It’s a balmy evening in Bristol, and after a rather splendid trip up from Totnes on the train, I alight at Temple Meads and take a leisurely stroll into the city to meet my photographer for which promises to be, an incredible evening of superb live music courtesy of Nick Mason’s Saucerful of Secrets.

Nick Mason, the legendary drummer, who has been the heartbeat of Pink Floyd since its inception in 1965, is joined by a stellar lineup: Gary Kemp of Spandau Ballet (guitar and vocals), longtime Floyd collaborator Guy Pratt (bass and vocals), guitarist Lee Harris, and keyboardist Dom Beken. Together, they delve into Pink Floyd’s early catalog with both reverence and renewed vigour.

There’s an electrifying buzz in the air ahead of the band taking to the stage at the sold-out Beacon venue which has been transformed into a seated show to allow everyone to savour the hits in a more comfortable position. Even I am glad of a seat these days! For those who cherished the psychedelic and innovative soundscapes of Pink Floyd from the late 1960s, tonight promises a spectacular journey back to an era that redefined rock music.

As the lights dimmed and the first notes of ‘Astronomy Domine’ reverberate through the hall, the audience is immediately transported to 1967, the year of Pink Floyd’s debut album, The Piper at the Gates of Dawn. The track’s hypnotic rhythm and cosmic energy are brought to life by the band’s impeccable performance, setting the tone for an unforgettable evening of classic music.

One of the evening’s highlights was ‘See Emily Play. a track that encapsulates the whimsical and experimental spirit of Syd Barrett, Pink Floyd’s original frontman. Gary Kemp’s vocals, combined with the band’s faithful recreation of the song’s playful yet haunting essence, evoke a palpable sense of nostalgia among the crowd.

Another standout moment from act 1 was ‘Remember Me?’, where they had remastered Syd Barrett’s vocals and played their instruments over the track, it was as if Syd was in the room with the band and created a beautiful moment as the fans remembered his amazing vision which got the band started in the first place.

The emotive ‘If’ from the 1970 album Atom Heart Mother is particularly poignant, with Guy Pratt’s sublime bass lines and heartfelt vocals resonating deeply with long-time fans.

The setlist was meticulously curated in homage to Pink Floyd’s formative years, featuring gems from 1968’s A Saucerful of Secrets and 1969’s More. A near 20 minute version of ‘Set the Controls for the Heart of the Sun’, sees Mason’s drumming prowess at its finest, his steady, trance-inducing beats anchoring the song’s ethereal atmosphere. The audience responds with rapturous applause, clearly moved by the authenticity of the performance.

After an intermission, the band form once again before delving into deeper cuts like ‘Scarecrow’, ‘Fearless’ and Lucifer’, each track eliciting cheers from the receptive audience.

The evening reaches its zenith with the performance of "Echoes" from 1971’s Meddle. This 23-minute epic is a masterclass in progressive rock, with its haunting melodies and intricate instrumentation. The band’s rendition is nothing short of incredible, drawing a standing ovation from the crowd. It’s a testament to the timeless quality of Pink Floyd’s music and the exceptional talent of Nick Mason’s Saucerful of Secrets.

As the final notes of ‘Echoes’ fade out, the band receives an enthusiastic and well-deserved encore. They return to the stage with "One of These Days," a thunderous track that showcases Mason’s drumming genius, this was followed by ‘Saucerful of Secrets’ which brings the night to a triumphant close.

Before signing off, I’d like to remind you that the UK tour rolls on throughout June (most dates are sold out), culminating in a grand finale at London’s iconic Royal Albert Hall on Saturday, June 29th. For those who’ve been transported tonight, it promises to be an event not to be missed.

Tonight’s performance by Nick Mason’s Saucerful of Secrets wasn’t just a concert; it was a celebration of a musical legacy that continues to inspire and captivate. For the devoted fans of Pink Floyd’s pioneering years, this evening in Bristol was a dream come true.

Words by Steve Muscutt

Pictures © by Julian Baird