True SISOMO experiences leave you breathless, emotional, and in awe. Eric and I had a chance to see a true feast for the senses on Saturday—”The Wall Live”—Roger Waters’ 2010 production of Pink Floyd’s iconic rock opera. An apex of sublime storytelling, stunning visuals, and music that makes your heart hurt.

30+ YEARS, STILL AMAZING
The original release (in 1979) was my coming of age album. My parents were truly worried about how many times I listened to it from the moment it was released. I even took two years out of my life to compulsively record myself playing all the instrument and vocal tracks—faithfully reproducing the entire album track-by-track in sequence. My boss couldn’t understand why I had to do it. I couldn’t either, but I am glad I did.

Eric wasn’t even born 30 years ago when it came out. It didn’t matter—we both found common ground in what was, and still is, one of the most ambitious musical events ever created.

TELLING A STORY
The music tells the story of Roger Waters’ life—his struggles and triumphs. Despair and ecstasy. Success and loss. The centerpiece of the show is The Wall itself—which starts half-built, and is progressively completed as the story unfolds. First and foremost, The Wall is a metaphor for Roger’s emotional journey and struggle—from his childhood through the dizzying highs and lows of becoming an iconic artist—and the solitude oftentimes experienced as part of that journey.

Apart from the metaphorical significance, The Wall functions as an enormous projection screen, used as a storytelling element complementary to the music throughout the show.

Words simply don’t do the experience justice, you have to see it for yourself. Some videos we captured from the show can be seen below.

For an in-depth breakdown of The Wall, check out The Examiner’s review.