Pink Talking Fish, the hybrid tribute band that melds together the sounds of three of the world’s most cherished bands — Pink Floyd, Talking Heads, and Phish — brought its unique act to DC’s The Wharf recently with a show at Pearl Street Warehouse on Oct. 4.
I first encountered the band while on a trip to Chicago two years ago with childhood friends. A tribute to not one, but three bands we began following together as kids; what could be better? Between their superior musicianship and trippy light show, I couldn’t wait for the band to make its way to DC where I could photograph them for this publication.
The remarkable lineup of Pink Talking Fish features the musical prowess of Eric Gould on bass, Richard James on keyboards, Zack Burwick on drums, and Cal Kehoe on guitar. These talented individuals share a profound love for the music of the bands they pay homage to, and their mission is to reignite the fervor of fans by delivering an experience that is fresh, invigorating, and unparalleled.
Watch Pink Talking Fish perform Pink Floyd’s “Money,” live at The Double E in Essex Junction, Vermont, via YouTube.
Pink Floyd, Talking Heads, and Phish aren’t just musical groups; they are cultural phenomena in their own right. While each band’s sonic identity is distinct, Pink Talking Fish has artfully discovered that blending their catalogues creates a mesmerizing narrative. The emotional depth of Pink Floyd, the funky grooves and danceable rhythms of Talking Heads, and the multifaceted styles, intricate compositions, and sheer joy of Phish — the fusion of these three giants results in a musical experience that transcends boundaries and elevates the soul.
For those familiar with Pearl Street Warehouse, it’s known as an intimate live music venue with a rustic roadhouse ambiance, complete with a distinctive neon sign as the backdrop to its stage. It’s not the kind of setting you’d typically associate with a tribute to Pink Floyd, Talking Heads, and Phish. However, Pink Talking Fish arrives equipped with their own lighting wizardry and gear, effortlessly transforming any venue into a breathtaking laser light spectacle that one might expect only at a massive arena show.
The narrative of Pink Talking Fish is one that continues to evolve, and their live performance is consistently nothing short of exhilarating. Joining them on this sonic journey is an invitation to partake in the ultimate fusion tribute, a unique celebration of music that leaves an indelible mark on your soul.
Set List:
1. The Moma Dance (Phish cover)
2. Life During Wartime (Talking Heads cover)
3. Mother (Pink Floyd cover)
4. Peaches en Regalia (Frank Zappa cover)
5. Divided Sky (Phish cover)
6. While My Guitar Gently Weeps (The Beatles cover)
7. The Divided Sky (Phish cover)
8. Houses in Motion (Talking Heads cover)
9. Pigs (Three Different Ones) (Pink Floyd cover)
10. Ghost (Phish cover)
11. While My Guitar Gently Weeps (reprise) (The Beatles cover)
12. This Must Be the Place (Naive Melody) (Talking Heads cover)
13. Wish You Were Here (Pink Floyd cover)
14. First Tube (Phish cover)
Encore:
15. Take Me to the River (Al Green cover)
16. Suzy Greenberg (Phish cover)
The performance was a thrilling fusion of musical genius, blending the iconic hits of these legendary bands into an unforgettable night of live music. Pink Talking Fish truly transported the audience into a realm where musical boundaries dissolved, and the love for great music was celebrated in grand style.
Enjoy some additional photos from Pink Talking Fish’s Oct. 4, 2023 performance at Pearl Street Warehouse. All images courtesy of and copyrighted by Ari Strauss.
