🎸 ARC – Final Bow in Perth: A Mind-Blowing Tribute to Pink Floyd’s Legacy

When Legends Cover Legends—And Say Goodbye in Style

In a world of tribute bands and nostalgia tours, few acts manage to transcend imitation and deliver something truly unforgettable. Enter the Australian Rock Collective (ARC)—a supergroup of Aussie rock royalty who’ve taken on the monumental task of performing Pink Floyd’s most iconic albums: Wish You Were Here, Dark Side of the Moon, and selections from The Wall. And they didn’t just play them—they embodied them.

Their final show of the tour, held at the Riverside Theatre at Perth Convention Centre, was more than a concert—it was a send-off. A celebration. A last chance for fans to witness ARC’s electrifying tribute to one of the greatest bands of all time. With members from Spiderbait, Jet, Powderfinger, and You Am I, ARC brought decades of musical credibility, stage experience, and raw passion to the table.

Will they be back next year?

Meet the Supergroup: ARC’s Rock Royalty

Before we dive into the setlist and performance, let’s talk about the lineup. ARC isn’t just a band—it’s a dream team:

• Kram (Spiderbait): Drummer and vocalist with a wild stage presence and gritty vocal power.
• Mark Wilson (Jet): Bassist, pianist, and backing vocalist who brings groove and finesse.
• Darren Middleton (Powderfinger): Guitarist and songwriter with emotional depth and melodic precision.
• Davey Lane (You Am I): Lead guitarist and showman, known for his technical brilliance and magnetic energy.

Together, they form a collective that’s more than the sum of its parts. Their chemistry is palpable, their musicianship elite, and their respect for the source material unwavering.

The Venue Vibe: Mixed Crowd, Unified Energy

The crowd was a beautiful mix—Gen Z Floyd-curious fans, seasoned rock veterans, and everyone in between. From the moment the lights dimmed, the energy was electric. You could feel the anticipation ripple through the room. This wasn’t just a gig—it was a pilgrimage.

Phones were out, but not for scrolling. People were capturing moments, singing along, and genuinely connecting with the music. It was one of those rare nights where the audience became part of the performance.

Set One: Wish You Were Here—A Journey Through Loss and Legacy

ARC opened with Shine On You Crazy Diamond (Parts I–V), and the room fell into a trance. The haunting synths, the slow build, the emotional weight—it was all there. The tribute to Syd Barrett, Pink Floyd’s troubled genius, was delivered with reverence and raw emotion.

Highlights:

• “Shine On You Crazy Diamond (Parts I–V)”: A cinematic opener that set the tone for the entire night. Atmospheric, emotional, and beautifully executed.
• “Welcome to the Machine”: A dystopian masterpiece, performed with eerie precision. The mechanical soundscape was recreated flawlessly, with lighting effects that mirrored the song’s industrial themes.
• “Have a Cigar”: Kram’s vocals brought swagger and bite, while Middleton’s guitar solo added a fresh layer of grit.
• “Wish You Were Here”: The emotional centrepiece. The crowd sang every word. ARC didn’t just play the song—they lived it.
• “Shine On You Crazy Diamond (Parts VI–IX)”: The closing of the first act was a slow-burning crescendo. Lane’s guitar work was ethereal, and Wilson’s bass grounded the entire piece.

The intermission buzzed with excitement. Conversations flowed, fans speculated about the second set, and the consensus was clear: ARC had nailed it.

Read our review of Jet – get Born Here.

Set Two: Dark Side of the Moon—A Sonic Masterclass

If Wish You Were Here was emotional, Dark Side of the Moon was cerebral. ARC’s full-album performance was immersive, intense, and technically flawless. The lighting rig—a prism-shaped marvel—added a visual punch that elevated the entire experience.

