Is there a reason why Dick Parry performed his keyboard parts from backstage in '77?

[JamminJanet421]

Did they just not want to confuse the audience members or something? That's the only possible reason I could think of! Has anyone ever spoken about this!?

[Emdy]

Maybe they thought it would have been too much for their image on top of having another outsider playing bass and ripping out killer guitar solos. But who knows, that certainly wasn’t an issue from 1980 onwards.

Although, if I’m remembering correctly, Jon Carin was shrouded in mist and entirely out of the camera’s eye for the Live 8 reunion.

[NuffM]

He wasn't backstage. He was right next to Rick. Go watch Cincinnati '77. He had a moog and a Solina.

[NuffM]

Doesn't look backstage at all to me...

[NuffM]

Or here...

[JamminJanet421]

Thanks for the answers, friend! It's always wonderful to learn something new <3 That being said - where does the notion that he played out of view of the audience come from? It's mentioned on Wikipedia (albeit unsourced...) Is this incorrect information?

[NuffM]

Thanks for the answers, friend! It's always wonderful to learn something new <3 That being said - where does the notion that he played out of view of the audience come from? It's mentioned on Wikipedia (albeit unsourced...) Is this incorrect information?

Trusting Wikipedia was your first mistake...

[penguinzzz]

Thanks for the answers, friend! It's always wonderful to learn something new <3 That being said - where does the notion that he played out of view of the audience come from? It's mentioned on Wikipedia (albeit unsourced...) Is this incorrect information?

Parry's keyboards were set up at the rear of the stage but not 'out of view' (as mentioned above). Basically his stage position (behind / alongside Waters) had been established since he started playing onstage in 73. So it was logical to put his keyboards next to here as well.