by photojournalist Jeffrey Moellering

For those who’ve dreamed of seeing Pink Floyd live but never got the chance, the Australian Pink Floyd Show offers the next best thing. On Friday night, this legendary tribute band took over Ruth Eckerd Hall, delivering a mind-blowing performance that left fans with a deeper appreciation for the groundbreaking prog rock band that continues to define musical innovation.

Formed in Adelaide in the late 1980s, Australian Pink Floyd began as a modest tribute act, but over the years, they’ve evolved into a world-class show, now sharing stages with global superstars like Metallica, Aerosmith, and The Police. It’s safe to say, “they’re not your typical cover band”—this ensemble has earned a reputation for their attention to detail and even performed alongside Pink Floyd’s own members.

This tour celebrates two monumental anniversaries: the 60th year since Pink Floyd’s inception in 1965, and the 50th anniversary of Wish You Were Here, the iconic album dedicated to Syd Barrett, the band’s original creative spark, whose career was tragically cut short by mental health struggles. Australian Pink Floyd honored both milestones by performing Wish You Were Here in full before diving into a setlist packed with fan favorites from across the band’s extensive catalog.

As the crowd entered the dimly lit theater, the buzz was already palpable. Many joked that the atmosphere had the feel of a psychedelic preparation ritual—an amusing prelude to what was about to unfold. When the famous guitar riff from “Have A Cigar” rang out, lasers flooded the venue in a kaleidoscope of colors, signaling the beginning of an experience that would encapsulate the essence of a Pink Floyd show in every possible way. The journey had begun!

As should expected from a band assuming the daunting task of emulating Pink Floyd, the musicianship was flawless. Every note rang out crisp and clear, and the overall sound was so authentic, it was easy to forget that you weren’t watching the original Pink Floyd. Both guitarists were extraordinary, and as a lifelong Floyd fan myself, there were moments when I closed my eyes and felt as though I was hearing Pink Floyd play the album just for me, in a giant living room.

Though some may prefer to hear a band interpret the music in their own way, the Australian Pink Floyd Show strikes a balance between reverence and artistry. They don’t just recreate the sound; they recreate the experience. In an era where future Pink Floyd performances are a distant dream, this tribute band offers something rare: an immersive journey that truly honors the band’s legacy.

The setlist was a carefully curated journey through Pink Floyd’s most iconic albums, with notable moments from The Wall in finishing the first set, then Dark Side of the Moon to begin the second. The sound of the cash register during “Money” literally sent the crowd into a frenzy, with the sax player delivering many delicious licks on both the tenor and baritone sax throughout the evening. The vocals were equally impressive, capturing the distinctive styles of both Roger Waters and David Gilmour. In particular, the acoustics during “Wish You Were Here” were hauntingly beautiful, while the trio of female vocalists added emotional depth to pieces like “The Great Gig in the Sky.” Their powerful renditions of that legendary vocal segment left the crowd in awe, while the band’s expert use of lighting and visual effects elevated the performance to another level

What truly made the show stand out was the pacing—the band gave the music room to breathe, allowing each song to unfold with the care and attention to detail that Pink Floyd was known for. They didn’t say much during the evening, but kept things focused on the music, as it should be.

The Australian Pink Floyd Show shines not just musically but visually. The laser light show was a standout, but the synchronized video projections added an extra layer of immersion. The video montages during songs like “The Wall” and “Time” were both visually stunning and thought-provoking, evoking deep nostalgia for those lucky enough to have seen the original Floyd shows. One interesting aspect was working in props with a tweak towards the band’s Australian heritage, in both the animated segments, where the marching hammer heads from “The Wall” movie were replaced with kangaroos, and at the end, a giant glowing kangaroo was brought out amid a fusillade of twirling laser lights.

The crowd was a mix of longtime Pink Floyd devotees and younger fans discovering the band’s music for the first time, making for a truly intergenerational experience. Watching the two groups come together over shared admiration for Pink Floyd’s timeless music was a beautiful reminder of how lasting the band’s influence has been.

The Australian Pink Floyd Show has long been hailed as one of the finest tribute acts in the world—and after experiencing them live, it’s easy to see why. With impeccable musicianship, stunning visuals, and a deep respect for Pink Floyd’s rich legacy, they offer an authentic and immersive concert experience that faithfully captures the magic of the original band.

Whether you’re a lifelong Floyd fan or a newcomer to their music, this tribute act from Down Under is a must-see for anyone eager to relive the legendary band’s magic in the most spectacular way possible. It’s not just a tribute; it’s a celebration of one of the greatest musical acts of all time, as well as a visual and sonic smorgasbord for the senses. It’s clearly taken the relatively young band members an incredible amount of preparation, endless hours of practice and sheer dedication to deliver such a well-crafted and consummate performance. Having seen Roger Waters’ Wall show in 2010, I can testify first hand that Australian Pink Floyd delivers a comparably meticulous experience in every way, and you can bet I’ll be attending the next time they take that long plane ride to America. To echo those classic lyrics from Money, maybe “they need a Lear jet!” to make the journey even faster.

When the house lights came on, it was kind of like that 3 am moment in the club where one is wrenched back into a stark reality after being immersed in a world where you’d probably prefer to stay. It’s safe to say that all those in attendance had indeed “become comfortably numb”.