Pink Floyd tribute band brings sound and spectacle to Gallo Center

Tom Quinn remembers the first time he heard Pink Floyd's "Dark Side of the Moon."

It was 1973.

Quinn was in high school, had taken up the guitar and started his first band. Pink Floyd had just released what is now considered the progressive rock group's definitive album.

Quinn ripped the plastic off the album cover, turned on a black light and laid back. He and his bandmates closed their eyes and let the music wash over them.

"We had these 8-foot tower speakers," he said. "Just to hear it for the first time, it was like a miracle."

And so began Quinn's passion for Pink.

In 1994, after he finally saw the group live during its Division Bell Tour, he established The Pink Floyd Experience, a six-member San Diego-

based tribute band. The group was honored with several San Diego music awards from 1999 to 2003.

In 2003, Canadian-based promoter Annerin Productions was looking for a Pink Floyd tribute band to pair with a multimillion-dollar light and sound production. Promoters heard the band during a San Diego show and signed it up.

The Pink Floyd Experience is bringing its award-winning music and spectacular light and quadraphonic sound show to Modesto on Sunday for a performance at the Gallo Center for the Arts.

Quinn cites David Gilmour, who became Pink Floyd's lead guitarist in 1968, as one of his musical mentors. Quinn recently spoke with The Bee by phone.

Q: What is it about Pink Floyd's music that moves you?

A: There are a lot of reasons on different levels. Back in the early '70s, I was always attracted to the big rock bands that were part of the progressive sound, such as Yes, Supertramp and The Moody Blues.

Pink Floyd has this orchestral sound. There was so much that spoke to me, the guitar sounds and the sonic 3-D landscapes, that drew me in. Especially the sound of David Gilmour. David was a musical visionary. Roger Waters (the group's main songwriter from 1965 to 1985) made you want to think.

Q: Pink Floyd has legions of devoted fans worldwide. How daunting is it to go on stage and do its music?

A: It's a two-headed monster. It's humbling and scary. I've had a lot of sleepless nights before a show. You have some fans who love the music and they flock to the venue. But you also have fans who (arrive) with a frown, and you better win them over. We've got to deliver. They are demanding. They let us know if we don't have the right inflection or vocal arrangement. For them, it's about the love of the music. It's a mixed bag, a curse and a blessing. I've gotten used to it.

Q: Have you ever heard from any of Pink Floyd's original band members?

A: No. They're aware that we're out there. We've never been singled out. I'd like to think if we were in Los Angeles, David Gilmour would come by and check us out. We'd be petrified.

Q: In your opinion, what is the definitive Pink Floyd song?

A: I don't know if I can pick one song. For me, "Wish You Were Here" is where it all comes together. In terms of an album, probably "Dark Side of the Moon." Without "Dark Side," no one would know who Roger Waters is.

My favorite Pink Floyd song to play is "Animals." It's kinetic, and David Gilmour is at the height of his performing.

At any given moment, somebody is playing that record.

Q: What can fans expect to see at the Modesto show?

A: It's a million-dollar light show that's in your face. Before (we teamed with Annerin Productions), we didn't have any of the lighting or video or props. We just knew the music had to be right. Otherwise, nobody cares about flying pigs and the sound.

(The show is) an amazing array of hardware and expertise. We have house technicians, sound people and crews in place to give fans the best show possible. It's a world-class show. If you love Pink Floyd, you've gotta come see it.

Q: We have to ask: Have you ever played "Dark Side of the Moon" while watching "The Wizard of Oz"? (For those unfamiliar with the connection, many people claim that when "Dark Side" is played simultaneously with the 1939 movie classic, numerous images from the film appear to synchronize with the music and lyrics.)

A: We did one time. We were in Monterey for a show, went to the video store and rented "The Wizard of Oz" and played the record. It's just a coincidence. It's all pretty silly. People have way too much time on their hands.

This story was originally published April 11, 2008 at 7:07 AM with the headline "Pink Floyd tribute band brings sound and spectacle to Gallo Center."