Aussie Pink Floyd's Chris Barnes on Touring, Tributes, and Timeless Music
LINCOLN, Neb. — The Australian Pink Floyd Show, a premier Pink Floyd tribute band, is set to captivate audiences at Steelhouse Omaha on August 7, 2025. Ahead of the performance, lead singer and guitarist Chris Barnes talked with Gallery Space Media to discuss the band’s global tour, their dedication to Pink Floyd’s legacy, and the art of delivering an authentic tribute experience.
A Lifelong Passion for Music
Barnes’ musical journey began at age three, drumming to the annoyance of his parents. “My dad played bass in an Elvis tribute, and their drummer, Brian Bennett, was my early hero,” Barnes said. By seven, he picked up the guitar, which became his primary instrument, though his love for drumming never faded. Influenced by legends like Keith Moon, John Bonham, and Clive Burr, Barnes’ diverse musical roots shaped his career.
Growing up in Manchester during the 1990s, Barnes played in a punky pop band that stood out in an Oasis-dominated scene. “We were a square peg in a round hole,” he recalled, reflecting on the band’s nine-year run. Despite life’s detours—marriage, kids, and day jobs—music remained his calling. A serendipitous connection through a children’s music workshop led to his role with The Australian Pink Floyd Show, where he’s now toured the world for over a decade.
Crafting an Authentic Pink Floyd Experience
The Australian Pink Floyd Show, formed in 1988, is renowned for its meticulous replication of Pink Floyd’s music and live performances. For their 2025 tour, the band is celebrating the 50th anniversary of Wish You Were Here, performing the album in its entirety. “We cover everything from Syd Barrett’s era to the Gilmour-led albums,” Barnes said, ensuring a comprehensive journey through Pink Floyd’s catalog.
Authenticity is paramount. The band uses modern equipment to recreate vintage sounds, from Dave the guitarist’s period-specific guitars to David the keyboardist’s sampled Moog synths. Even their drum tech, previously with Pink Floyd’s Nick Mason, tunes the kit to match the era’s sound. “It’s about serving the music, not us as performers,” Barnes emphasized. “Pink Floyd was never about a frontman like Freddie Mercury. The music and visuals are the stars.”
The Challenges and Rewards of Tribute Performance
Performing Pink Floyd’s music comes with unique pressures. “You can’t mess with it,” Barnes said. “Fans know every note, every lyric, even the guitar solos.” The band strives to deliver a concert experience that mirrors Pink Floyd’s iconic shows, complete with lasers, inflatables, and state-of-the-art lighting. “Floyd was cutting-edge with quadraphonic sound in the ’60s. We use modern tech to capture that vibe without overheating the stage,” he added.
Despite the demanding tour schedule—spanning the UK, U.S., Canada, and Europe—Barnes finds each show unique. “Every night is different because of the crowd, the venue, the energy,” he said. A standout moment was performing at London’s Royal Albert Hall. “It was magical,” he shared. “All those tough gigs in pubs and clubs led to that moment.”
Connecting Generations Through Music
Pink Floyd’s music transcends generations, drawing fans from college students to those who experienced the band in the 1970s. “You see kids in Dark Side of the Moon T-shirts,” Barnes noted. “Some know every word; others are just discovering it.” The band’s performances resonate with both longtime fans and newcomers, creating a shared experience that honors Pink Floyd’s profound lyrical and musical depth.
For Barnes, playing Pink Floyd’s music is an honor. “It’s not just classic rock or prog—it’s its own thing,” he said. “We’re lucky to do this, and we don’t take it lightly.” As for his dream setlist, Barnes hinted at surprises for 2026, a non-anniversary year that will feature a curated mix of Pink Floyd classics. “No spoilers, but there are songs I’ve been pushing for since my audition,” he teased.
A Vinyl Collector’s Dream
Offstage, Barnes is an avid vinyl collector, often scouring record shops while on tour. “Vinyl is my vice,” he admitted. Albums like Tangerine Dream’s Phaedra and Black Sabbath’s Sabbath Bloody Sabbath have been life-changing discoveries. If music weren’t his career, Barnes envisions running a secondhand record shop, a nod to his deep-rooted passion for music’s tactile history.Don’t Miss the Show.
The Australian Pink Floyd Show promises an unforgettable evening at Steelhouse Omaha, blending nostalgia, technical precision, and immersive visuals. Whether you’re a lifelong Pink Floyd fan or new to their music, this performance will transport you through decades of iconic soundscapes.
Tickets for the August 7, 2025, concert are available at Steelhouse Omaha’s website. Don’t miss your chance to experience one of the world’s premier tribute acts live.
