Pink Floyd

Assembled and edited

By

Martin Francis

JosslynMartinArt.com

Feature Artist Band or Album

In 1974, a friend introduced me to quadraphonic music. He told me his relative had a new quadraphonic stereo system and invited me to see it. I agreed, and when I arrived, I saw four speakers arranged around the lounge room each with Tweeters, with the turntable and amplifier in the centre. It was the first time I had seen anything like it. The first album he played was the only quadraphonic album released then, Pink Floyd's "Dark Side Of The Moon." I was amazed by how the sound and instruments moved around the room.

The classic lineup includes Roger Waters (bass guitar, vocals), David Gilmour (guitar, vocals), Richard Wright (keyboards, vocals), and Nick Mason (drums). Waters and Gilmour were the primary creative forces behind much of the band's later work. The band went through internal conflicts, particularly between Waters and Gilmour, which led to Waters leaving in 1985. Despite this, Pink Floyd reunited for a performance at Live 8 in 2005, which was their first performance with all four members in over 20 years.

As of August 2024, Pink Floyd, as a band, is no longer actively touring or recording new material. The group's last studio album, The Endless River, was released in 2014 and is primarily a collection of instrumental tracks based on sessions from their 1994 album, The Division Bell. This album marked the final contribution of Richard Wright before he died in 2008.

The Dark Side of the Moon is one of their most iconic albums, known for its themes of mental illness, existential angst, and the human condition. It stayed on the Billboard charts for over 14 years and is one of the best-selling albums of all time.

The Wall is a rock opera that tells the story of Pink, a fictional rock star who isolates himself from the world. It features the famous songs "Another Brick in the Wall," "Comfortably Numb," and "Hey You."

Wish You Were Here was released in 1975, and is one of Pink Floyd's most acclaimed albums. It is known for its rich, emotional content and its exploration of themes like absence, nostalgia, and the music industry's impact on artists.

The album is often seen as a tribute to Syd Barrett, the band's former member who had to leave the group due to mental health issues. The songs "Shine On You Crazy Diamond" and "Wish You Were Here" specifically reflect the band's feelings of loss and nostalgia for Barrett.

The album also offers a critique of the music industry, which is evident in the song "Have a Cigar." The lyrics mock the exploitation and commercialization of artists by the music business.

Pink Floyd, pictured in 1967. left to right, Roger Waters, Nick Mason, Syd Barrett and Rick Wright

David Gilmour has been active with his solo career, performing live, and occasionally releasing new music. His recent solo work and tours have received positive responses, and he remains involved in various charitable causes.

Roger Waters: Roger Waters continues to perform and tour extensively with his solo projects. His shows often include a mix of Pink Floyd classics and his solo material. He is known for his outspoken political activism and has released several solo albums addressing social and political issues.

Nick Mason: Nick Mason has been active with his band Nick Mason's Saucerful of Secrets, which focuses on performing early Pink Floyd material. This project has been well-received by fans interested in hearing the band's music from their formative years.

Richard Wright: Richard Wright, who passed away in 2008, is remembered through his contributions to Pink Floyd's music. His legacy continues to influence musicians and fans alike.

If you would like to know more about Pink Floyd go to this timeline of the band.

The giant inflatable pig of The Dark Side of the Moon Live tour at Coachella Music Festival on April, 2008.

"Pink Floyd is renowned for their concept albums, in which the entire album is meant to be heard as a cohesive work rather than just a collection of songs."

Pink Floyd is renowned for their concept albums, in which the entire album is meant to be heard as a cohesive work rather than just a collection of songs. Some of their most famous concept albums include The Dark Side of the Moon (1973), Wish You Were Here (1975), Animals (1977), and The Wall (1979). Their music often features extended instrumental passages, complex time signatures, and a blend of rock, electronic, and orchestral elements. They were also known for their innovative use of studio effects and synthesizers.