Home / Pink Floyd Timeline / Pink Floyd History 1971
Following on from the previous chapter, Covering Atom Heart Mother and Syd Barrett’s solo album Barrett and only solo concert, this chapter covers the compilation album Relics, recording and release of Meddle and Live at Pompeii. It also tantalisingly touches on the beginnings of Dark Side of the Moon too.
4th January 1971
Pink Floyd recording ideas for Meddle at Abbey Road Studios
Pink Floyd began a week-long recording session at Abbey Road studios between Monday 4th January to Monday 11th January. They were supported by engineers John Leckie and Peter Bown and recorded to 16 track tape. They were recording demos for their next album, Meddle.
For a few days the band experimented recording household objects to make unusual sounds, probably inspired by Ms Delia Derbyshire over at the BBC Radiophonic Workshop.
John Leckie told Tape Op, ” It was just little ideas that they put together. They were all called “Nothing”. “Nothing 1”, “Nothing 2”, I think the guys went up to “Nothing 26” or something. They came in a few weeks later and I think we had one or two songs. I don’t think we used much of the “Nothings”. There were one or two things, which might have been, called “Fearless”, “San Tropez”. But the main track, “Echoes”, was played all the way though. They’d obviously rehearsed it, and they found the piano-through-the-Leslie sound…”
“Nothing Part 14” became the epic Echoes. It can be heard on The Early Years Boxset 1971 REVERB/ERATION CD1.
Links – John Leckie interview with Tape Op,
January 1971
Stanley Kubrick’s request to use parts of Pink Floyd’s “Atom Heart Mother” in his film “A Clockwork Orange” rejected
The story of Stanley Kubrick’s request to use parts of Pink Floyd’s “Atom Heart Mother” in his film “A Clockwork Orange” dates back to 1971. Kubrick, known for his visionary filmmaking, reached out to Pink Floyd with the intention of incorporating their music into his adaptation of Anthony Burgess’s novel. However, the band declined his request. The reason for this refusal, as explained by Pink Floyd drummer Nick Mason in an interview with Uncut in 2018, was partly in response to Kubrick’s earlier decision not to involve the band in the soundtrack for his 1968 film “2001: A Space Odyssey”.
Mason mentioned that the band would have loved to contribute to “2001: A Space Odyssey” and felt that it was the sort of project they should be involved in. When Kubrick approached them for “A Clockwork Orange,” he wanted to use the music ‘how I want, when I want,’ which did not sit well with the band. They valued creative control over their work and were not willing to grant such open-ended permission. This incident highlights the mutual desire for artistic autonomy between the filmmaker and the band, and despite the potential for a powerful collaboration, it ultimately did not come to fruition.
Messages for Stanley – some overt some hidden
In an interview with Rockline in 1993, Waters revealed that he referenced Kubrick’s science-fiction epic “2001: A Space Odyssey” in the third track of his solo album ‘Amused to Death’, titled “Perfect Sense, Part I”. The song’s opening line, “The monkey sat on a pile of stones and stared at the broken bone in his hand”, is a nod to a scene from the movie.
This reference was also a subtle message to Kubrick himself. Waters had previously asked Kubrick for permission to use a snippet from “2001: A Space Odyssey” in his song, but Kubrick declined, citing concerns that it would set a precedent for others to use his work. Ironically, this interaction mirrored an earlier incident where Pink Floyd had denied Kubrick the use of their song “Atom Heart Mother” for his film “A Clockwork Orange”. The band’s refusal was partly because Kubrick had not involved them in the soundtrack for “2001: A Space Odyssey” when they had expressed interest.
On Roger Waters’ album “Amused to Death,” there is a hidden message that is a backward message directed at Stanley Kubrick. The message is found in the first part of the album on Perfect Sense pt 1 and when played in reverse, it says: “Julia, however, in the light and visions of the issues of Stanley, we changed our minds. We have decided to include a backward message. Stanley, for you, and for all the other book burners.”
Stanley use the LP cover in a scene in the film instead.
23 January 1971
Pink Floyd start UK University Tour in Leeds
Pink Floyd embarked on a memorable tour of the UK’s university circuit across the UK, performing at various university campuses. This tour was part of their Atom Heart Mother World Tour and included a setlist that featured an early version of “Echoes”, known then as “The Return Of The Son Of Nothing”, as well as other classics like “Set the Controls for the Heart of the Sun” and “Careful With That Axe, Eugene”.
The tour kicked off on January 23rd at The Refectory, University of Leeds, and included notable performances at the University of Lancaster on May 7th, where they captivated audiences with their experimental sound and elaborate live shows. This tour was significant as it saw the band in a phase of sonic exploration, laying the groundwork for their future masterpieces.
The Pink Floyd road crew for the tour included stage crew and technicians Chris Adamson, Seth Goldman, Bobby Richardson, Brian Scott, Alan Styles with Peter Watts as Tour Manager and doing the sound front of house FOH.
