Pink Floyd Story
Where it all started. Syd Barrett’s sad demise and replacement by Dave Gilmore. Darkside of the Moon, Wish You Were Here, The Wall, it’s all here – Pink Floyd story.
Derek Shelmerdine, author of Rock’n’Roll Unravelled
is one of the guests on Tony Higginson’s Book Club.
Live on Facebook and Zoom
Facebook – Beyond Books Media Ltd
…7.30 to 10.30 pm (UK) Monday 18 April
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Pink Floyd Story
Pink Floyd Story
Roger Waters, Nick Mason and Rick Wright formed a band after meeting at college. They were all architectural students at Regent Street Polytechnic. The band’s name changed constantly. During this time they even went by the name of the Architectural Abdabs. As a result, drummer Nick Mason said that the band had more names than Gigs.
Syd Barrett joined around the time of the band performing as the Tea Set. As a result of his love of the blues, the band name became Pink Floyd. The name was derived from two Piedmont bluesmen, Pink Anderson and Floyd Council.
Pink Floyd started out as a blues, R&B covers band. In 1966 the times were a-changing and consequently, the band developed an underground style. In addition to the music, the stage show included special lighting and silent movies and images were projected in the background behind the band.
The first single, Arnold Laine, and debut album, Piper At the Gates of Dawn, were released in 1967. Syd Barrett emerged as the band’s leader. During that time he wrote most of the songs and Pink Floyd became one of the pioneers of British psychedelia. Unfortunately, the heavy use of LSD took its toll on Syd Barrett’s health. As a result, guitarist and singer David Gilmore replaced him in the Spring of 1968.
International fame arrived
The band found international fame following the release of the album Dark Side of the Moon in 1973. After that Pink Floyd played in stadiums around the world. More classic albums followed with Wish You Were Here and Animals.
By the time The Wall was released in 1979, the band was falling apart. Rick Wright was sacked and consequently toured The Wall on the payroll.
One more album followed in 1983. Pink Floyd did not take that album, The Final Cut, on tour. The inevitable split came shortly afterwards.
Litigation, and solo projects followed. After that, Roger Waters embarked on a solo career, In contrast, David Gilmour, Nick Mason and Rick Wright raised Pink Floyd, phoenix-like from the ashes. They released the album A Momentary Lapse of Reason as “Pink Floyd”.
The four musicians famously re-united for a guest appearance at the G8 Festival. After that, Roger Waters returned to his solo career. With the subsequent deaths of Syd Barrett and Rick Wright, it is certainly the end of an era…
Derek Shelmerdine presents the outline of the story, with Tony and his other guests adding their own comments and memories. In addition, there is live music, poetry readings and some very lively conversation.
Tony Higginson’s Beyond Books Book Club
Every week Tony Higginson hosts his Beyond Books Book Club. It goes out live on Zoom and Facebook at 7.30 to 10.30 pm (UK) on Monday Evenings.
If you are watching the show live on Facebook you can certainly join in the conversation.
Author of Rock’n’Roll Unravelled, Derek Shelmerdine is a regular monthly guest on the Beyond Books Book Club.
The Book Club has a regular panel of writers, poets, musicians and book-lovers in general. Consequently, the discussion is wide ranging with readings, poetry recitals and live performances from the musicians.
Pink Floyd Story – Beyond Books Book Club
Recorded live on Facebook and Zoom on 18 April 2022.
