BEING born in 1991, I never had the chance to see Pink Floyd (or the band’s members during their solo careers) live on a stage – so I am grateful to have seen this perfect tribute at the Brewhouse.

The UK Pink Floyd Experience brought their show in Taunton last night (July 6) as part of their tour celebrating The Division Bell's 30th anniversary.

The concert was opened by a perfect rendition of 'Shine on You Crazy Diamond' (parts I-V), accompanied by photos of the band’s co-founder Syd Barrett in the background.

I felt the tribute to Syd continued with the song 'Astronomy Domine', Barrett’s composition straight from the band’s debut album, 'The Piper at The Gates of Dawn'.

‘Early Floyd’ (if you're a fan you will be familiar with this definition) is probably my favourite period of the band – the psychedelic influence, the long progressive rock suites, and the improvising sessions.

After the opening two songs, I sat in silence secretly hoping they would play ‘Echoes’ or ‘Atom Heart Mother’ from start to finish but the band chose four tracks from The Division Bell album instead.

And I was not disappointed.

I must admit it, though - it was a record I often overlooked (please don’t judge me!), but I will get a copy on vinyl after this concert.

I already gave a few hints about my favourite songs and styles of Pink Floyd, and I will now add that my favourite album is Animals. 

But I am ready to admit I forgot how quintessential some tracks on that record are.

(Image: Newsquest)

‘What Do You Want From Me?’, ‘Learning to Fly’, ‘Keep Talking’, and ‘Coming Back to Life’, were all perfectly played by the band yesterday in Taunton, with the two guitars faithfully reproducing David Gilmour’s crystalline sound, including on slide.

The first set ended with ‘Money,’ featuring a brilliant sax solo, and ‘Another Brick in the Wall’.

I am sure everyone in the hall noticed the political references, as several photos appeared in the background.

Up to that point, the band had been outstanding – the two guitarists interchanging rhythm and lead parts; the keyboard, reproducing Richard Wright's atmosphere; the effective bass and the drums.

All this peaked during the second set.

And if this wasn’t enough, add the superb performance of Jo Paterson-Neild and Emma Street, with their backing vocals and saxophones, who were simply perfect throughout the show.

The band started the second set with ‘Sheep’, then ‘Time’ was followed by a superb rendition of ‘The Great Gig in the Sky’.

A 12-string guitar led the audience into ‘Wish You Were Here’ and then we were back to the Dark Side as the band played the rest of the album’s side two - ‘Us and Them’, ‘Any Colour You Like’, ‘Brain Damage’, and finally ‘Eclipse,’ offering what felt like one of the long jam sessions Pink Floyd played live in their early days.

Thankfully the band had time for an encore, and ‘Comfortably Numb’ was the perfect end to a perfect show.

The UK Pink Floyd Experience will be back in Somerset in September when they play in Yeovil.

They will also play in Exeter in October.

If so far you missed them or didn’t manage to get hold of a ticket, make sure you try again.

You will not regret it.