The Complete History of Pink Floyd

Formation and Early Years (1965-1968)

Founding Members:

• Syd Barrett (Vocals, Guitar): Born Roger Keith Barrett on January 6, 1946, in Cambridge, England, Syd Barrett was the original creative force behind Pink Floyd. Barrett studied at the Camberwell College of Arts in London and was heavily influenced by the emerging psychedelic scene of the 1960s. His eccentric and imaginative songwriting became a defining feature of the band’s early sound.

• Nick Mason (Drums): Nicholas Berkeley Mason was born on January 27, 1944, in Birmingham, England, and grew up in London. He studied architecture at Regent Street Polytechnic, where he met the other members of Pink Floyd. Mason's drumming was the backbone of the band, and he remained the only member to play on every Pink Floyd album.

• Roger Waters (Bass Guitar, Vocals): George Roger Waters was born on September 6, 1943, in Surrey, England. Like Mason, Waters studied architecture at Regent Street Polytechnic. Initially, Waters played guitar before switching to bass. He became one of the primary songwriters for Pink Floyd, especially after Barrett's departure.

• Richard Wright (Keyboards, Vocals): Richard William Wright was born on July 28, 1943, in London, England. Wright was also a student at Regent Street Polytechnic, where he studied architecture. He later studied music at the London College of Music. Wright's keyboard work was integral to the band's atmospheric sound.

• Bob Klose (Guitar): Though not as well-known as the other members, Bob Klose was a crucial early member of Pink Floyd. Born in 1945, Klose was a student of architecture and photography. He played guitar with the band during its early days but left before their recording career took off due to a preference for jazz and dissatisfaction with the band's direction.

Early Music:

• "The Piper at the Gates of Dawn" (1967): Pink Floyd’s debut album, primarily written by Syd Barrett, is a quintessential piece of the psychedelic rock era. The album includes tracks like "Astronomy Domine," "Lucifer Sam," and "Interstellar Overdrive." The album’s surreal lyrics and experimental soundscapes reflected Barrett’s unique artistic vision.

Syd Barrett’s Departure: Syd Barrett’s mental health began to decline due to heavy use of LSD and his underlying psychological issues. His behavior became increasingly erratic, and he struggled to perform live. The band eventually decided to replace him in 1968 with David Gilmour, who had been brought in initially to support Barrett on stage. Barrett left the band entirely and retreated from the public eye, later releasing two solo albums before withdrawing from music altogether. He lived a reclusive life in Cambridge until his death on July 7, 2006.

The Rise of Pink Floyd (1968-1972)

David Gilmour (Guitar, Vocals): Born David Jon Gilmour on March 6, 1946, in Cambridge, England, Gilmour was a childhood friend of Syd Barrett. He joined Pink Floyd in 1968 and quickly became an essential member, contributing significantly to the band’s evolving sound. Gilmour's soulful guitar playing and vocal abilities helped Pink Floyd transition from Barrett’s psychedelic pop to a more expansive, progressive rock style.

Key Albums and Songs:

• "A Saucerful of Secrets" (1968): The band’s second album, and the first to feature Gilmour, represents a shift towards a more experimental sound. Notable tracks include "Set the Controls for the Heart of the Sun" and the title track, "A Saucerful of Secrets," a sprawling instrumental that became a live staple.

• "Ummagumma" (1969): A double album featuring both live recordings and solo compositions by each band member. It highlights the band’s growing interest in experimental music, though it remains one of their more divisive works.

• "Atom Heart Mother" (1970): This album marked a significant step forward in the band’s development, with the title track being an ambitious, multi-part suite featuring a full orchestra and choir. Other notable songs include "If" and "Fat Old Sun."

• "Meddle" (1971): "Meddle" is often considered the album where Pink Floyd truly found their voice. The epic track "Echoes," which occupies the entire second side of the album, is a 23-minute masterpiece that foreshadows the band’s future work.

Breakthrough with "The Dark Side of the Moon" (1973):

• "The Dark Side of the Moon" is one of the most iconic albums in rock history. Released in 1973, it was a commercial and critical success, staying on the Billboard 200 chart for 741 weeks (over 14 years). The album features classic tracks like "Money," "Time," "Us and Them," and "The Great Gig in the Sky." The album’s themes explore mental illness, mortality, greed, and the pressures of modern life, resonating deeply with listeners worldwide. Alan Parsons, who was the engineer for the album, played a crucial role in shaping its sound.

