Listen to Dark Side of the Moon 50th Anniversary Edition for Free

The wait is finally over because Pink Floyd’s mammoth and very expensive Dark Side of the Moon deluxe box set it out today. Luckily, there are also separates available which fans might want to top up their collection with, and you can also listen to the new remastered album for free below from 5pm GMT onwards today.

Check Amazon.co.uk and Amazon.com for latest pricing as it might “come down” soon!

My Unboxing video and unboxing photos

2023-03-24 Dark Side of the Moon 50th Anniversary Unboxing

Pink Floyd’s groundbreaking album, The Dark Side Of The Moon, celebrates its 50th anniversary with a deluxe box set that pays tribute to its enduring legacy. Originally released in March 1973, this revolutionary album was developed during live performances and recorded at the legendary EMI Studios (now Abbey Road Studios) in London. The iconic album cover, featuring a prism spectrum, was designed by Storm Thorgerson of Hipgnosis and illustrated by George Hardie.

The 50th-anniversary edition box set is a treasure trove for fans, including the newly remastered studio album on CD and gatefold vinyl, Blu-Ray, and DVD audio featuring the original 5.1 mix and remastered stereo versions. Additionally, there is a new Atmos mix on Blu-ray and a CD and LP of a live recording from Wembley Empire Pool, London, in 1974.

The comprehensive collection contains numerous extras, such as a 160-page Thames & Hudson hardcover book with rare black and white photographs from the 1973-1974 UK and USA tours, a 76-page music book with the complete songbook of the original album, and replicas of two 7″ singles: Money/Any Colour You Like and Us and Them/Time. Furthermore, fans will find a replica pamphlet and invitation to the preview of The Dark Side Of The Moon at the London Planetarium on February 27th, 1973.

With over 50 million copies sold worldwide, The Dark Side Of The Moon continues to captivate listeners and remains one of the most iconic and influential albums in music history. This deluxe box set is the perfect way to celebrate its remarkable 50-year journey.

50th Anniversary Goodies

Whilst the box set might not be affordable for most people (although the price has dropped significantly check Amazon.co.uk and Amazon.com for latest pricing), lots of the contents are available as separates. I am still undecided whether I will take the plunge and get the box set but will certainly at least have the Live at Wembley Vinyl and the official book full of amazing photos by the likes of Storm Thorgerson, Jill Furmanovsky, Aubrey Powell. Reasonably priced too I think.

So make sure you check out the deep dive on the Box Set – take a look at the contents – otherwise take a look at these two gems below.

Pink Floyd Live at Wembley 1974 (Vinyl or CD)

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180G Heavyweight 1LP in gatefold sleeve, with two posters featuring designs by Ian Emes and Gerald Scarfe. Cover design by Aubrey Powell/Hipgnosis and Peter Curzon/Storm Studios. Featuring original 1973-line drawn cover artwork by George Hardie.

On 24th March, the CD and first ever vinyl issue of Pink Floyd’s ‘The Dark Side Of The Moon – Live At Wembley Empire Pool, London, 1974’ will be released independently. It was originally recorded in November 1974 as part of the band’s winter tour and this is the first time it will be available as a stand-alone album, with artwork featuring an original 1973 line-drawn cover by George Hardie.

Dark Side of the Moon Official Photo Book

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March 2023 marks fifty years since the release of Pink Floyd’s classic album The Dark Side Of The Moon. Designed by Pentagram to high specifications, this celebratory publication brims with rare and unseen photographs and reveals the visual conception of the original iconic album artwork. It will be a covetable package for the legions of Floyd fans out there – new and old.

• Presents rare and unseen backstage and onstage photography of the band during the album tours of 1972 to 1975.
• 129 candid photographs by Storm Thorgerson, Jill Furmanovsky, Aubrey Powell and Peter Christopherson document the soundchecks, the shows and the after shows.
• A review of the October 1972 Wembley gig, originally published in Melody Maker, provides insight into one of the Floyd’s most celebrated performances.
• Reveals the visual conception of the iconic album artwork.
• Includes a complete listing of the tour dates.

Dark Side Promo in New York and Leicester Square, London

Original Dark Side of the Moon Tour

The Dark Side of the Moon Tour, also known as the “British Winter Tour” and the “North American Tour,” was a series of concert performances by the English rock band Pink Floyd in support of their eighth studio album, The Dark Side of the Moon. The tour took place between 1972 and 1973, spanning two continents – Europe and North America.

