Dark Side of the Soo: A Tribute to Pink Floyd Emerges in Sault Ste. Marie
A new Pink Floyd tribute act called Dark Side of the Soo has emerged in Sault Ste. Marie, featuring four local musicians. The band, consisting of Nicky Bentley, Keith Conway, Jules Cote, and Alvaro Scheid, started practicing Pink Floyd's music in August 2024. They are set to perform at Beck’s Bar on August 16 at 11 p.m., with an opening act yet to be announced. The band members are enthusiastic about showcasing their performances to the audience.
The process of learning and preparing Pink Floyd's material from albums like Wish You Were Here, Meddle, and Dark Side of the Moon requires dedicated practice. The band meets weekly to refine their performances. Jules Cote, who learned guitar with Mark Gough, was introduced to Pink Floyd's music through the song "Mother" from The Wall. Alvaro Scheid, the band's founder, has curated fan-made videos to complement their renditions of 20 Pink Floyd classics.
The band's repertoire includes iconic songs like Breathe, Brain Damage, Echoes, Have a Cigar, and Time, along with selections from movies like 2001: A Space Odyssey and Pink Floyd – The Wall. Jules Cote appreciates Pink Floyd's thematic approach to music, the storytelling in their songs, and the craftsmanship of their melodies. He also acknowledges the challenge of playing simple yet effective percussion parts inspired by Pink Floyd drummer Nick Mason.
Dark Side of the Soo is scheduled to headline the Northern Vibe Festival in Poplar Dale on August 23 at 10 p.m. The band initially relies on backing keyboard tracks recorded by Cote and Scheid, but they are considering adding a keyboardist to cover Richard Wright's parts in the future. Cote emphasizes the importance of doing justice to Pink Floyd's music before expanding their performances to other venues and potentially embarking on a tour.
Having previously been involved in tribute acts, Cote notes the rapid success and interest generated by the Pink Floyd project. The band's dedication to honoring Pink Floyd's music and themes has resonated with audiences, leading to a growing following. With the possibility of future tour dates in Ontario and beyond, Dark Side of the Soo aims to continue captivating fans with their authentic tribute to the legendary British prog rock band.