CHENNAI – Nostalgia is about to sweep through Chennai as the retro-rock band Medium Rare gears up for a special tribute concert honoring the legendary Pink Floyd. The rehearsals are in full swing at a practice pad in Nungambakkam, where the air is thick with anticipation and the haunting melodies of Pink Floyd’s classics.
Vikram Vivekanand’s gentle guitar strumming fills the room with an ethereal sound. Conrad Simmons steps up to the microphone, his voice soft yet commanding, and begins to sing: “The lunatic is on the grass…” The band is deeply engrossed in practicing “Brain Damage,” a track that poignantly addresses mental health issues—a recurring motif in Pink Floyd’s seminal album, The Dark Side of the Moon. As the song builds up, the vocal harmony of Orlando Ambrose, Eugene, and Conrad swells into the iconic line, “I’ll see you on the dark side of the moon,” evoking chills down the spine.
Listening to their rendition transports one back to the 1980s, bringing to mind images of smoke-filled college hostel rooms where young, scruffy-haired teens would lose themselves in Pink Floyd’s music. The Dark Side of the Moon, released in 1973, has sold over 45 million copies and has been immortalized in the Guinness World Records for its unparalleled longevity on music charts.
Medium Rare, founded by Orlando Ambrose in 2005, has traversed a remarkable journey over 19 years. Performing more than 350 gigs across Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Maharashtra, the band has cemented its place in the regional rock scene. The current line-up features seasoned musicians: Orlando Ambrose on lead vocals, Conrad Simmons on bass and vocals, with Vikram Vivekanand and Darren Hickman sharing the duty of recreating Dave Gilmour’s legendary guitar solos. Adding to this ensemble is Eugene Guest, a versatile artist who switches between bass, guitars, and keyboards, and Anthony Karuna, who brings his own flair to the keyboards.
The band’s original composition, “Mad About You,” a touching rock ballad, gained national recognition in 2020 when AR Rahman and Nexa Music selected it as one of the top 24 original English songs in India.
. This accolade speaks volumes about Medium Rare’s musical prowess and their ability to strike a chord with audiences.
At the upcoming tribute concert, Medium Rare plans to sweep the audience off their feet with Pink Floyd classics like “Comfortably Numb,” “Coming Back to Life,” “Another Brick in the Wall,” “Wish You Were Here,” “Brain Damage,” “Money,” “Time,” and “Shine On You Crazy Diamond,” among other songs. The setlist promises to be a heartwarming journey through some of the most evocative and timeless pieces of rock music ever created.
“Floyd’s music has an enduring quality that continues to attract new fans across generations,” says Orlando. “This tribute concert offers longtime fans and new audiences in Chennai an opportunity to experience the magic of Pink Floyd’s music in a live concert setting.” The statement encapsulates the band’s mission to bridge the generational gap through music, uniting fans old and new under one roof.
As I sit through the rehearsal, I’m captivated by the band’s synergy and the multi-layered textures of their sound. Each member brings a unique element to the table, making their performances not just a tribute, but a soulful reimagining of Pink Floyd’s masterpieces.
Mark your calendars for this nostalgic musical voyage scheduled to take place at Bay 146, Savera Hotel on Friday, June 14 at 8:30 PM. With tickets available from ₹250 onwards on Paytm Insider, fans are encouraged to grab theirs soon to avoid disappointment. For more details, interested individuals can call 9710976876. This concert quite literally promises to be an evening on the “Dark Side of the Moon,” offering a rare chance to experience the magic and mystique of Pink Floyd through the passionate renditions of Medium Rare.
For fans in Chennai, this event is more than just a concert; it’s an opportunity to relive the golden era of rock music, to reminisce, and to create new memories while honoring the legacy of one of the greatest bands in the history of rock. As Medium Rare brings Pink Floyd’s music back to life, audiences can expect nothing short of an extraordinary auditory experience.
