The lights went down. It’s the second consecutive sold out show of seven. Seven musicians ominously enter stage among low, red lights and a foggy mist. The eager, but patient fans have already erupted in audible excitement. The first chord was struck and the lights uncovered the familiar players who have risen to iconic stature. El Monstero fans are about to get more than they’ve come to expect and they don’t even realize it yet.
Excitement exuded from the bustle of the fans entering The Pageant, many of which were there to kick off their own holiday traditions. The vibe was equal parts chill and filled with anticipation, while chatter about opening night (the night before) loomed over the Halo bar, a place where people cram into in hopes of early entry to secure their place of imminent celebration. Night two of the seven-show winter run was about to begin.
In the band’s 22nd year, fans return; some buying tickets for every show. This year, that’s seven shows. Ponder that for a moment. What motivates people to return year after year, some refusing to miss a single moment of a whole season? The St. Louis supergroup not only possesses musical talent, it goes way deeper than that. They’re genuinely driven by their fans and strive to give them something fresh and new; an experience in contrast from every one before. In order to execute that in successful fashion to fans, their knowledge of the history and magnitude of the genius that is Pink Floyd must be replicated; no easy feat for the everyday musician.
Challenge: Complete. The band managed to do something they’ve never done before. They played at least one song from every Pink Floyd studio album. (Spoiler: Detailed set list below.) Lead singer, Mark Thomas Quinn, illustrated it this way, “It’s been a real challenge to keep the show fresh and exciting after 22 years, while not alienating the average non-hardcore fan. Luckily, our fan base has been along for the ride and grown and expanded right along with us.” As a long-time fan of El Monstero, I would only disagree that this is not based on luck, but evidence that there is no such thing as “going through the motions” when it comes to planning each year’s show with precision. With that said, they maintain humility, only adding to the adoration from fans.
Tickets remain and you can buy yours here or at the Pageant Box Office.
*If you’re attending one of the remaining five shows, do yourself a favor and do not continue reading.
Setlist | December 18, 2021 | The Pageant | St. Louis, Missouri
Interstellar Overdrive | The Piper at the Gates of Dawn
In The Flesh? Pt. 2 | The Wall
The Thin Ice | The Wall
Another Brick In The Wall Pt. 1 | The Wall
The Happiest Days | The Wall
Another Brick In The Wall Pt. 2 | The Wall
Mother | The Wall
Empty Spaces | The Wall
Young Lust | The Wall
A New Machine Pt. 1 | A Momentary Lapse of Reason
Terminal Frost | A Momentary Lapse of Reason
A New Machine Pt. 2 | A Momentary Lapse of Reason
Hey You | The Wall
Astronomy Domine | The Piper at the Gates of Dawn
Have A Cigar, w/ Special Guest vocalist, Jordan Slone, HOUNDS | The Wall
Is There Anybody Out There | The Wall
Nobody Home | The Wall
Run Like Hell | The Wall
*****INTERMISSION*****
Keep Talking | The Division Bell
Shine On You Crazy Diamond Pts. 1-5 | Wish You Were Here
Bike | The Piper at the Gates of Dawn
See Emily Play | The Piper at the Gates of Dawn
The Gold It’s In The…. | Obscured by Clouds
Wish You Were Here | Wish You Were Here
Two Suns In The Sunset | The Final Cut
Pigs on the Wing 1 | Animals
Pigs | Animals
Speak To Me | Dark Side Of The Moon
Breathe In The Air | Dark Side Of The Moon
On The Run | Dark Side Of The Moon
Time | Dark Side Of The Moon
The Great Gig In The Sky | Dark Side Of The Moon
Money w/ Special Guest on guitar: John Horton, The Bottle Rockets | Dark Side Of The Moon
Us and Them | Dark Side Of The Moon
Any Colour You Like | Dark Side Of The Moon
Brain Damage | Dark Side Of The Moon
Eclipse | Dark Side Of The Moon
*****ENCORE*****
Lost For Words | The Division Bell
San Tropez | Meddle
Comfortably Numb | The Wall
