"What happened to us , America?"
I'm sorry to say that Waters and the band were not up to snuff.
However, one performance cannot be used to indict the fellow.
He's in Toronto this Saturday for a return engagement of the current tour. I'll give a critical listen before I condemn Roger to retirement.
On a brighter note, the Live Earth performances were available here on five different channels simultaneously.
CTV (network), MuchMusic, MuchMoreMusic, Bravo, Star. (if memory serves)
While CTV showed the featured performances, I could tune into any of the other cable stations to watch the entire show in that particular city.
I was fortunate enough to tune in just after Friday midnight for a terrific several hours from Aussie Stadium (Sydney?...memory again!)
Fantastic atmosphere with a real connection between performers and audience. The John Butler Trio was a real standout!
High Definition TV pq was just great. The audio was PLII on my receiver.
World wide HD and 5.1 sound was probably fraught with too many potential problems. If that was the case, then I applaud the producers for their decision to keep it simple.
After a good night's sleep I was back in front of the tube Saturday afternoon until the finish.
A very enjoyable way to pass a hot and humid day; in front of the boob tube in an air conditioned basement.
Without a doubt the highlight was Madonna's set. I'm not a fan by any means but there is no denying talent when you see it.
The Canadian CTV network feed was changed to the NBC feed at about 8 p.m. Eastern time. Repeats of the day's big shows was great for those folks just tuning in.
Thank goodness for the multiple feeds.
Did anyone catch Melissa Etheridge's performance? She was doing pretty well, I thought, when the feed changed to some talking head in the studio. That was unfortunate because she had some heartfelt message to share.
She was one of the few performers who really got down to brass tacks. Her question to her fellow Americans, "What happened to us, America?" was delivered sincerely and in the finest spirit of the protest song.
Pretty powerful stuff whether you agree with her or not.
P.S. I'm gonna' go turn of a light bulb in the next room. It's a start!