This was probably the most controversial concert of Pink Floyd's career.
 
Despite local protests, they were allowed to play a free concert from a barge in the lagoon
opposite St. Marks square, from where an estimated 200.000 people watched this concert.

The concert was nearly cancelled on July 13th when the City's Superintendent of Monuments
claimed that the vibration could damage buildings.

To pacify critics Pink Floyd played a reduced volume, but there were still claims of damage to
marble cladding after the concert.

Lamp-posts were also broken by fans climbing them for a better view.

The city authorities failed to provide facilities for the visiting fans, many of whom slept in
St. Marks square.

They left behind them 300 tons of litter, which had to be cleared by the Army.

After a seven-hours sitting, the council apologized to Venice residents for the inconvenience, promising
that no similar concert wouild ever be allowed.

Therefore, this concert can be placed in the books as UNIQUE.

The alderman in charge of Venice's Culture Committee, Mr. Silvan Ceccarelli, resigned, explaining:
"I feel that I have to go, because I'm one of the people who gave the go-ahead for this concert."

Despite initially refusing to do like wise, the rest of the council went soon after, leaving the city in
the hands of an ad-hoc administration.

Over 100 million viewers in 23 countries saw the show on TV.

David Gilmour: lead guitars and lead vocals

Nick Mason: drums and percussion

Richard Wright: keyboards and vocals


Also with:

Tim Renwick: guitars

Gary Wallis: percussion

Jon Carin: keyboards, synthesizers and vocals

Guy Pratt: bass and vocals

Scott Page: saxophones

Rachel Fury, Durga McBroom
and Lorelei McBroom: backing vocals