The Conceptual Masterpieces (1973-1979)

"Wish You Were Here" (1975):

• After the success of The Dark Side of the Moon, Pink Floyd followed up with Wish You Were Here, a tribute to Syd Barrett and a critique of the music industry. The album features the nine-part epic "Shine On You Crazy Diamond," the poignant title track "Wish You Were Here," and the satirical "Have a Cigar." The album was another commercial success and is often ranked among the greatest albums of all time.

"Animals" (1977):

• Animals marked a darker turn for Pink Floyd, with a concept loosely based on George Orwell’s Animal Farm. The album’s three main tracks—"Dogs," "Pigs (Three Different Ones)," and "Sheep"—are extended pieces that critique different segments of society. Waters’ influence was growing, as he wrote almost all of the material on the album.

"The Wall" (1979):

• The Wall is perhaps Pink Floyd’s most ambitious project, a rock opera that tells the story of Pink, a character who isolates himself from the world after a series of traumatic experiences. The double album includes iconic tracks like "Another Brick in the Wall, Part 2," "Comfortably Numb," and "Hey You." The album was adapted into a feature film directed by Alan Parker and became a massive cultural phenomenon. The Wall remains one of the best-selling albums of all time, with over 30 million copies sold worldwide.

The Departure of Roger Waters and the Post-Waters Era (1980-1994)

Roger Waters’ Departure:

• Tensions within the band reached a breaking point during the production of The Wall and the subsequent album The Final Cut (1983). Waters, who had taken control of the band’s creative direction, clashed with the other members, particularly David Gilmour. After the release of The Final Cut, which was essentially a Waters solo project, Waters left the band in 1985, believing that Pink Floyd could not continue without him. A legal battle ensued over the rights to the band’s name, which was eventually won by Gilmour and Mason.

David Gilmour Leads Pink Floyd:

• "A Momentary Lapse of Reason" (1987): Pink Floyd’s first album without Roger Waters, A Momentary Lapse of Reason, was a commercial success, featuring tracks like "Learning to Fly" and "On the Turning Away." While critics were divided, the album was supported by a highly successful world tour.

• "The Division Bell" (1994): This album saw the band returning to a more collaborative approach, with Gilmour and Wright both contributing to the songwriting. Tracks like "High Hopes" and "Keep Talking" were well-received, and the accompanying tour was one of the highest-grossing of the decade.

Reunions, Legacy, and the Final Years

Live 8 Reunion (2005):

• In 2005, the classic lineup of Waters, Gilmour, Mason, and Wright reunited for a one-off performance at the Live 8 concert in London. The performance was a historic moment for fans and the band alike, as it marked the first time they had played together in over two decades.

Richard Wright’s Death (2008):

• Richard Wright passed away from cancer on September 15, 2008, at the age of 65. His death marked the end of any potential full-scale Pink Floyd reunion, as Wright was considered an integral part of the band’s sound.

"The Endless River" (2014):

• In 2014, Pink Floyd released The Endless River, an album primarily consisting of ambient and instrumental music recorded during the sessions for The Division Bell. It was intended as a tribute to Richard Wright and was promoted as Pink Floyd’s final album.

Where Are They Now?

• David Gilmour: After the release of The Endless River, Gilmour continued his solo career, releasing the album Rattle That Lock in 2015. He remains active in the music industry, occasionally performing live and working on various projects.

• Roger Waters: Waters has maintained a successful solo career, known for his elaborate live shows that often feature Pink Floyd material. He released the solo album Is This the Life We Really Want? in 2017 and continues to tour globally.

• Nick Mason: Mason has been active with his project Nick Mason’s Saucerful of Secrets, a band dedicated to performing early Pink Floyd material. He continues to tour and celebrate the legacy of Pink Floyd.

Awards, Album Sales, and Legacy

Awards and Recognition:

• Pink Floyd has won numerous awards, including Grammy Awards and Brit Awards, and has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Their contributions to music have been recognized by various institutions and publications, with The Dark Side of the Moon and The Wall frequently cited as among the greatest albums of all time.

Album Sales:

• Pink Floyd has sold over 250 million albums worldwide, making them one of the best-selling music artists of all time. The Dark Side of the Moon alone has sold over 45 million copies.

Legacy:

• Pink Floyd’s influence extends far beyond their commercial success. They are credited with pioneering progressive rock and concept albums, inspiring countless musicians and bands across various genres. Their live performances, characterized by elaborate stage designs and groundbreaking use of visuals, set new standards for concerts. Pink Floyd’s music continues to resonate with audiences of all ages, ensuring their legacy as one of the most important and innovative bands in rock history.

Their work not only redefined the possibilities of rock music but also addressed themes that remain relevant today, from mental health and human alienation to political and social commentary. Pink Floyd's impact on music and culture is immeasurable, and their albums remain staples in the collections of music lovers around the world.