What is Pink Floyd known for? More than drugs, as David Gilmour hinted in a “Live at Pompeii” interview: “I still think that most people think of us as a very drug orientated band. Of course we’re not. You can trust us.” Pink Floyd had a profound influence to many through their stage shows, concept albums and album artwork.

In January 1966, Syd Barrett, Rogers Waters, Rick Wright and Nick Mason played their first gig for five hours at the Countdown Club in London as Pink Floyd. They played a mixture of R&B covers and Syd Barrett improvisation songs until October; when they found managers Peter Jenner and Andrew King. In November 1966, they record their demos of four songs, including “Interstellar Overdrive”.

During winter 1967, they record several songs, including “Arnold Layne” and Nick’s Boogie” and are signed with EMI records in March. The band holds a concert called “Games For May” at Queen Elizabeth Hall on May 12, 1967, which was the Hall’s first pop show; back speakers were installed, a big light show, much acid dropped, and daffodils and bubbles filled the air. “See Emily Play” is released and their first “Top of the Pops” appearance is June 24, where Syd is in velvet and satin; one week later, on another “Top of the Pops” show, Syd is wearing the same crumpled outfit. August 1967 has “Piper at the Gates of Dawn” released and Syd disappears, which causes the German tour to be canceled. Fall 1967, the band’s first tour of the US, included playing the Fillmore and their “American Bandstand” performance, which featured Syd closed mouth for camera close-ups on “See Emily Play”.

Since Syd’s behavior became more erratic, the band asks Syd’s childhood friend David Gilmore to play guitar in January 1968. By April, Syd has left the band and the band’s direction changes under the songwriting of Roger Waters. The album “A Saucerful of Secrets” is released in June and “Careful With That Axe, Eugene” is recorded November 1968.

The early 1970s kept Pink Floyd busy with many albums (including “Atom Heart Mother”, “Relics” and “Meddle”) and world-wide touring, including eight days of filming of “Live at Pompeii” in March 1972. March 1973 sees the release of “Dark Side of the Moon”, which hit number 1 on US Billboard charts. July 1975 the band premieres “Wish You Were Here” at Knebworth Festival with amazing pyrotechnics and an exploding plane onstage; the album is released in September as a mysterious black LP. “Animals” is released in 1977.

In July 1978, the band meets to decide the next album concept and listened to two Waters demos; two days later, David likes the premise of Roger’s demo of “Bricks in the Wall”. “The Wall” is recorded in LA and Paris in early to mid 1979, and is released in November, with a tour starting in February 1980. The Movie was released July 1982, directed by Alan Parker, screenplay by Waters and featuring Bob Geldof as Pink.
The stress of success appeared. Richard Wright was taken out of the Pink Floyd partnership in October 1979. In March 1983, “The Final Cut” is released. Soon after, Waters starts a solo tour, with Eric Clapton as guitarist. At the Live Aid concert in July 1985, Gilmour plays as a part of Bryan Ferry’s band. Water’s “Radio Chaos” is released June 1987 and Pink Floyd’s “Momentary Lapse of Reason” is released September 1987. Pink Floyd and Roger Waters become embroiled in a law suit over the use of the band’s name. This becomes resolved out of court in December 1987, with an agreement that gives Waters royalty rights when Pink Floyd uses any images made during the time he was part of the band.

From 1987 to 1996, Pink Floyd moved forward with David Gilmore, Nick Mason and later, Richard Wright, with a few albums (such as “The Division Bell”), and tours. In July 1990, Roger Waters performed “The Wall” live with various guests (including Thomas Dolby and Sinead O’Connor) in Berlin, Germany, which released later as a video. In December 1995, Pink Floyd (without Waters and Barrett) was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame by Billy Corgan. The last time Pink Floyd appeared on stage together is the Live 8 concert in Hyde Park on July 2, 2005, where Roger Waters played with the band 5 songs, including “Money” and “Wish You Were Here”.

Pink Floyd the band founded by Syd Barret and later dominated by Roger Waters and David Gilmore created a sound that has never been duplicated by any other band.  They were truly a unique phenomenon to come out of England in the late 1960's and early 1970's.  The body of work is widely considered to be a revolutionary force in the chronicles of rock history.  Rarely did Pink Floyd ever release a recording that did not have some underlying theme throughout the entire piece.  This unique ability quickly helped Pink Floyd build a cult like following from their loyal listeners.  Unfortunately the creative genius of Waters and Gilmore eventually created massive conflict and the band broke up.  Fortunately for all of us their legacy is captured on timeless masterpieces that will span many generations.  Many of the mega rock bands have had copycats over the years, but Pink Floyd continues to stand alone as creative force.

A match made in Heaven!  When Mobile Fidelity Sound Labs began creating their now famous Ultradisk, the gold MFSL cd, a marriage between Pink Floyd and MFSL seemed inevitable.  Over the course of 6 years (from 1988 - 1994), MFSL release four Pink Floyd recordings.

Dark Side of the Moon MFSL

Perhaps no other CD has held the test of time like the Dark Side of the Moon.  The MFSL version of this CD is one of the best audiophile gold cds in the entire MFSL collection.  The nuances of the recording make this a timeless treasure.  If you are truly a Pink Floyd fan, this is a must add to your cd collection.

The Wall MFSL

This double cd set has some of the timeless classics from Pink Floyd. Another Brick in the Wall became a rock anthem for a whole generation of kids. Perhaps the song that best describes the cd is comfortably numb. The song is a erie composition that conjures up many emotions. The overriding theme of the cd is one of self isolationism and reflective thought.