MRM recently spoke with guitarist Dave Fowler of The Australian Pink Floyd Show ahead of the band’s July 26 show at Atlanta’s Synovus Bank Amphitheater at Chastain Park. Fowler discussed his musical origins, joining TAPFS, what fans can expect from the upcoming show and much more. Get tickets HERE.

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MRM: Where are you “calling” from?

Fowler: I’m calling from Pine Bluff, Arkansas. We’re out in the middle of another U.S. tour, which isn’t a bad way to spend the summer.

MRM: How did you first get into performing music?

Fowler: I started playing guitar when I was ten years old, and pretty quickly it became an obsession. The real turning point came when I was about twelve. A friend challenged me to learn the solo from Another Brick in the Wall (Part II), and that sent me down the Pink Floyd rabbit hole. Not long after that I watched Pink Floyd’s 1994 concert on the BBC and remember thinking, “That’s what I want to do.” I was hooked, not just by the guitar playing, but by the atmosphere, the dynamics and the way the music could make you feel something without ever being overplayed.

MRM: Could you speak about how you joined the Australian Pink Floyd Show?

Fowler: The funny thing is I’d actually seen the band years before I joined. I remember standing in the audience thinking, “One day I’m going to be in that band.” At the time it was just one of those dreams musicians have, but life has a funny way of working out. The opportunity came along at the end of 2010, I auditioned, and somehow that kid standing in the crowd ended up onstage. Over 15 years later I’m still pinching myself.

MRM: Many fans close their eyes during the show and feel like they’re hearing Pink Floyd live again. What does it mean to you to help create that experience for audiences?

Fowler: That’s honestly one of the nicest compliments we can get. We know nobody is Pink Floyd, and we’re certainly not trying to pretend to be. What we are trying to do is present this incredible music with the respect and attention it deserves. Pink Floyd’s music is emotional, cinematic and incredibly detailed. If someone closes their eyes and gets lost in it for a couple of hours, then we’ve done exactly what we set out to do.

MRM: Pink Floyd’s catalog spans so many iconic albums and eras. Is there a particular song or section of the show that you especially look forward to performing each night?

Fowler: I’ve always loved playing Any Colour You Like. It’s just a brilliant piece of music and gives me the chance to stretch out a little while still serving the song. But honestly, every night there are moments that remind me why this music has lasted for generations. Watching an audience collectively lose themselves during Comfortably Numb, Wish You Were Here or Time never gets old.

MRM: Your productions are known for combining incredible musicianship with spectacular visuals. How has the show evolved over the years?

Fowler: The production has evolved massively. The technology available today is incredible compared to when I joined the band, so the visuals, lighting and lasers have all become even more immersive. But we’ve never lost sight of the fact that everything starts with the music. The effects should enhance the performance, not distract from it. That’s always been the philosophy, and I think that’s one of the reasons people keep coming back.

MRM: For someone who has never seen The Australian Pink Floyd Show before, what would you say sets your performances apart from other tribute acts?

Fowler: The level of detail. Everyone involved genuinely cares about getting it right. It’s not just learning the songs, it’s understanding why the songs sound the way they do, recreating the tones, the dynamics, the harmonies and the emotion behind them. Add to that a world-class production, and it’s much closer to experiencing a Pink Floyd concert than simply watching a tribute band. That’s what we’ve always aimed for.

MRM: Is it true you all have shared a stage with the Allman Brothers and Deep Purple? And if so, how was it playing with those legends?

Fowler: We’ve been fortunate enough over the years to share festival stages and events with some incredible artists, and whenever that happens it’s a real privilege. You grow up listening to bands like that, so finding yourself on the same bill is something you never really take for granted. At the end of the day, we’re fans too.

MRM: I must ask, has The Australian Pink Floyd Show had any interactions with members of the real Pink Floyd?

Fowler: Yes, there have been a few memorable connections over the years. I’ve personally met both David Gilmour and Nick Mason, and of course the band famously performed at David Gilmour’s 50th birthday celebration. That was a remarkable moment in the history of the show and something we’re all very proud of. We’re always careful not to overstate the relationship, but those experiences have certainly meant a great deal to us.

MRM: What can fans expect on July 26 in Atlanta, Georgia at the historic Synovus Bank Amphitheater at Chastain Park when the Australian Pink Floyd Show come to town?

Fowler: They can expect the full experience. We’re bringing the music people know and love, an incredible light and laser show, stunning videos, fantastic sound and, hopefully, a couple of hours where the outside world disappears. Atlanta has always been a great city for us, and Chastain Park is such a beautiful venue, so we’re really looking forward to it.

MRM: Thanks for the interview. Anything else you would like to add?

Fowler: Just a huge thank you to everyone who’s supported us over the years. The fact that this music continues to resonate with new generations is remarkable, and we’re lucky enough to be the ones who get to play it every night. If you’ve never seen us before, come along. If you’ve seen us ten times already, come and see what’s new. We can’t wait to see everyone in Atlanta.