Biography
of Pink FloydBiography
of Pink Floyd
Electronics and special effects were what Pink Floyd became known for in Britain in the 1960s. This is what classified them as the premier space-rock band. It has been said that Pink Floyd's music is an array of classic rock, opera, and classical. The reflection of these very different categories is quite evident in its music and lyrics.
Pink Floyd began playing together in the 1960s. Syd Barrett is credited as the
band's leader. Syd, lead guitarist, is the writer and singer of most of Floyd's
early material. The band is composed of Robert Waters (bass), Rick Wright (keyboards),
and Nick Mason (drums).
Many people wonder where the named Pink Floyd actually came from. Many people
believed the name to be something deep, with great meaning and thought behind
it. In all actuality, the name is derived from two ancient bluesmen, Pink Anderson
and Floyd Council.
During its early career, Pink Floyd was not known for its special effects, deep
lyrics, and astral image. Pink Floyd was focused on the popular rock and R&B
material that was prevalent for that time.
Pink Floyd finally realized that it was time to tap into their suppressed creative
side and experiment more with electronics and lyrics. They began to use electronic
screeches, sound effects, loud amplification, reverb, and feedback incorporation.
In 1966, they began playing on stage underground and began to incorporate special
effects and lighting shows. It was at this time that Syd Barrett is credited
with composing the psychedelic lyrics and incorporating guitar and organ sound
effects.
In 1967, Pink Floyd landed a contract with EMI. Their debut single, "Arnold
Layne," made the Top 20. Their next single, "See Emily Play,"
made the Top Ten. Also in 1967, they released their debut album, The Piper at
the Gates of Dawn which is considered to have been as popular as Sgt. Pepper's
at that time. In Britain at this time, the Beatles were the most popular band
around. So to have been considered in the same league with them was an amazing
feat. This first debut album is far more light hearted and pop influenced that
any of their following albums.
During mid 1967, problems began to arise with Syd Barrett. He began to show
signs of mental instability, often times going catatonic on stage, not playing
the correct music, or merely staring off into space and playing nothing at all.
This created a huge problem for the band since they relied on Syd as the group
leader. He composed and choreographed most of the music and shows. The group
was becoming increasingly frustrated with Syd and opted to bring in a new member.
In 1968, a guitarist, Dave Gilmour was introduced into the band. The plan was
that Syd would continue to contribute lyrically and vision wise to the band,
and Dave would take over the stage role. Maybe this would have worked in the
ideal situation, but it failed miserably for Pink Floyd. After a few short months,
Barrett was relinquished from the group. Pink Floyd's management began to lose
faith in the band and turned to the band's lead guitarist, singer, and songwriter.
They then began to manage Syd as a solo act.
This would have proved detrimental to most groups, but ironically it only helped
Pink Floyd to flourish. A Saucerful of Secrets was their next album, which again
made the British Top Ten. Over the next few years, Pink Floyd continued to thrive
on incorporating rock along with the distinctive opera style. There were also
blues and pop influences that helped Pink Floyd maintain a wide fan base. Pink
Floyd began to flourish in the underground rock audience in both Europe and
North America.
Syd Barrett was almost an unknown member of the group amongst its fans by 1970.
The mental problems had overcome him. Pink Floyd was not prepared for the fame
and popularity they received in 1973 due to their hit album, Dark Side of the
Moon.
Dark Side of the Moon is responsible for making Pink Floyd famous in the United
States. The album topped the U.S. charts at number 1. It spent an unspeakable
741 weeks on the Billboard album chart. The lyrics were translated and the album
became renown worldwide, and remains so today. Pink Floyd's success grew with
Wish You Were Here, which was released in 1975, and The Wall, 1979. Pink Floyd's
fame was also due to their extravagant concerts and stage shows. The Wall's
tour became their most elaborate show; building an actual wall during the performance.
In 1980, things began to wind down. Waters had pretty much taken charge of the
lyrics and song writing. The band that was once famous for its lyrics and electronic
influence was now lacking exactly that. After releasing The Final Cut in 1983,
the band split up for a while. Pink Floyd then released Momentary Lapse of Reason
in 1987, without Waters.
In more recent years, Pink Floyd has released more albums that have proved they
still have a large fan base. The Division Bell and the Pulse were both released
in 1994. Water's attempted a solo career; his releases always remained luke
warm. Syd Barrett was as of 1996, struggling with a diabetic condition.
One thing that can be said about Pink Floyd is that they have made their mark
in music's history. No other band has been able to achieve the title of cosmic
psychedelic space rock band. They introduced electronics and the art of special
effects used to enhance music. More importantly, their lyrics touched many people,
deeper than most will ever be able to imagine.
