"Eased the audience into a chilled and goosebumped start to the show"

by Martyn Cummings, Writer & Editor

  The 14th Jan 2012 will live me me for a long time, a life long Pink Floyd fan, I was on my way to The Met in Bury to watch, In my opinion a very underrated tribute act called Manc Floyd.

I last saw the Mancs at the Middleton Arena (near Rochdale) in March last year when they gave me my very first shot at live event photography, and I was curious as to how they could actually improve on that first performance all those months earlier. Improve they did!

Usually, a show would start with a few foot tappers and lead the audience into a crescendo of iconic tracks and sing-alongs before a three or four song encore. That for the Mancs would be just any other show for any other band, these guys are no ordinary band.

The show started with possibly the most iconic song in the Pink Floyd discography; 'Shine on you crazy Diamond' eased the audience into a chilled and goosebumped start to the show. I remember looking around and thinking how silent the audience had become. Was playing Shine on as the first song a mistake? I have to admit I thought it would be tough to hold the audiences attention after bringing out the big guns too soon. I was wrong. Track after track ticked all the right boxes as the audience showed complete and unwavering support for the band. Young and old stood together and enjoyed the vintage and the modern Floyd alike. Arnold Lane, an early floyd track I've always thought was a little too commercial for a band hellbent on pioneering sounds and drug fuelled musical experimentation suddenly became a favourite. I finally 'got it'. The tracks came thick and fast with barely a chance to catch your breath as One of these Days, the backbone of which was played brilliantly by bassist Simon Renwick, and Lap guitar by Ben Pritchard filled the room with the spirit of Floyd. Learning to fly, sung with vocals by guitarist Chris McClung, was so close to the sound of David Gimour you'd have been forgiven to think it was him. My favourite Floyd song of all time; Run Like Hell, began in complete darkness, complimented with erratic bursts of lasers and a light and Pyro show any band would've been proud of.

Now its time for the backing singers to show their flair and Becky Ciffords classical vocals on 'Mother' were absolutely mind blowing. Stephen Beswick on keyboards led her through the song with a beautifully orchestrated piano accompaniment. By the time the whole thing was ending, everyone wanted more- this was a floyd audience, they wanted floyd-they wanted Manc Floyd and the guys didn't disappoint.

To the dull deep sound of a heartbeat they came to the stage to rapturous applause and took to their instruments once more - one song? two or maybe three wouldn't have been enough for this audience. What about the whole of the album 'Dark side of the Moon' ? From start to finish with no let up. The drumming by Phil 'Pesky' Westwood on 'Time' was flawless and the composition of the song was amazing. Step forward Gemma Parker from the backing; Great Gig in the Sky. The loudest applause of the night filled the room as hundreds of Floyd fans gave Gemma their blessings and appreciation for a job second to none. The night came to an end as it had begun with another iconic Floyd number.

Eclipse', like the song suggests brought the crowd into complete darkness and sadly the soundesk was switched off. A night of amazing music had drawn to a close. Myself, and my friends Margi, Bob, Chris and Rachel were invited backstage to congratulate the band on an outstanding performance. Rachel told drummer Phil 'Pesky' Westwood -it was the most emotional and faithful Floyd band she'd ever seen, and thats not a bad thing when you consider Rachel is (original Pink Floyd member) Syd Barrets cousin.

I've always said Manc Floyd were a big band on a small stage, Its time for them to scale the dizzy heights to the next level. The audiences are getting bigger and tickets are selling out quicker. I urge anyone to experience the Manc Floyd show - you will NOT be disappointed.