Pink Floyd: Masters of Progressive and Psychedelic Rock

Pink Floyd: Masters of Progressive and Psychedelic Rock

Enjoy this short read about Pink Floyd while you let yourself be enveloped by the sound of their songs in the albums we share below.

What is the History of Pink Floyd?

The British progressive rock group emerged in 1965, fronted by four students: Syd Barrett, Nick Mason, Roger Waters and Richard Wright . Pink Floyd became one of the most iconic bands of 20th-century music, pioneering two major musical movements: psychedelic space rock and blues-based progressive rock . Known for their sharp political, social and emotional commentary, Pink Floyd left a profound mark on later generations.

Pink Floyd Inspiration and Legacy

Not only did they inspire many bands, but they also influenced society on a political and economic level. They were the inspiration for the film The Wall , directed by Alan Parker and Gerald Scarfe, considered a masterpiece of cinema.

Iconic Albums: Dark Side of the Moon and The Wall

With Dark Side of the Moon and The Wall , Pink Floyd created two of the most ambitious and popular albums in rock history. Both albums are renowned not only for their music but also for their iconic covers. The cover for Dark Side of the Moon (1973), designed by Storm Thorgerson , shows a luminous prism on a black background, loaded with symbolism and visual power.

What Does The Dark Side of the Moon Symbol Mean?

More than just a representation of a prism, Storm Thorgerson 's design symbolizes the light effects seen at the band's concerts. The pyramid crossed by the prism represents madness and excessive ambition. This album has sold more than 24.4 million copies .

The Influence of Syd Barrett and the Direction of the Band

On March 23, 2022, it was 49 years since the release of Dark Side of the Moon in the UK. From the beginning, Pink Floyd faced the mental health problems of its singer, Syd Barrett , who struggled with addictions and disorders such as bipolarity and schizophrenia. Eventually, the band continued its path with David Gilmour .

The Wall : An Iconic Album and Film

In 1982, on July 15, the film The Wall , based on Pink Floyd's landmark album, was released in the UK. Although eagerly received by fans, the band considered it "embarrassing and amateurish." However, this album represents the pinnacle of the group's creativity, amalgamating their signature psychedelic sound into a unique, conceptual album.

Why Did Pink Floyd Break Up?

The band claimed that a lack of ideas and general exhaustion played a role in their split. In addition, the relationship between the members deteriorated due to the prominence of Waters , who announced the dissolution of the group. This decision was rejected by Gilmour and Mason , which led to a legal conflict over the rights to the Pink Floyd "trademark".

Once the legal problems were over, the band moved on and in 2014 released The Endless River , a relaxing and psychedelic album ideal for meditation.

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