Following the success of large scale activities organised in the last four months by the Zabbar local council and the local clubs and organisations such as the Health fest, the Malta International Food Festival and the world-record activity Dine along the world’s longest table, it is now time for the first edition of the music festival.

The Zabbar Music Festival, organised by mmg promotions, will in fact see some of Malta’s best musicians, artists and groups coming together for three big open-air concerts, to be staged on two nights: Friday, 30 and Saturday, 31 August.

The event will be free of charge but donations for Puttinu Cares will be collected on both days.

On day 1 we will see the return of the show The Wall which in a nutshell is a tribute to a dramatic side of the iconic Pink Floyd’s album.

Following in the footsteps of their previous albums, The Wall is a concept album; it deals largely with the theme of isolation from one’s peers. The concept was largely inspired by the band’s 1977 tour promoting the album Animals, with regards to an incident where Roger Waters’ frustration with the audience reached a point where Waters spat in the face of a fan who was attempting to climb on stage; this, in turn, led him to lament that such a wall exists. With its significantly darker theme, The Wall featured a notably harsher and more theatrical sound than their previous releases.

Malta’s tribute version of The Wall is set up by the Malta Rock Movement. The idea of replicating Pink Floyd’s masterpiece concept album The Wall came around about a year ago when MRM (all fellow musicians) decided to put together a “superband” to pay tribute to this classic album – complete with guest star performances. The project got rolling and debuted at the Greek Theatre during Earth Garden 2013. The show was a huge success and the organizers are once again inviting everyone to take part in this experience. 

Over 45 musicians, carefully chosen to pay tribute to Pink Floyd’s style of performance and musical ability, will take part in this show, which will not only bring great live music to the table, but it will also feature a tribute to the dramatic side of this iconic album.

The Core Band consists of a number of Malta’s top musicians like Mark Attard (Fakawi) on keyboards and Raphael Tonna (Red Electrick) on drums – the latter also taking on musical direction alongside Peter and Wayne, and Pawlu Borg Bonaci who is the artistic director.

Other band members include Antoine Tonna, Daniel Cauchi (Big Band Brothers), Jeremy Micallef (Stoned / Muzzle) and an all star/all female backing vocals team including Olivia Lewis, Talitha, Rachel Tedesco Triccas, Cheryl Camilleri and Annemarie Mayo.

Guest singers and musicians include David Cassar Torregiani (Scar), Matthew James Borg (REK), Pawlu Borg Bonaci (Fakawi), Chris Curmi (Airport Impressions), Chris Grech (26 Other Worlds), Triccas, Klinsmann, Darryl Ebejer (12th Ode), Brooke Borg, Jodi and Ian (Mojo) and La Voix Choir led by Gillian Attard. Obviously Peter, Wayne and Gianni will also be taking part.

Detail to visual and lighting was always a must in the Pink Floyd world, so attendees can expect a haven of visual entertainment, psychedelic and exceptional music.

On day 2 the Zabbar Music Festival continues with a one-hour gig from top selling artist Ira Losco and her band featuring most of her number one hits and songs from her recently released fifth album The Fire – the first ever album (local or international to retain the top spot for eight consecutive weeks).

The third and final act of the Festival will include a two-hour gig from one of Malta’s most popular bands Tribali (their last for this summer) who will bring with them their simple yet much followed concept of positive vibes. Fresh from their award of Best Album of 2012 The Traveller, Tribali continues to attract crowds with their celebration of love of world music, through ethnic rhythms and sounds from the Orient.

While placing great emphasis on ethnic rhythms, Tribali incorporates the beauty and pathos of music from the orient. Their powerful stage presence is further energised by their use of visuals, thus dramatically stimulating the audience.

All performances start at around 8.30pm. Entrance for all events is free of charge though attendees are encouraged to donate to Puttinu Cares. Several bars and food stalls will be also set up along Labour Road.

For more information visit the Facebook page www.facebook.com/ZabbarMusicFestival