Welcome To The Machine (WTTM) is Asia’s only Pink Floyd tribute band. I consider their sold-out two nights “The Wall” concerts (12 & 13 September) to be the “Best Local Concerts of 2025″. Bar none. For their world-class standard of musicianship, the sound and light shows, the inclusion of a live 10 piece orchestra, three-girl choir and real-life movie characters (School Master and Judge), real (cardboard) walls and video projection wall. Yes, everything you can throw into a successful full blown extravaganza, except the kitchen sink. The concerts were held at the gorgeous Esplanade Singtel Waterfront theatre.
The audience rewarded the band with hearty claps after every single song and long standing ovations after the encores at the end of the concerts.
Only formed 12 years ago, the six member band, with day-time executive jobs, comprises Noel Ong (guitar), Laurence Bucci (drums), Arindam Chatterjee (singer), Lim Kiang (bass), David Baptista (guitar) and Andrew Yerkes (keyboards).
I hung out with and photographed the band for four days and nights – for their rehearsal, concert set up, and two nights of concert performances.
The following images are my embedded insider view of the amazing sights – behind the scenes and actual concert performances – into the meticulous staging of the two sold-out amazing and fun concerts.
Enjoy the visual show below!
WTTM Band Members At Rehearsal Studio (above image). 6 September.
Me With WTTM At Rehearsal Studio (above image). I made sure I wore my “By the way, which one’s Pink?” T-shirt. 6 September.
Do also read my previous “Welcome To The Machine Concert Rehearsal” blog.
The Bricks In The Walls (above image). The band members signed on the bricks (right of image), to be given away to select audience members after each concert. First Night (12 September).
Noel Ong’s Cool “The Wall” Concert T-Shirt (above image). Pre-performance band stage discussion. First Night (12 September).
Logistics Discussion (above image). Set-Up Night (11 September).
Lim “Last Dog Standing” Kiang, Bassist (above image). When I saw the awesome spotlights behind Kiang, I immediately told him to hold his rock pose and I took his b/w portrait. The spotlights scattered, seconds after this shot was taken. Second Night (13 September).
Band And Choir Rehearsals (above image). First Night (12 September).
“We Don’t Need No Education” Band And Choir Rehearsals (above image). First Night (12 September).
Concert View from Laurence Bucci’s Drum Kits (above image). First Night (12 September).
Empty Seats Rehearsals (above image). First Night (12 September).
Arindam Chatterjee, Singer (above image). Pre-performance dressing room bonding with Arindam, I was chatting with him when I took an impromptu rock star portrait of him with the spotlights behind him. Second Night (13 September).
David Baptista, Guitarist (above image). Dave doing knee exercises moments before the curtains part to start the show. Second Night (13 September).
A shout-out to Sally Lee (Dave’s better half) for her friendship and providing concert details to me in the penning of this blog.
WTTM Is Ready To Floyd Their Fans (above image). Set-Up Night (11 September).
The Spectacular Sound And Light Soundcheck (above image). The audience were in for two-nights of full-blown sound and light (laser) show treats. Band, orchestra, choir, laser show, animation of giant screen, and movie characters! First Night (12 September).
Band Members In The Dressing Room (above image). “In The Zone”, moments before they head to the stage to perform. First Night (12 September).
Band Members In The Dressing Room (above image). Moments before they head to the stage to perform. Second Night (13 September).
Tim Rae starts the Concerts on a sombre note with his Clarinet on the song “In The Flesh?” (above image). A classy, unexpected, subtle way to start a loud pounding concert! The calm before the storm. Second Night (13 September).
They Are All Pink (above image). The answer to the million-dollar question, “By the way, which one’s Pink?”. If you know, you know. First Night (12 September).
Noel Ong on Guitar Solo and Arindam Chatterjee on Blowhorn (above image). First Night (12 September).
Noel Ong and Arindam Chatterjee (above image). Awesome trenchcoat, Ari! First Night (12 September).
Andrew Marko as the Judge (above image). Behind-the-curtain light hearted moment. On the other side of the stage is Fahim Murshed as the School Master. First Night (12 September).
Noel Ong introduces the band members, and thanks all those who contributed to the success of the shows. Special emphasis were given to the band members’ wives who helped out (above image). I’m honoured that Noel thanked me on stage as well. My exclusive, intimate view of the stage, see pix below. First Night (12 September).
Me in the best seat in the house (above image). Second Night (13 September). Photo courtesy of Ken Kwek.
Crowd’s Standing Ovation (above image). For both concert nights. First Night (12 September).
The Band Bow After An Awesome Performance (above image). Andrew Yerkes, Keyboardist amusingly wonders, “Where’s David?”. First Night (12 September).
“The Wall” Entire Ensemble – The Band, Orchestra, Choir, Judge and Schoolmaster Bow After An Awesome Performance (above image). First Night (12 September).
The Band Getting Into Bowing Formation (above image). Second Night (13 September).
The Band Bow After An Awesome Performance (above image). Second Night (13 September).
The Post-Concert Load Out (above image). Laurence Bucci, WTTM Drummer in action. Second Night (13 September).
The Post-Concert Load Out (above image). Second Night (13 September).
Bring Down The Wall (above image). Be careful what you wish (you were here) for. See what I did there? Second Night (13 September).
Kind Concert Souvenir Gifts from the Band (above image). I love the red armband. Thanks, Guys!
Welcome To The (well-oiled) Machine delivered a resounding memorable two-night sold-out Pink Floyd “The Wall” sound and light extravaganza. The band’s ardent Fans are already looking forward to their next Pink Floyd album-theme concerts.
