Home MusicEl Monstero Concert Review: A Psychedelic Spectacle at Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre, St. Louis – August 2, 2025
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El Monstero Concert Review: A Psychedelic Spectacle at Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre, St. Louis – August 2, 2025

by Mick Lite and Amanda Butera
written by Mick Lite and Amanda Butera 0 comments Buy Author Cup Of Coffee
Photo Credit: Jen Gray

Last night, the Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre in Maryland Heights, St. Louis, was transformed into a kaleidoscope of sound, light, and nostalgia as El Monstero, the definitive U.S. Pink Floyd tribute band, took the stage for a summer spectacle that left the crowd buzzing with excitement. With special guests Blue Öyster Cult opening the evening, the concert was a celebration of classic rock delivered with unparalleled energy and theatrical flair. For St. Louisans, this was more than a show—it was a communal pilgrimage to relive the magic of Pink Floyd’s golden era, amplified by local talent and a production that rivaled the originals.

The evening kicked off at 7:30 pm, with doors opening at 6:30 pm, which did not give fans ample time to get into the amphitheater due to the usual (and newer) parking issues and the extremely long and slow entry lines. Many fans complained about not getting to their seats in time for the opener.

Blue Öyster Cult set the tone with a blistering set that included their iconic hits like “(Don’t Fear) The Reaper” and “Burnin’ for You.” Their performance was a perfect complement to El Monstero’s headlining act, warming up the all-ages crowd with a dose of hard-hitting rock that bridged generations. The energy was palpable as fans, from teens to seasoned rockers, filled the venue, ready for a night of musical immersion.

When El Monstero took the stage, the amphitheater erupted. Known for their meticulous attention to Pink Floyd’s David Gilmour and Roger Waters era, the band—featuring Mark Thomas Quinn and Jimmy Griffin on vocals and guitars, Kevin Gagnepain on bass, Bryan Greene on guitars, John Pessoni on drums, Bill Reiter and Jake Elking on keys, Dave Farver on saxophone, and the powerhouse backing vocalists Erminie Cannon, Tandra Williams, and Kirstin Riffee—delivered a performance that was both faithful and innovative. Their setlist drawn from Pink Floyd classics like The Dark Side of the Moon, The Wall, Wish You Were Here, and Animals, was a journey through the emotional and sonic landscapes that defined the original band’s legacy.

The show opened with “Take It Back” from Pink Floyd’s Division Bell album, which showcased Griffin’s ability to channel Gilmour’s soulful guitar work and emotive vocals. The crowd was immediately drawn in, swaying to the immersive sound and vivid projections that echoed Pink Floyd’s iconic visuals. The band’s production was nothing short of spectacular, living up to their reputation for sparing no expense on sound, lighting, and pyrotechnics. Fans were treated to four scantily dressed ladies performing a skilled routine on stripper poles to “Young Lust”—adding an edgy layer to the experience.

What sets El Monstero apart from other tribute acts is their deep connection to St. Louis and their roots in the local music scene. Formed in 1999 by members of the band Stir, El Monstero has evolved into a powerhouse ensemble, with musicians who have played in nationally signed acts like The Urge and Kingofthehill. This pedigree was evident in their tight, polished performance, with every note meticulously crafted to honor Pink Floyd’s intricate compositions. The saxophone solos by Dave Farver brought a raw, emotive edge to tracks like “Us and Them,” while the backing vocalists stole the show during “Great Gig in the Sky,” their voices soaring with a passion that sent chills through the audience.

The band’s love for Pink Floyd was infectious, creating a familial atmosphere that resonated with the crowd. Fans of all ages sang along to anthems like “Comfortably Numb” and “Wish You Were Here,” while deeper cuts like “Fearless” delighted diehard Floyd aficionados. The set culminated in a rousing rendition of “Run Like Hell,” with pyrotechnics and the sound of a helicopter effect, a detail El Monstero has famously incorporated in past shows.

El Monstero’s commitment to authenticity and spectacle was on full display. The Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre, a larger venue than their usual holiday haunt at The Pageant, provided the perfect canvas for their arena-caliber production. The sound quality was pristine, with the band’s top-tier equipment ensuring that every guitar riff, drum fill, and vocal harmony was crystal clear.

For many in the audience, El Monstero is more than a band—it’s a St. Louis institution. Their annual holiday shows at The Pageant have become a beloved tradition, but their summer performances at larger venues like the Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre take the experience to another level. Last night’s concert was a testament to the power of community and the enduring appeal of Pink Floyd’s music. Fans, many of whom have attended El Monstero shows for years, were joined by newcomers who left as converts, captivated by the band’s ability to blend nostalgia with fresh energy.

Ralph Morse, a newly 74 year old El Monstero Super Fan, a St. Louis music fan legend and Air Force veteran, was tragically killed on June 27, 2025. He was honored by the band and local radio station KSHE 95 with a newly formed charity, Bark Side of the Moon, benefiting shelter animals. Ralph was fueled by music but was an avid animal lover.

Upon entering the venue, Ralph’s iconic hat was positioned on a chair shown on the big screen in his memoriam. A chair in the front row was adorned with a picture of Ralph with a handwritten “wish you were here” which sat as a quiet nod to a man that was loved by so many. Mark Thomas Quinn referred to where Ralph would be standing if he would have been there for last night’s show. He would have been standing, arms raised, swaying back and forth with a lighter in his hand. The band proceeded to play Pink Floyd’s “Wish You Were Here” with a picture of Ralph on the screen, fading into fans loved one’s photos that were submitted prior to the show.

If you attended the show and saw hats decorated with buttons, a sea of pink shirts in the lawn and speckled throughout the seats, “Rock Like Ralph” buttons and shirts, then you saw the impact of Ralph Morse on the St. Louis community. He was more than just a fan, he was a man that created an air of positive energy, love, and inclusivity.

El Monstero’s August 2, 2025, performance was a triumph of musicianship, production, and passion. With Blue Öyster Cult setting the stage and El Monstero delivering a two hour masterclass in how to pay tribute to one of rock’s greatest bands while making the experience uniquely their own. For Pink Floyd fans, this was a must-see event, and for those new to El Monstero, it was a revelation.

As the final notes of “Comfortably Numb”, with Buck Dharma and Richie Castellano of Blue Oyster Cult as guest guitarists, faded into the night, the crowd left buzzing, already counting down to the band’s next St. Louis appearance. If you missed this show, mark your calendar for their holiday run at The Pageant—you won’t be disappointed.

El Monstero ~ “Wish You Were Here” ~ a beautiful tribute to St Louisan #Ralph Morse

Ralph Morse ~ everyone saw This man all around town, attending shows with his signature hat and pins, on the rail. sometimes you would see him at two shows in a night on the rail rocking it. He was tragically killed a couple months ago in a wrong way driver accident who took his life.

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Mick Lite is a versatile entrepreneur, photographer, and blogger with a huge passion for Music, Sports, Movies, Food, and Gaming. He has worked as an official scorer, social media manager, and photographer for various college, semi pro, and pro sports teams, including the River City Rascals, St. Louis Attack, Missouri Monsters, St. Charles Chill, SLU Billikens, Gateway Steam, St. Louis Riversharks, and Gateway Grizzlies. Served 12 years in the USN/USAF/USN.

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Amanda Butera is a pediatric respiratory therapist of 15+ years but a dedicated music lover and concert goer. Pink Floyd being the top of her list, she also enjoys local STL musicians of all varieties. With a past as a photographer at a well known portrait studio and a freelance wedding photographer, her love of music reignited her passion for photography.

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