The tour marked a significant milestone in Pink Floyd’s career, as it showcased their new, ambitious concept album that would go on to become one of the best-selling and most critically acclaimed records of all time. The tour not only helped to solidify Pink Floyd’s status as a major progressive rock act but also demonstrated their innovative approach to live performances.

The Dark Side of the Moon Tour featured elaborate stage setups, which included advanced sound systems, innovative lighting designs, and striking visual elements such as rear-projection screens and psychedelic imagery. These elements helped create an immersive audio-visual experience for concert-goers, setting a new standard for rock concerts.

One of the most memorable aspects of the tour was the use of the iconic circular screen, which displayed specially created films and animations synchronized with the music. Some of these visuals were designed by artist Gerald Scarfe, who also collaborated with the band on their 1979 album, The Wall.

The setlist for the tour mainly focused on tracks from The Dark Side of the Moon, with the band often playing the entire album in sequence. However, they also performed songs from their earlier albums, such as Meddle and Atom Heart Mother. The live performances of The Dark Side of the Moon allowed the band to refine the material before

What is Dark Side of the Moon album about?

The Dark Side of the Moon is a concept album that explores various themes and ideas related to the human experience, such as mental health, greed, time, and death. This exploration is woven together through a series of interconnected songs that form a cohesive narrative, making it one of the most successful and enduring concept albums in music history.

The themes and concepts explored in the album were inspired by the band members’ own experiences and observations, as well as broader societal issues. Some of the notable themes include:

1. Time: The song “Time” examines the passage of time and the realization that life is finite. The ticking clocks and chimes in the introduction create a sense of urgency, emphasizing the importance of making the most of one’s time on Earth.
2. Greed and consumerism: “Money” satirizes society’s obsession with wealth and materialism, using the sound of cash registers and coins as part of the song’s rhythm.
3. Mental health: “Brain Damage” and “Eclipse” touch on themes of mental illness, inspired in part by the band’s former frontman, Syd Barrett, who struggled with mental health issues. These songs explore the fragility of the human mind and the thin line between sanity and madness.
4. Mortality and the human experience: The album as a whole delves into various aspects of life and death, from the fleeting nature of existence to the search for meaning and purpose.

The concept album as a format had already been explored by various artists before Pink Floyd’s The Dark Side of the Moon. However, the band took

the concept album format to new heights with their ambitious and cohesive narrative. The Dark Side of the Moon became a benchmark for other artists who sought to create albums with a unifying theme or story.

Prior to Pink Floyd’s masterpiece, there were notable concept albums like The Beatles’ Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band (1967) and The Who’s Tommy (1969), which helped to pave the way for more complex and thematic works in rock music. These albums demonstrated that music could be more than just a collection of individual songs, but instead, a unified work of art with a central theme or narrative.

The Dark Side of the Moon’s success not only solidified Pink Floyd’s place in rock history but also inspired a new wave of concept albums in various genres. The success of this album proved that audiences were receptive to thought-provoking and immersive musical experiences that went beyond the traditional song format.

Some notable concept albums that followed in the wake of The Dark Side of the Moon include Genesis’ The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway (1974), David Bowie’s The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars (1972), and Pink Floyd’s own subsequent albums, such as Wish You Were Here (1975) and The Wall (1979).

In conclusion, The Dark Side of the Moon not only explored deep and meaningful themes through its interconnected songs but also helped to popularise the concept album format. Its impact can still be felt today.

Visuals of Dark Side of the Moon

Some of the visuals used during Pink Floyd’s The Dark Side of the Moon Tour were designed by British artist and illustrator Gerald Scarfe. His distinctive style and striking imagery added a unique visual element to the band’s live performances, enhancing the overall experience for the audience.

Scarfe’s collaboration with Pink Floyd continued beyond The Dark Side of the Moon. He played a significant role in the creation of their 1979 concept album, The Wall. Scarfe designed the iconic album cover, which features the image of a white brick wall, as well as the accompanying visuals and animations used during the live performances of The Wall.

In addition to the album cover, Scarfe’s artwork and illustrations were an integral part of the overall narrative and concept of The Wall. His illustrations depicted various characters and scenes that tied into the album’s themes, such as the schoolteacher, the mother, and the protagonist, Pink. These visuals were used in the live shows, the promotional materials, and the 1982 film adaptation of The Wall, directed by Alan Parker.

Gerald Scarfe’s artistic contributions to both The Dark Side of the Moon and The Wall helped to establish a strong visual identity for Pink Floyd and played a crucial role in the band’s groundbreaking live performances and concept albums.