Roger Waters – The Wall (Live at the Berlin Wall)

On November 9th, 1989, the Berlin Wall began its fall, with East and West Germany reunited after 28 years of the Wall physically encircling West Berlin inside Soviet-aligned East Germany. This was a historic night and was broadcast all over the world, with the celebration lasting for days. Families were reunited, and the world seemed like it began to heal from the Cold War. Although East and West Germany wouldn’t be officially reunified until October 3rd, 1990, that night has great significance and was seen as an end to the tensions that had lasted since the end of WWII. I grew up during this time, and I remember thinking the bomb could be dropped on us at any time. Apocalypse really was a fear people had until the end of the ’80s, but I remember feeling like everything was going to be okay as I watched the guards stand down, families reunite, and the Wall fall on live TV in those days. While today’s tensions are high around the world, they still pale in comparison to the aftereffects of WWII.

With all that said, I’m not here to specifically speak on the Berlin Wall or its fall, but I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the events that created what I see as the best live album ever made: Roger Waters – The Wall (Live at the Berlin Wall).Recorded in “no man’s land” between Potsdamer Platz and the Brandenburg Gate on July 21st, 1990, Pink Floyd’s classic album came to life in a celebration before the official reunification of Germany. It’s estimated that ~200,000 people attended the concert, and around one billion people worldwide watched the concert live. Now, regardless of what you think of Roger Waters, this album is truly amazing. Over the years, the controversy around how Waters treats the IP, his treatment of other members of Pink Floyd, plus his political remarks has overshadowed the music, and that’s a damn shame, especially when such a great concert that helped commemorate a healing of the world took place with the making of this album. I want to be upfront: I’m not defending Roger Waters here in this article. I firmly stand by the position that he needs to STFU, and his departure and treatment of his former Pink Floyd bandmates are not okay. With that said, let’s talk about the album.

Released on September 21st, 1990, just a couple of weeks before the official reunification of East and West Germany, the album is basically the entire concert, although, depending on the release you get, some inconsistencies exist. Technical issues also resulted in power failures, so “Mother” isn’t actually from the concert but is taken from the dress rehearsal from the night before. So, while it’s the concert, just know it’s not exactly what happened that night, but it’s very close.

The concert and the album are not just a Roger Waters event; they’re really a star-studded production. This included Roger Waters and The Bleeding Heart Band, The Band, Scorpions, The Hooters, Cyndi Lauper, Sinéad O’Connor, Joni Mitchell, Bryan Adams, Van Morrison, Paul Carrack, Thomas Dolby, Ute Lemper, James Galway, Paddy Moloney, Jerry Hall, Marianne Faithfull, Albert Finney, and Tim Curry.

“The Trial” itself is my favorite song from the album. This song, in particular, is a real star-studded event, with each character played by a different actor/singer: Tim Curry as the Prosecutor, Thomas Dolby as the Teacher, Ute Lemper as the Wife, Marianne Faithfull as the Mother, and Albert Finney as the Judge. It plays out as a real play, which is basically what it was the night of the concert, but even on the album, the sound is so unique that it draws you in. I personally love Tim Curry in his role. His voice is so interesting as the Prosecutor that it really stands out. The first time I heard this when I was young, I didn’t know who Tim Curry was, but his part stood out to me even then.

I won’t go on about this album any longer. Please check it out for yourself. You can find it on most streaming services, it’s available on CD and vinyl, and as of right now, the full concert is still available on YouTube. I’ll post the link at the bottom of this article. Check it out, and remember the great significance this event and concert had for the world during this time.