1971-01-23 : Leeds University, Leeds, England
1971-02-03 : University of Exeter, Exeter, England
1971-02-12 : University of Essex, Essex, England
1971-02-13 : Farnborough Technical College (Student Union), Farnborough, England
1971-02-20 : Queen Mary College, London, England
22 February 1971
Atom Heart Mother Goes Missing in Germany!
Pink Floyd’s European tour commenced at Halle Munsterland, Munster, West Germany. The second half of the gig was nearly cancelled when the band discovered that the musical score for Atom Heart Mother (needed by their brass section) had been left behind in Dusseldorf.
Check out the excellent photo gallery: 1971-02-25 Pink Floyd Atom Heart Mother in Germany
8 April 1971
Floyd return to Abbey Road Recording Meddle
Pink Floyd, now back in the UK, returned to Abbey Road recording studios for a week’s recording session. Further recording sessions took place throughout the month to further the recording of Meddle along.
The recording process would also utilise George Martin’s recording studio AIR which featured a 16 track recording system which had twice the recording tracks of Abbey Road’s mere eight track.
14 May 1971
Relics compilation released
A Pink Floyd compilation album Relics was released in the UK, and reached No. 32 in the charts.
“Relics” is a compilation album by Pink Floyd that delves into the band’s early psychedelic and progressive rock era. It features singles like “Arnold Layne” and “See Emily Play”, as well as B-sides and tracks from their first three albums. Notably, it includes “Biding My Time”, a previously unreleased track. The album’s artwork, a whimsical line drawing by drummer Nick Mason, was later replaced with a three-dimensional model for the 1996 remastered CD.
Tracklisting: Arnold Layne; Interstellar Overdrive; See Emily Play; Remember A Day; Paintbox; Julia Dream; Careful With That Axe, Eugene; Cirrus Minor; The Nile Song; Biding My Time; Bike.
15 May 1971
The Garden Party – Crystal Palace
Pink Floyd headlined ‘The Garden Party’ at London’s Crystal Palace Bowl, playing to an audience of 15,000. The band’s party-piece included the appearance of a large inflatable octopus in the lake in front of the stage which emerged from the lake beside the stage. They would have been playing the song Echoes which evolved in title and composition from “Nothing 14”, “Son of Nothing”, and the “Return of the Son of Nothing”.
About the Crystal Palace Bowl
The Crystal Palace Bowl, also known as the Crystal Palace Park Concert Platform, is a historic outdoor stage and performance venue located in Crystal Palace Park in the London Borough of Bromley1. Established in 1961, it’s an iconic South London venue with a rich legacy of live music heritage spanning over 60 years.
The Bowl’s award-winning architecture and its famous ‘Garden Party’ events have hosted an eclectic array of acts in British festival history, from progressive rock to punk, and reggae to classical performances. Notable artists who have graced its stage include Pink Floyd, Bob Marley, Elton John, The Beach Boys, Eric Clapton, and many more.
More pictures/Discussion
4 June 1971
European Summer Tour
Pink Floyd’s European tour in the summer of 1971 was a significant part of their Atom Heart Mother World Tour, which showcased their experimental and progressive emerging rock style.
The tour included performances at various festivals and venues across Europe, allowing the band to reach a wider audience with their innovative music and elaborate stage shows. Pink Floyd’s six-date European tour commenced in Dusseldorf, West Germany, and ended on 20 June in Rome, Italy. The Rome date marked the last time the band performed Astronomy Dominé live until 1994’s The Division Bell tour.
One of the notable performances was at the Amsterdam Free Festival in the Netherlands on June 26, 1971. This period was marked by the band’s exploration of new sounds and the development of material that would later be featured on their album ‘Meddle’. The tour is often remembered as a transitional period for Pink Floyd, laying the groundwork for the artistic and commercial successes that would follow in the 1970s.
1971-06-04 : Philipshalle, Dusseldorf, Germany
1971-06-05 : Berliner Sportpalast, Berlin, Germany
1971-06-12 : Palais des Sports, Lyon, France
1971-06-15 : Abbaye De Royaumont, Royaumont, France
1971-06-19 : Palazzo Delle Manifestazioni Artistiche, Brescia, Italy
1971-06-20 : Palazzo Dello Sport, Rome, Italy
22 June 1971
Pink Floyd’s Glastonbury Gig Cancelled
Pink Floyd’s scheduled appearance at the ‘Glastonbury Fayre’ in 1971 was highly anticipated, but unfortunately, it failed to materialize due to logistical issues. The band’s equipment was delayed in Europe, which prevented them from performing at the event held at Worthy Farm. This festival, now known as the Glastonbury Festival, is a significant event in the UK’s music calendar, and Pink Floyd’s absence was a disappointment to many fans who were looking forward to their performance.
The ‘Glastonbury Fayre’ of 1971 was a free festival that included a diverse line-up of artists and was planned to encompass Midsummer’s Day. Despite Pink Floyd’s non-appearance, the festival saw performances from other major acts on a pyramid-shaped stage, which has since become an iconic feature of the Glastonbury Festival. The incident with Pink Floyd’s equipment delay highlights the challenges bands faced during touring at the time, especially when it came to international logistics.
