By Chyrisse Tabone, Rock At Night Tampa
Live Review: Alan Parsons Live Project – The Baycare Sound, Clearwater, Florida – March 29, 2026
On a surprisingly warm Sunday evening, March 29, 2026, I returned to The BayCare Sound in Clearwater, Florida, for another unforgettable night with the Alan Parsons Live Project, this time joined by the Florida Rock Symphony. Just a few months earlier, in December 2024, I had experienced the same pairing at the same venue under much chillier conditions—temperatures hovering in the 40s that had me bundling up in my leather jacket. That cold night felt magical, but this return performance on a milder evening elevated the experience even further. It’s a show I’ll cherish for years to come.
The atmosphere built long before the first note. Fans—mostly Gen Xers and Boomers—formed a block-long line at the merch booth, eagerly snapping up T-shirts and souvenirs to proudly wear around town. The amphitheater filled quickly, with prime seats disappearing fast and only upper sections and lawn areas remaining. The dedication was palpable; I overheard one enthusiastic fan nearby say he had driven all the way from North Carolina just for this concert.
Promptly at 8 p.m., the stage came alive with swirling smoke and vibrant colored lights, creating an eerie, atmospheric ambiance as the iconic intro to “I Robot” faded in. Conductor and keyboardist Tom Brooks stood ready, the full Florida Rock Symphony arrayed behind the core band, which includes powerhouse vocalist P.J. Olsson, guitarist Jeff Kollman, saxophonist/vocalist Todd Cooper, guitarist Dan Tracey, bassist Guy Erez, and drummer Danny Thompson. Alan Parsons himself, dapper in a brocade suit and his signature scarf, made his entrance with quiet grace, ascending the stairs to his elevated perch above the band, where he presided over the evening with acoustic guitar and keyboards in hand.
From the seamless segue into “Damned If I Do” and “Don’t Answer Me,” the familiar songs didn’t just play—they resonated on a deeper level. With Parsons, Cooper, and especially Olsson sharing vocal duties, often trading lines within the same track, the music felt intimate and alive. The Florida Rock Symphony’s rich layers— the delicate shimmer of xylophone, sweeping strings, thunderous timpani, bold brass, and tender flute—transformed these 40- to 50-year-old compositions into something timeless and profoundly moving. The music sounded remarkably fresh, yet it carried the weight of decades of memories, stirring nostalgia, joy, and even a touch of melancholy in the most beautiful way. It was progressive rock reimagined as classical music for the soul.
Highlights came in waves. “I Wouldn’t Want to Be Like You” and “Ammonia Avenue” delivered full-throttle rock energy, with the orchestra tastefully stepping back to let the band drive. Parsons addressed the crowd warmly, noting, “We only play this when we have such a fine orchestra,” before launching into the haunting “Silence and I.” Olsson’s pure, natural vibrato—free of any modern autotune—shone especially bright here and on “Time,” his voice serving as an instrument unto itself. Backed by piano and waves of strings, these moments achieved an almost heavenly beauty.
After a short 20-minute intermission, the energy rose again with the uplifting “Standing on Higher Ground.” Parsons’ lead on “Prime Time,” supported by rich harmonies, filled the night with warmth and camaraderie. Standout performances included “Old and Wise,” highlighted by Todd Cooper’s searing saxophone solo that seemed to pour out pure emotion, and “The Voice,” where sound mixer and production manager Tyson Leonard stepped onstage for a breathtaking violin solo that left the audience in awed silence.
Fans were also treated to the familiar instrumental “Sirius,” with Parsons at the synths. (I’ll admit a touch of disappointment at missing one of my personal favorites, “Luciferama,” and its irresistible drum riff.)
What seemed like the grand finale—Parsons descending the stairs as if bidding farewell—proved to be a delightful tease. The band launched into a high-energy closing stretch with the audience on its feet, dancing and singing along to “Eye in the Sky,” “(The System of) Dr. Tarr and Professor Fether,” and “Games People Play.” The musicians finally gathered at the front of the stage for a well-deserved collective bow.
The Alan Parsons Live Project, augmented by the Florida Rock Symphony, delivers far more than a concert—it creates a complete aural and sensory experience. The stage full of technically masterful musicians, the atmospheric smoke and lighting that spotlights each performer in turn, and the sheer virtuosity on display make it something truly special. In an era when such artistry feels increasingly rare, witnessing this level of musicianship and craftsmanship left me feeling genuinely privileged. Music like this just doesn’t entertain, but heals, uplifts, and reminds us of beauty that endures across decades.
Five stars. If you have the chance to catch this tour with the orchestra, don’t miss it. It’s progressive rock at its most majestic—and deeply human.
PHOTO GALLERY
I grew up in a household full of rock music, studied journalism in college, and then became a scientist.Although my science career has served me well, music has always played a major role in my life. I grew up reading "Creem" magazine; I play several musical instruments as a "hobby";and it seems a camera has always been in my hand. Now, I am combining what I love the most--music and photography--serving as editor of Rock At Night. I travel between the US and UK seeking my dream! My motto: life is short...no regrets. Chyrisse
