When some people hear the name Pink Floyd, they may know right away who this legendary band is, and what they have experienced, while others may not quite know the famed history of this band.
Around 1964 Syd Barret, a British guitar player, teamed with Roger Waters (bass, vocals), Nick Mason (drums), and Rick Wright (keyboard) to form Pink Floyd. The band began their legendary career in the underground scene in Britain. Playing psychedelic space-oriented music with psychedelic light shows, and music built around a new style of mellow, creative rock, Pink Floyd released the first of many albums: Piper at the Gates of Dawn. While receiving British acclaim, the album was not as successful in other countries.
In 1968, Syd Barret was hospitalized for erratic behavior, possibly from frequent LSD experimentation. The band was not happy with Syd’s behavior, and replaced him with a new young guitarist, David Gilmour. The band attempted to work with both of the guitarists at the same time, but after a month, Barret was permanently replaced. Gilmour and Waters soon became the base of Pink Floyd and wrote and sang all of the music.
Under Waters’ lead, the band released a second album that they called A Saucerful of Secrets. This album along with their next release, Ummagumma, led the band to more popularity outside Britain. Pink Floyd was soon asked to create music for the movies More, Let’s All Make Love in London, The Committee, and Zabriskie Point.
Early in the 1970s, Pink Floyd released several successful albums: Atom Heart Mother, Meddle (which contained the song "Echoes," whose psychedelic sound effects and space-oriented sound took an entire side of an LP) and the Le Vallee Soundtrack Obscured by Clouds. All of these albums combined would never touch the total of albums sold by their next release.
1973 was a turning point for Pink Floyd. Dark Side of the Moon was released after months of recording and expensive new sounds. This album launched the band to super-stardom. Pink Floyd had released an album that would remain on the Billboard Top 200 for 725 weeks, from 1973 to 1988, selling millions of albums. This is the longest time in the history of rock music.
In time, fans and critics realized that when Dark Side of the Moon is played with the movie The Wizard of Oz, music matches dances and tells the story of the movie. To try this, start the album when the lion roars in the opening of the movie. Watch and listen. The Great Gig in the Sky will play during the twister in the movie. When the scarecrow is falling on the grass, vocals will be saying "The lunatic is on the grass," and when Dorothy leans against the Tin Man’s heart, the ending heartbeat of the CD can be heard. The CD has to be played two and a half times to watch the entire movie. There are many other secrets to be discovered. Pink Floyd proved their creativity with this album, but have never admitted to planning the similarities and time-oriented music.
In 1976, the band released a multi-platinum album called Wish You Were Here. This album contained the songs "Shine on You Crazy Diamond" (which stretches for many minutes), "Welcome to the Machine," "Have a Cigar," and "Wish You Were Here." The end of the album is a conclusion to the opening track. There is rumor that Syd Barret sat in on studio recordings and that this album was a dedication to him from Roger Waters.
1977 marked the release of Animals. This album received critical acclaim. Pink Floyd had compared society to different animals like pigs, dogs, and sheep. This was another album that would be a forerunner for a hit recording.
The Wall was released in 1979. This double album, written almost entirely by Roger Waters, was based on the idea of Waters’ character, Pink, going slowly insane. Suicide, insanity, drugs, abandonment, feelings of void are all subjects touched by Waters. This album led to the band’s only Number One single release: "Another Brick in the Wall."
The album soon led to a 1980 release of the movie The Wall. The movie contained the music from the album, and critics varied widely in their opinions. Despite criticism, the part-animated movie became a top seller.
Tension in the 1980s led to Wright’s leaving the band. In 1983, the remaining members released the final cut. After this release, Roger Waters also left the band. This led to solo projects by Waters and Gilmour. In 1986 Gilmour convinced Wright to re-join the band and 1987 marked the release of a momentary lapse of reason in which Gilmour was the lead singer and became the base of Pink Floyd. A new tour with several new members, along with the old, increased Roger Waters’ irritation with the band. Waters took the band to court for using his idea and name for concerts and albums (the courts sided with Gilmour).
Since then, a movie and a live album — Pulse — have been release, along with a top-selling return of recording with the album The Division Bell. Rumor has it that Gilmour and Waters have settled their differences also.
By the 1990s, Pink Floyd had created music that people related to, loved and worshiped. Pink Floyd released music that combined psychedelicism, orchestral, guitar, effects, creative ideas, and an influential style that will continue into the future. Pink Floyd’s story has proven to be one of history and rock and roll, and with or without more releases, they are a band that will shine on.