One of the founding fathers of the psychedelic movement, Pink Floyd didnât stop there â they stretched the boundaries of composition and sonic experimentation, becoming the worldâs greatest progressive rock band of all time.Â
In their early days, the group became the resident band at the Countdown Club in London, where they played three sets of 90 minutes every night. Having the need to fill their sets, and with a yet short musical catalogue, they realised songs could be extended with lengthy solos â and then and there, one of Pink Floydâs trademarks was born.
The band's curious name is a nod to two American blues musicians, Pink Anderson and Floyd Council, showcasing their eclectic taste and appreciation for diverse musical influences. In fact, musicianship and all around sonic nerdiness were a major bonding element between founding members Syd Barret, Nick Mason, Roger Waters and Richard Wright (in 1967, the band became a 5-piece, with the addition of guitarist David Gilmour).
Many credit enigmatic founder and original front man, Syd Barrett, for the Floydâs sound, whose whimsical lyrics and unconventional guitar playing helped set the band apart. Unfortunately, Barretâs deteriorating mental health pushed him farther and farther away from the band, and by â68, Gilmour and Waters became singer/guitarist and songwriter, respectively.
A pivotal moment in Pink Floyd's history was 1973âs "The Dark Side of the Moon," a groundbreaking concept album that explored themes of life, death, and everything in between. The album's innovative use of studio effects and seamless transitions between tracks became a hallmark of the band's sound.
Right after the release of âThe Final Cutâ, Roger Waters left the band due to (drum roll, please) âcreative differencesâ. The truth is Waters wanted Pink Floyd to continue the path carved in âThe Wallâ, and the rest of the band, especially Gilmour, believed they should, well, see other people â in this case, different sonic landscapes.
In 1994, the band released âThe Division Bellâ, a reflection on communication, or lack thereof, in a modern age. The groupâs 14th studio album, and second without Waters, captures a moment when the band found common ground and created an enduring work that resonates with fans to this day.