Track-by-Track Breakdown:

• “Speak to Me” / “Breathe”: A slow build into cosmic calm. The transition was seamless, and the atmosphere was thick with anticipation.
• “On the Run”: A chaotic, synth-driven sprint. ARC recreated the original’s tension with precision and flair.
• “Time”: The ticking clocks, the explosive drums, the existential lyrics—this was a standout. Kram’s vocals were gritty and urgent, and Middleton’s solo soared.
• “The Great Gig in the Sky”: The big question—who would tackle Clare Torry’s legendary vocals?
• “Money”: Funky, fierce, and fun. Wilson’s bassline was tight, and Lane’s solo was pure fire.
• “Us and Them”: A haunting meditation on conflict and humanity. The harmonies were lush, and the lighting turned the stage into a dreamscape.
• “Any Colour You Like”: A psychedelic jam session. ARC leaned into the groove and let the instruments speak.
• “Brain Damage” / “Eclipse”: The emotional climax. The lyrics hit hard, and the final notes left the crowd in stunned silence before erupting into applause.

Encore: Deep Cuts and Fan Favourites

Just when you thought it was over, ARC returned with a surprise-packed encore that spanned Floyd’s discography:

• “Pigs on the Wing (Parts 1 & 2)”: A gentle opener, setting the tone for what was to come.
• “Arnold Layne”: A nod to Floyd’s psychedelic beginnings. Quirky, fun, and unexpected.
• “Another Brick in the Wall, Part 2”: Crowd participation made this the song of the night!
• “Comfortably Numb”: The emotional peak. Middleton’s solo was transcendent, and Lane’s guitar tone was spot-on.
• “San Tropez”: A jazzy, laid-back closer that left everyone smiling.

Why ARC’s Tribute Works: More Than Just Covers

Musicianship and Authenticity

Reviewers consistently praise ARC’s ability to recreate Floyd’s sound with stunning accuracy. But it’s more than technical skill—it’s emotional intelligence. They understand the music’s soul and deliver it with heart.

High-Energy Performances

ARC doesn’t phone it in. Every show is a full-body experience. From the first note to the last encore, they give it everything. The crowd responds in kind—with cheers and standing ovations.

Immersive Experience

Lighting, sound design, stage presence—it’s all meticulously crafted. ARC turns each venue into a portal to Floyd’s universe. The prism-shaped rig, synchronised effects, and atmospheric transitions make it feel like you’re inside the album.

Fan Appreciation

ARC’s passion is contagious. You can see it in their faces, hear it in their playing, and feel it in the room. Fans respond with enthusiasm, gratitude, and repeat attendance. This isn’t just a show—it’s a shared experience.

Supergroup Status

With members from Australia’s most iconic bands, ARC brings credibility and star power. They’re not just fans of Floyd—they’re peers. Their interpretations carry weight, and their performances command respect.

🎷🎤🎹 The Backbone of the Sound: Supporting Band Members

While ARC’s core lineup delivered the iconic Floyd experience, it was the supporting artists who added texture, soul, and surprise to the night’s sonic tapestry.

• Nathaniel Poynter – Saxophone
  Poynter’s sax work was nothing short of sublime. His solos on Shine On You Crazy Diamond and Us and Them soared with emotional depth, adding a smoky elegance that elevated the arrangements.
• Talei Wolfgramm – Backing Vocals
  Talei brought vocal velvet to the mix. Her harmonies on Wish You Were Here and Great Gig in the Sky were spine-tingling, and her presence added warmth and power without ever overpowering the lead. She was the emotional glue, stitching together the band’s sound with grace and soul.
• James Fleming – Keyboards
  Fleming was the quiet architect behind the atmosphere. From the haunting synths of Welcome to the Machine to the lush pads in Breathe, his playing was immersive and precise. He recreated the Floyd soundscape with reverence and subtle flair.

Behind the Scenes: Why This Tour Matters

2025 marks the 50th anniversary of Wish You Were Here, and ARC’s decision to pair it with Dark Side of the Moon was a stroke of genius. These albums represent Floyd’s most collaborative, emotionally rich period. They deal with themes of loss, mental health, time, and existential dread—all still relevant today.

ARC’s tribute isn’t just musical—it’s cultural. It reminds us why these albums matter, why they endure, and why live music still has the power to move us.

Final Verdict: A Must-See Experience

Whether you’re a diehard Floyd fan or just discovering the classics, ARC’s tribute tour is a masterclass in live performance. It’s immersive, emotional, and unforgettable.

This is Aussie rock royalty doing what they do best—honouring legends while becoming legends themselves.