Pink Floyd

Saucerful of secrets2

Pink Floyd is a British rock band formed in London in 1965. Gaining a following as a psychedelic rock band, they were distinguished for their extended compositions, sonic experimentation, philosophical lyrics, and elaborate live shows. They became a leading band of the progressive rock genre, credited with many innovations in music.

History

Formation and Early Years

Pink Floyd was founded by Syd Barrett (guitar, lead vocals), Nick Mason (drums), Roger Waters (bass, vocals), and Richard Wright (keyboards, vocals). Barrett led the band to commercial success, but his mental health deteriorated, and he was replaced by David Gilmour (guitar, vocals) in 1968.

The Golden Era

Under Waters' leadership in the 1970s, Pink Floyd released several concept albums, including The Dark Side of the Moon (1973), Wish You Were Here (1975), Animals (1977), and The Wall (1979), which are among the best-selling and most critically acclaimed records in music history. The Dark Side of the Moon and The Wall are ranked among the greatest albums of all time.

Later Years and Reunions

Waters left the band in 1985, but the remaining members continued to record and tour. Pink Floyd's last studio album, The Endless River (2014), was based on unreleased material from the 1990s. The band has reunited for several one-off performances, most notably at Live 8 in 2005.

Musical Style and Legacy

Pink Floyd is known for its philosophical lyrics, sonic experimentation, innovative album cover art, and elaborate live shows. The band is considered a pioneer of progressive rock and psychedelic rock, influencing a wide range of music genres. Pink Floyd's work is marked by the use of philosophical lyrics, experimentation with sound, and elaborate live shows, making them one of the most commercially successful and musically influential groups in the history of popular music.

Band Members

• Syd Barrett – guitar, lead vocals (1965–1968)
• Roger Waters – bass, vocals, narrative voice (1965–1985)
• Richard Wright – keyboards, vocals (1965–1979, 1987–2008)
• Nick Mason – drums (1965–present)
• David Gilmour – guitar, vocals (1968–present)

Discography

Key albums include:

• The Piper at the Gates of Dawn (1967)
• A Saucerful of Secrets (1968)
• The Dark Side of the Moon (1973)
• Wish You Were Here (1975)
• Animals (1977)
• The Wall (1979)
• The Final Cut (1983)
• A Momentary Lapse of Reason (1987)
• The Division Bell (1994)
• The Endless River (2014)

Impact and Recognition

Pink Floyd has sold more than 250 million records worldwide, making them one of the best-selling music artists of all time. They have been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the UK Music Hall of Fame. Their influence can be seen across multiple genres and generations of musicians.