Rockers do more than cover tunes in high-energy show

Partaking in the sincerest form of flattery, the band keeps alive the music of Pink Floyd.
By JOHN BENSON
VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT
The Australian Pink Floyd Show, which was formed in Adelaide, Australia in 1988, is more than your run-of-the-mill Pink Floyd cover band.
Sure, the five piece kicks out all of your favorite classic rock anthems but somewhere along the way, this tribute band broke down the wall of acceptance or even acknowledgement that keeps most cover bands at bay from its muse. That moment came in 1996 when The Australian Pink Floyd Show performed at David Gilmour's 50th birthday party in London.
Since then, the outfit has been traversing the globe, spreading the Roger Waters and David Gilmour songbook with its inflatable kangaroo (Australia, remember!) to as many fans as possible. This includes a show Wednesday at the Youngstown Convocation Center. Recently, The Vindicator caught up with founding The Australian Pink Floyd Show member/keyboardist Jason Sawford via email while the band was in the United Kingdom.
Q. What does it mean that The Australian Pink Floyd Show was asked to play David Gilmour's birthday party?
A. It was a great honor. I suppose a kind of unofficial endorsement. Dave has seen us several times at other venues, too. I think he is a real fan.
Q. After this summers Live 8 performance, the world awaits a full-blown Pink Floyd reunion. Do you think it will happen? And if it does, how will that affect your popularity?
A. After Live 8, maybe Floyd will do some more shows together but it's a big world out there and the demand for their music seems insatiable. I think people will always want to see the music performed well, whether it is by Floyd themselves or by us.
Q. And why is that?
A. Pink Floyd is one of the iconic figures of rock music. Like the Beatles, their music has attained classic status. Floyd created a unique sound, which has somehow captured the imagination of millions of music lovers all over the world.
Q. With so many albums to pull from, what kind of set list should concertgoers attending your upcoming Youngstown date expect?
A. It may vary from show to show. We may do one of the complete albums, such as 'Dark Side of the Moon,' "Wish You Were Here' or 'Animals,' plus a selection of greatest hits, including selections from 'The Wall' and later albums. Maybe some old classics such as 'Careful With that Axe, Eugene' or 'Echoes.' We try to give a good, balanced selection of Floyd songs to represent the various styles over the years.
Q. So, who in your mind would really enjoy The Australian Pink Floyd Show?
A. Anyone who loves Floyd or good music in general. Anyone who enjoys a good night out. All sorts of people of all ages and types come to our gigs. From children to middle aged hippies to respectable old ladies. It varies from location to location. Some places are full of bohemian types, while in other places, people dress up as if they were going to the opera. Some people are weird, others are the nicest people you could meet.
Q. Finally (we couldn't resist), which one is Pink?
A. We have an inflatable kangaroo, which towers over the stage, called 'Skippy.' After a few glasses of wine, several of the crew can look a bit pink too.