PHOTO GALLERY

While Chromeo and Justice offered pulsating, scenester action in the backlot tents, it was Roger Waters who (looking quite like Richard Gere these days; Richard Gere with crazy eyes) wowed the final night of Coachella, closing the festival with so much bang that it warrants it’s own review.

In fact, Mr. Gere Waters was so effective in his implementation of old-school concert values that he was able to transform everyone's DNA back to the warm innocence of a teen age.  I’m sure of it.  What’s more, he made me remember that sometimes I forget stuff.  Like how much I love Pink Floyd.  And funnel cake.  And sitting on the grass.

A stage-length screen playing a nearly motionless video greeted the arriving crowd.  The scene showed a retro radio on a desk, with a bottle of scotch on one side, a model airplane atop the box, and an ashtray near the center.  The pre show music was controlled by the video’s enormous, disembodied hand that would periodically come into frame and change the station. 

While the video hand was holding a smoldering cigarette, the production crew used massive fans to pump real smoke to the actual stage.  Once set, Roger Waters appeared in the flesh with a pointed observation, “so ya, thought ya, might like to, go to the show.” 

Then the man went pyro.  For over two hours we were party to glittery fireworks, bomb flares, and flame throwers to heaven.  He played Pink Floyd standards like Mother, Shine On You Crazy Diamond, Wish You Were Here, and Sheep all in the first set, along with a few solo works. 

During a brief intermission the mellow but excited masses were put at ease by the tranquil sounds of rainforest rivers and chirping birds coming out of the speakers.  Waters reappeared quickly and began set two -- a complete live rendering of the 1973 masterpiece, Dark Side of the Moon.

Allowing the pressures and protocols of adulthood to disappear into the crowd of interpretive hippie dancers, I sat on the grass to the left of the stage and ate funnel cake with (a charming and talented friend who also happens to be) a very cute boy.  The evening was exquisite.  Untroubled and uncluttered, the night filled with the rare atmosphere of community, the excited anticipation of possibility, and a sense of significance that sparks just long enough for you to notice before disappearing.

And speaking of disappearing, did you hear about the pig?  Whether on purpose or by accident, the giant inflatable pig (covered in scary political graffiti, an Obama endorsement, and helpful messages like “Don’t be led to the slaughter” and “Fear builds walls”), got loose after a parade around the field, and floated beyond the beams of the laser pyramid.

Waters stated sadly, “That’s my pig,” as his pet balloon drifted up up and away.  The $10,000 reward and lifetime supply of Coachella tickets will be split by the lucky pig finders who discovered Sir Swine in two pieces near their neighboring La Quinta homes.

The evening boasted a sharp sound mix with whizzing effects and startling voices that seemed to come from every part of the sky.  Vera/Bring the Boys Back Home wins as an explosive (literally) high point of the 5 song encore, and the live-action 3D refracting prism & laser rainbow put all planetariums to shame.

See you on the dark side of the moon.

Photos by Lisa Brenner