Pink Floyd: Behind the Wall by Hugh Fielder

A collector's book about Pink Floyd, one of the most influential bands in the world who created the wonderful Dark Side of the Moon (celebrating fifty years anniversary in 2023) and The Wall. Everyone knows a Pink Floyd song, whether they realise it or not.

​Famous for original stage shows that included lights, film and unusual sonic sounds, Floyd wrote concept albums full of philosophical ideas and social commentary. Songs are often extended and can last more than twenty minutes in length and have dark themes such as death, war, loneliness, communication and mental illness. Evocative, haunting, intelligent and brilliant, Pink Floyd shows are an elaborate and moving experience.

The band began in 1965 where three of the member (Roger Waters, Nick Mason and Richard Wright) met at the London Polytechnic in Regent Street, London. Joined by Waters' friend, Syd Barrett they formed a band in the era of psychedelic rock and developed into a powerful creative force. This book follows the development from the members' childhood through to the present day. It includes the tours, recordings and thoughts of the band members with colour pictures throughout, including posters, photographs and artwork. The best part is, of course, how Pink Floyd songs were created but the divisions and clash of personalities makes the story a little more spicy. The book concludes with an attempt to explain the popularity of Dark Side of the Moon, the most successful concept album ever made being in the Billboard album chart for nearly fifteen years.

This is definitely a fans' book with the information, facts and figures readily available elsewhere. Similarly, the quotes from the band members are taken from magazine interviews and other publications. Added to this is an extensive discography to complete the collation.

A version of this book came out in 2013, but the band has continued to release more albums, both as individual musicians and new compilations or live recordings. So this book is as up to date as it can be. Informative, comprehensive and colourful, recommended for Floyd fans or those interested in music and the legacy  they left to England. 

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Published by Chartwell Books on 24 October 2023. First Published in 2013 by Race Point Publishing.
Advance review copy supplied by the publisher.

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