Dark Side of the Wall

Dark Side of the Wall

Dark Side of the Wall are an eight-piece Pink Floyd tribute band from Coventry, UK. They form in 1996, when former lead guitarist John Wall plays a selection of Pink Floyd songs at his 50th birthday party. The performance leads to the group expanding and moving into the live circuit.

The band builds its reputation on recreating both the music and the atmosphere of Pink Floyd’s live shows. It performs throughout the Midlands and further afield, and it develops a substantial following over time. The line-up changes several times, but the group keeps its focus on faithful live performances of Pink Floyd material.

Line-up and development

In 2001, Dark Side of the Wall add live percussion and saxophone, expanding from a regular six-piece to eight full-time members. A year later, the band introduces an intelligent lighting show, along with home-designed effects including the Comfortably Numb mirror ball and two inflatable pigs. These additions become part of its stage presentation.

At the end of 2004, several founder members leave, including John Wall and his son Michael, along with the then lead vocalist and sax player. Despite this, the remaining four members rebuild the group for 2005 by auditioning and rehearsing four new players. The refreshed line-up continues to develop and receives another awards nomination the following year.

Steve Chilton plays bass and Pete Riley plays keyboards, both with six years in the band behind them. Following Barry Page’s retirement in December 2006, Jody Page takes over full drumming duties after previously serving as percussionist. The 2005 recruits are Andy Nixon on lead guitar, Jon Murdock on rhythm guitar and keyboards, Sarah Price on saxophone, and Mick Freeman on lead vocals.

Performance style

The group uses six vocalists and changes instruments according to the needs of each song, which supports its flexible approach to Pink Floyd’s varied catalogue. Its shows run for more than two hours and include classic tracks, a moving light show, and multiple special effects. The band presents itself as an entertainment-focused live act while remaining closely tied to the style of Pink Floyd’s music and stagecraft.

Awards

Dark Side of the Wall wins the Leicester Mercury Performance of the Year award for its final show at the end of 2004. It also receives a further awards nomination the following year.