage personna mild-mannered, gentle and observant, the quartet gratefully lapping up the myriad experiences of our tours through the UK, France and Spain.

Photo: Peter Hill

By July of this particular summer and with the backdrop of the 2006 Football World Cup, the year had already been a busy one for me, packed with long drives, club and festival dates with numerous bands. I was looking for some respite from the travel and an excuse to enjoy some social time with the band outside of our touring routine.

Frontman Hiro would post regular entries to the band’s online blog and captured the delight of this episode.

A Historical Moment

1st July France to London (Travel Day)

Our flight was heavily delayed due to some kind of trouble that occurred within our airline company, but safely to London!! Met up with our UK tour manager Phil, loaded in our bags and to the hotel!! We were just in the midst of the WORLD CUP GAME between England and Portugal. Phil had the radio on LOUD and supporting seriously!! I think his driving was a bit fast since he was so excited!! Unfortunately after PK, they lost. Phil was extremely sad.

As we got the hotel, to my surprised depressed Phil suddenly says "Roger Waters is holding an open air concert at Hyde Park! Let's all go!!

FXXX!Football!!(I think he said to vent his anger!) Roger Waters, former Pink Floyd vocalist & bassist. He is holding a concert with the project name "The Dark Side Of the Moon". Phil got us tickets too!! WOOOOW!!

"The Dark Side of the Moon" is a record that was released about thirty years ago and still selling worldwide. One of the monumentally albums of progressive rock. A very important item among the rock history and has a big influence on various music genres. In Japanese called "KYOUKI". I my self am a King Crimson fan when it comes to Progressive Rock but I want to see this!!

But at the same time thought...will be show be really good??....will it just be"Money"?? and over with the show??... I was quite tired after the trip...just wanted to take it easy in my hotel room, having Kentucky Fried Chicken and Beer. So which should I choose? Colonel Sanders or Roger? I decided to head out to the concert.

The show had already begun. A big crowd! There must be about 50,000 people here!! WOW!! First, I buy fried chicken and a beer, sat of the floor!! This is a festival mood!! I am enjoying this already. I'm glad I came.

Then the song "Speak To Me" begins!! Wait!! Is this a complete reproduction of the album The Dark Side Of The Moon!?

Feels good. Roger's singing is great. It hasn't changed over the years and the playing was strong. When I heard the intro of "Money" it really did give me goosebumps. The more of explain, the longer this will get, so I going to omit the rest. Anyways from then on it was welcome to the world of "The Dark Side Of the Moon" A Fascinating concert.

When the main performance finished, Roger quoted "See you in ten minutes" and left the stage. Fifteen minutes later Roger got back on stage and introduced the drummer,"Nick Mason". He is the original drummer of Pink Floyd!! Then I hear the a large heart beat sound and a collage of sounds and laughs reverberated the area.

Next, I hear that fast high-hat pattern and the electronic sound of the arppeggiator!! It's "On the Run" This song has been my heavy rotation in high school. Thinking then...."this is original techno". OH NO! I was really moved. The sound and screen linking, the speaker system with a 5.1 channel reproduced the outlook of the album, totally outraging!

Doesn't sound old at all. The message still lives on which is great. I hope I can be able to create this kind of music. My legs were exhausted but it was worth it. I was happy to be able to experience this historical moment.

I'm glad I didn't pick "Stay in my hotel room, have Kentucky Fried Chicken and beer!"

This concert was called "Hyde Park Calling 2006" and by the way, tomorrow "The Who" will perform.

I want to see this too!!! The UK is great!!