The Caves
Kents Cavern
The Darkside of Pink Floyd were the first band to play two public performances inside the caves of Kents Cavern in Torquay. Kents Cavern is one of the most important Prehistoric Stone Age sites in Europe. It has extensive cave systems made from Devonian Limestone. Britain’s oldest human bone was discovered there. The Caves are estimated to be over 400 million years old and there are many large stalagmites and stalactites.
The band played two performances inside the caves on 2nd July 2011. Both shows were sell-outs. People who attended still talk about ‘the spectacular Pink Floyd gig underground’ and how ‘mesmerising and atmospheric’ it was.
The Logistics
Logistically, it was a nightmare trundling all the equipment along the uneven pathways. Down to the only reasonably flat area suitable for a make-shift stage. The ground was wet and there were constant drips from the roof that made it interesting. The electrics and equipment had to be covered with plastic sheeting to avoid being electrocuted. Health & Safety at the venue for a Rock Band probably hadn’t been risk assessed then. The worst part was taking all the equipment out again at the end of the second show and loading the vans.
The audiences were standing at the top of a gentle slope looking down on the performers. We did notice one mad person attempting to climb up one of the rocky walls to get a better view, even though the slope gave him a fairly good vantage point. Both performances were rapturously received. The venue received countless excellent feedback. It was a truly amazing night showcasing the wonderful music of Pink Floyd. The caves were a perfect place to give such a performance and we thanked Kents Cavern for allowing us to perform there.
find out more about visiting Kents Cavern
The Caves at Carnglaze Caverns
The Darkside of Pink Floyd have performed seven times since July 2016 in The Rum Store at Carnglaze Caverns in Cornwall. The Cavern features three man-made caves that were part of a slate quarry. The largest of the caves being The Rum Store. This was used by the Royal Navy for storing all its Rum for the sailors. In 2001 a stage was erected with an ample power supply suitable for seated events to be held inside the large expanse. It became an unusual concert venue. Many famous groups have performed there over the years including Fish, Fairport Convention and Marillion. Although The Darkside of Pink Floyd have probably sold out the most shows. We even played two back-to-back nights in 2023 and both evenings were sell-outs. This will be repeated in September 2024 for sure.
The Tour
Carnglaze itself is set amongst 8 acres of ancient woodland and it takes about 30 minutes to walk around the caves and another 20 minutes for the woodland walk. The Caverns are at a constant 10°C underground, so a jumper and sensible footwear are recommended. And it drips from the ceiling after heavy rain a few days before. It takes a while to percolate down from above.
Playing here
Our shows in the caves at Carnglaze hold a special place in our hearts as we love playing here. We are always welcomed by the owners and they even let us use part of their house for our ‘Green Rooms’. On stage, it’s just so magical. And the sound acoustics are second-to-none. Our six professional quality lasers complement the atmosphere created by the caves. We’ve had many people say that it’s the best experience they’ve ever had at a musical show. Can you imagine listening to Comfortably Numb inside a cave, deep underground . . .
