Pink Floyd Biography

Pink Floyd formed in 1965 in London, England. They were lead by Syd Barrett, who wrote and sang most of their material. The rest consisted of Roger Waters (bass), Rick Wright (keyboards), and Nick Mason (drums). The name Pink Floyd was a combination of the first names of two blues singers (Pink Anderson and Floyd Council). At first, Pink Floyd played covers of rock and R&B songs like many other new bands of the time. But they began experimenting with their sound, and became known in London for improvised psychedelic jams, and accompanying light shows. Syd Barrett wrote songs that fused psychedelic arrangements with pop melodies. Pink Floyd signed a recording contract with EMI in early 1967, and released two British top-20 singles, "Arnold Layne," and "See Emily Play". They also released an album, The Piper at the Gates of Dawn their first and only with Syd Barrett. Barrett was forced out of the group because of drug problems and erratic behavior. David Gilmour replaced him on guitar and vocals. Roger Waters took over as Pink Floyd's primary songwriter, although the others contributed songs as well, and he also shared vocal responsibilities with Gilmour.

Pink Floyd released a string of experimental rock albums over the next six years and in 1973 released an album that was to become one of the most successful in rock history, Dark Side of the Moon. The album presented a more accessible version of Pink Floyd, with tighter songs and more polished production, but still characterized by the adventurous music which set them apart from other bands. Pink Floyd continued to have success with Wish You Were Here and Animals, and in 1979 released The Wall. The Wall was another huge success, nearly as big as Dark Side of the Moon. Internal conflicts between Waters and Wright forced Wright out of the band in 1979. Waters and Gilmour also clashed about songwriting credit on The Wall. They did release one more album however, The Final Cut in 1983, but broke up shortly after.

Surprisingly, in 1986 Pink Floyd reunited, but without it's previous leader, Roger Waters. Waters attempted to stop the group from using the Pink Floyd name, but was unsuccessful. The resulting album, A Momentary Lapse of Reason was another huge success for the band in 1987. A tour ensued, as well as a live album. The Waterless Pink Floyd again released another hit album in 1994, The Division Bell, along with another tour and live album.

Albums