A rendition of Comfortably Numb from a critically acclaimed live show has been named the best version of the song.
The Pink Floyd classic comes from The Wall, a concept album from bassist and songwriter Roger Waters which was later adapted to the stage. Five years after his departure from the group, Waters would bring a huge stage version of the album to life. In his adaptation he made a series of special guests the feature of the show, including Sinead O’Connor, The Band, and Van Morrison. Both the former backing band of Bob Dylan and Moondance mastermind joined Waters for this rendition of Comfortably Numb, which fans believe is the best version of the song available. An upload of the performance to YouTube has left fans floored, with many considering it to be a high point in Waters’ career.
One fan wrote: “Lyrics, music, singers, production… this is one of the best records ever created. God bless these minstrels, for the joy, and thought, they bring to us!” Another added: “Van Morrison is, without a doubt, one of the top five musical talents of all time. The man has genius in every cell of his being.”
A third shared: “This is a masterpiece in music history. Simply the best cover version of an original song that I’ve ever heard, absolutely overwhelming, perfect… magic.” Listeners were in agreement on Morrison being the key to what makes this the best rendition of Comfortably Numb.
A fan wrote: “Amazing interpretation by Van, I didn’t think the melody of this song could be improved but he did it!” Another agreed, adding: “Mind-blowing version of a great song. Every element works to perfection. Van, The Band, Snowy and Rick on guitars, the orchestration, and of course the genius of Roger Waters. Bravo (to the power of a million)!”
A third suggested the already brilliant song is made a masterpiece thanks to Morrison’s involvement. The user wrote: “Already a beautiful song. Made a masterpiece by Van Morrison.” Some were keen to point out it is not just Morrison and Waters singing, with Levon Helm also featuring.
The user wrote: “Van Morrison and Levon Helm’s singing is unbelievable. To make one of the greatest rock songs better without David Gilmour. I never would have known if I did not watch The Departed this evening. Very moving, a masterpiece.  I wish I would have been there to see it with my own ears.”
Morrison’s appearance on Comfortably Numb was also described as “tearjerking” thanks to his emotive performance of the song. One fan wrote: “I remember the day this was live, so much joy. It was tear-jerking, but when Van sang this, I could not believe the emotion it stirred in everyone. Every time I hear its always the same goosebumps.” You can watch the stirring performance of Comfortably Numb with Morrison and The Band below.
Meh. Gilmour is missing and the song is off. Gilmour has a beautiful voice. It sounds like impostors . Pink Floyd was pure magic and it can’t be repeated or reconstructed without the main ingredients .. the version is okay but will never match the original. A preposterous notion if I ever heard one
What 😂
It took two guitarists to play what Gilmour played.
I was in Berlin that night, and having seen Floyd play throughout Europe this was the worst concert I had ever been to, the sound was poor and the best thing about the show was Bryan Adams and I hate him.
I was at this concert and i can tell you it was nowhere near as good as it would have been with the other members of Pink Floyd, had they been there.
Not even close. David Gilmour’s live guitar solo of comfortably numb is one of the best guitar solos ever played. This doesn’t even come close. And when they sing the second part that Gilmour usually sings, it’s very choppy and it sounds like they’re shouting the words out. Doesn’t seem like it’s somebody who’s comfortably numb at all. Gilmour’s voice is so silky smooth at that part. I give this version a d at best.
Who named this the best version of all time? Four or five comfortably numbskulls on line? I’ve heard cover bands do it better than Waters and his cast of drunkies.