Classic Albums Live Bio
Founded in 2003 by Craig Martin, Classic Albums Live takes the greatest albums and recreates them live on stage - note for note, cut for cut, using the best musicians. “Think of it as a recital,” says Martin, “these albums are historic and stand the test of time.” Forgoing costumes and impersonations, Classic Albums Live has found success in concentrating solely on the music. “We don’t dress up or wear any sort of costume. All of our energy is put into the music. We want the performance to sound exactly like the album,” says Martin.
With 100+ shows a year across North America, Classic Albums Live has seen massive success in performing arts centres and theatres. Fans in Texas, Florida, California, New York and central and east coast Canada have all continued to support the series and make it a sustaining, successful show. “We grew while others withdrew,” says Martin, commenting on the decline of concert ticket sales, “We created something that endures and connects. These albums are sacred to people. We deliver exactly what we promote - ‘note for note, cut for cut’ accuracy.”
It’s this type of accountability that works for the series.
Message From the Founder
twenty million people bought this album
first on vinyl, then cassette, then cd
then one day it was on our phones
we’ve lived a life alongside this album
dark side of the moon came out in 1973
it was everywhere
the album cover prism was drawn on countless school binders
we started paying attention to the sound of cash registers
having a good stereo system was a thing
classic albums live knows how to perform this album
it’s complex and full of soul
just getting the alarm clocks together was a feat
all the little voices
then you had to find someone that could sing ‘great gig in the sky’
we did, and it’s joyous
the musicians care about this album it was our flagship show in 2003
its the album that changed everything
it’s a masterpiece that will be remembered
forever
craig martin
founder, classic albums live
Tonight's Show
First Set - Dark Side of the Moon in its entirety
Speak to Me: The first track from the album. Contains the heartbeat, followed by sounds representing things that can drive you to madness: spoken bits, a clock ticking, a cash register, coins clinking, synthesizer, and at the end, a mad shriek.
Breathe (In the Air): This song is about an older man speaking to a baby, telling it to breathe. The old man then describes the unfortunate working life the baby will have to face.
On the Run: This song deals with the pressures of travel, which Rick Wright said would often bring fear of death.
Time: This song is about how time can slip by, but many people do not realize it until it is too late.
The Great Gig in the Sky: A song about life, gradually descending into death.
Money: A song about the bad things that money can bring and ironically, made Pink Floyd lots of cash.
Us and Them: Pink Floyd's record company was originally hesitant to release this track because it was felt that the signature melody lie was extremely depressing.
Any Colour You Like: An instrument track featuring keyboard and guitar solos, reflect the illusion of choice.
Brain Damage: A song about insanity, which the band was familiar with.
Eclipse: The closing track on the album. The heartbeat on this song brings the album full circle, closing the album the same way it opens.
Second Set - Pink Floyd's hits
Other Shows by Classic Albums Live
Classic Albums performs a variety of albums that are all note for note, cut for cut. Some of their other performance include:
- AC-DC - Back in Black
- AC-DC – Highway to Hell
- Beatles – Abbey Road
- Beatles – HELP
- Beatles – Let It Be
- Beatles – Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band
- Beatles – White Album
- Cheap Trick – Live at the Budokan
- Creedence Clearwater Revival – Chronicle, Vol. 1
- David Bowie – Ziggy Stardust
- Eagles – Desperado
- Eagles – Hotel California
- Eagles – Greatest Hits
- Elton John – Greatest Hits
- Fleetwood Mac – Rumours
- Jimmy Hendrix – Are You Experienced
- Fleetwood Mac – Greatest Hits
- Led Zeppelin – Houses of the Holy
- Led Zeppelin – Physical Graffiti
- Led Zeppelin I
- Led Zeppelin II
- Led Zeppelin III
- Led Zeppelin IV
- Pink Floyd – The Wall
- Pink Floyd – Wish You Were Here
- Prince – Purple Rain
- Queen – A Night at the Opera
- Rolling Stones – Let It Bleed
- Rolling Stones – Sticky Fingers
- RUSH – 2112
- Supertramp – Breakfast in America
- Supertramp – Crime of the Century
- The Doors – LA Woman
- The Eagles – Greatest Hits
- The Lithium Experience
- The Who – Who’s Next
- Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers – Damn The Torpedos
For more information about other shows, check out Classic Albums Live Website.