For nearly two decades, Jake Elking has been a cornerstone of El Monstero, St. Louis’ legendary Pink Floyd tribute band. What began as a local homage to one of rock’s most influential bands has transformed into a massive, immersive spectacle drawing thousands of fans and spanning generations.

But behind the lights, lasers and psychedelic swells is a group of musicians who pour their hearts into every note. And for Elking, the band is more than just a gig — it’s a musical calling.

Before joining El Monstero in 2005, Elking made a name for himself in a very different scene: electronic music.

“When I was younger, I was part of what people would now call the EDM scene,” he said. “Back then, it was more underground — raves, live sets, dance clubs. I wasn’t DJing; I brought keyboards, drum machines and a computer and performed my own original music live.”

That edge — blending live performance with a deep understanding of sound design — set him apart. It also introduced him to local sound engineers, who would later suggest his name when El Monstero was searching for a new keyboardist.

Elking auditioned with longtime band members Mark Quinn and Bryan Greene and quickly earned his spot.

“They were looking for someone who could bring something fresh to the table — someone who understood synths and Pink Floyd’s sonic complexity,” Elking said. “That was right in my wheelhouse.”

When Elking first saw El Monstero in 2003 at The Pageant, it was already a respected local act, but nothing compared to what it would become. Since then, the show has evolved into one of the most elaborate tribute performances in the country.

“Back then, it was a tight set of great musicians, some lasers and a few theatrical touches,” Elking said. “Now? It’s a full-on production. We’ve added acrobats, video screens, guest musicians, pyrotechnics — you name it.”

This transformation wasn’t accidental. It’s been the product of years of thoughtful experimentation and commitment to innovation. 

“Each year we ask, ‘What can we add that the audience hasn’t seen before?’ It could be a new visual, a new arrangement or even just the way we transition between songs. Over time, those small additions have built something really special,” Elking said.

While the visuals grab headlines, the heartbeat of El Monstero has always been the music, and recreating Pink Floyd’s sound is no small task. With layered harmonies, lush synthesizers and intricate guitar work, Floyd’s catalog demands precision — and passion.

“For us, authenticity starts with the music,” Elking said. “We strive to make the songs sound as close to the albums as possible. Fans know every detail, every subtle moment, so we take that responsibility seriously.”

Unlike some tribute bands, El Monstero doesn’t try to mimic the members of Pink Floyd visually. 

“We’re not trying to be characters,” Elking said. “We’re focused on delivering a sound experience that’s faithful and powerful. Some people might not even notice that we’ve got seven people on stage most of the time — because that’s what it takes to do it right.”

Indeed, Elking and fellow keyboardist Bill Reiter often cover multiple parts each during songs.

“There are textures and tones that require two keyboardists at the same time. There’s no way to do this with just one person and keep it sounding legit,” Elking said.

Every performer dreams of stepping onto a massive stage and looking out at a sea of faces. For Elking, that dream became reality at the Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre (still affectionately called Riverport by longtime locals).

“I’ll never forget that first time playing there in 2012,” Elking said. “I’d played at The Pageant, which is a big deal — 1,700 people. But Riverport? That’s another level.”

As he described it, “You walk on stage and look out… and the crowd just doesn’t stop. You see people stretching back for what feels like miles. You try not to think about it too much or you’ll psych yourself out. But it’s surreal.”

Interestingly, he mentioned that the distance from the crowd at a venue like the amphitheater helps him stay grounded. 

“You don’t see individual faces like you do at smaller clubs. It becomes more about the energy — about the vibe in the air. You can feel it,” Elking said.

El Monstero’s fan base is one of the most unique aspects of the show. From longtime Pink Floyd loyalists to newcomers who’ve never heard “The Wall,” the band draws a remarkably wide range of ages — and that’s by design.

“This is the only band I’ve been in where you’ll see three generations standing together — grandparents, parents and kids — watching the show together,” Elking said. “It’s become part of the St. Louis Christmas tradition for a lot of families.”

That holiday connection is more than just seasonal timing. It’s part of the show’s identity.

“We hear stories every year from people who say, ‘My kid came back from college just so we could go to El Monstero together.’ That’s amazing. That’s something you can’t plan. It just happens when people care about what you’re doing,” Elking said.

Elking’s journey into music began with piano lessons as a child, encouraged by parents who valued music education. It’s something he believes in deeply, especially at a time when school music programs are increasingly underfunded. He worries that kids today may miss out on those opportunities. 

“Learning piano taught me discipline. But playing in school band taught me how to collaborate. It’s not just about notes and rhythms — it’s about listening, adapting, building something as a group,” Elking said. “Music programs aren’t just about making musicians. They’re about developing empathy, communication and confidence. Losing them means losing a huge part of what shapes us as people.”

And after nearly 20 years, Elking’s passion hasn’t faded. 

“Every time I step on that stage and see people singing along, smiling, even crying sometimes… It reminds me why we do this. It’s more than nostalgia — it’s connection,” he said.

In a world filled with fleeting trends and fading fads, El Monstero stands as a reminder of the enduring power of great music — and the people who bring it to life year after year.

“As long as people keep coming, we’ll keep playing,” Elking said. “And as long as Pink Floyd’s music keeps resonating, we’ll be here to celebrate it.”