17 July 1971
Relics Released and flops in USA
Relics was released in the US, and reached No. 153 in the charts. This compilation album is a retrospective of the band’s early work, featuring a mix of singles, B-sides, and tracks from their initial albums, capturing the essence of their psychedelic beginnings.
At this stage, Pink Floyd are still pushing on with their European Tour so haven’t been pushing their brand that hard in America.
Position 153 on the Billboard 200 is a respectable achievement, especially for a compilation album like Pink Floyd’s “Relics”. The Billboard 200 chart ranks the 200 most popular music albums and EPs in the United States. Being included on this chart signifies that an album has attained a notable level of commercial success and popularity.
19 July 1971
Morgan Studios Recording to finish Echoes
Pink Floyd made a significant move from the renowned Abbey Road Studios to the more intimate setting of Morgan Sound Studios in North London to finish Meddle.
This transition was a strategic step in the production of their ground breaking album ‘Meddle’, particularly for the final mixes of the track “Echoes”. The shift to Morgan Sound Studios provided the band with access to more flexible recording equipment and a different acoustic environment, which was conducive to their experimental recording techniques.
The work at Morgan Sound Studios was pivotal for “Echoes”, a track that would become one of Pink Floyd’s most iconic compositions. Spanning over 23 minutes, “Echoes” represented the band’s ambitious approach to music and sound design, featuring innovative use of studio effects and an expansive, immersive soundscape.
The final mixing sessions at Morgan Sound Studios were crucial in refining and realizing the band’s vision for the track, ensuring that every nuance and detail was captured with precision.
The sessions for “Echoes” and the rest of the ‘Meddle’ album at Morgan Sound Studios marked a creative zenith for Pink Floyd, showcasing their mastery of the studio as an instrument in its own right. This period is often celebrated as a defining moment in the band’s history, as they embraced new technology and recording techniques that would influence their subsequent works.
6 August 1971
Pink Floyd first gig in Japan
Pink Floyd played their debut gig in Japan at Hakone, on a festival bill that also included the 1910 Fruit Gum Company and Buffy Sainte Marie.
This gig was the first time the band introduced the song Echoes, with it being formerly known as the Return of the Son of Nothing.
13 August 1971
Pink Floyd Australian Debut
Floyd made their Australian debut at the Melbourne Festival Hall. Part of the band’s performance at Sydney’s Randwick Racecourse on 15 August was filmed for an Australian TV show.
Pink Floyd’s Australian debut was a landmark event in their 1971 Atom Heart Mother World Tour. On August 13, 1971, they performed at the Melbourne Festival Hall, delivering a setlist that included “Atom Heart Mother,” “Green Is the Colour,” and “Careful With That Axe, Eugene,” among others.
Two days later, on August 15, 1971, Pink Floyd continued to captivate Australian audiences with a performance at Sydney’s Randwick Racecourse. A portion of this show was filmed and later broadcast on an Australian TV program, providing a rare visual record of the band’s live prowess during this era. The footage included performances of tracks like “Careful With That Axe, Eugene” and offered fans a glimpse into the band’s dynamic live shows, which were integral to their growing reputation as one of the most innovative bands of the time.
Watch Pink Floyd performing Careful with that Axe and do and interview for “Get To Know” TV Programme.
21-26 September 1971
Quadraphonic Mix of Meddle
A mix of Meddle was created using 4 channel quadraphonic sound but was not released. Echoes appeared on the Early Years Boxset on the REVERBER/ATION disc. It was recorded at Abbey Road and Morgan Studios. Listen here.
30 September 1971
BBC Sound’s of the Seventies – high quality audio/video recording
Pink Floyd’s performance at London’s Paris Theatre was recorded for BBC Radio One’s ‘Sounds Of The ’70s’ show.
Pink Floyd’s performance at London’s Paris Theatre is a cherished piece of rock history, recorded for BBC Radio One’s ‘Sounds Of The ’70s’ show. On September 30, 1971, the band delivered a set that included some of their most experimental and iconic work from that era. The recording captured the essence of Pink Floyd’s live sound, featuring a raw and immersive experience that fans could enjoy on the radio.
The show included the performance of “One Of These Days,” a track that would later appear on their album ‘Meddle’, released in October 1971. This particular session is noted for its high-quality audio and the band’s ability to translate their expansive soundscapes into a format that resonated with radio audiences. The Paris Theatre recording remains a significant document of Pink Floyd’s evolving sound during a pivotal time in their career, showcasing their mastery of progressive rock and their influence on the genre’s development.
4 October 1971
Pink Floyd Live at Pompeii Recording begins
“Pink Floyd: Live at Pompeii” is a renowned concert film that captures the English rock band Pink Floyd performing at the ancient Roman amphitheatre in Pompeii, Italy. Directed by Adrian Maben, the film is notable for its absence of a live audience, with only the basic film crew present. The main footage was filmed over four days in October 1971, using the band’s regular touring equipment, including a mobile 8-track recorder from Paris.
The setlist for the performance included some of Pink Floyd’s most famous works, such as “Echoes Part I” and “Echoes Part II,” “Careful With That Axe, Eugene,” “A Saucerful Of Secrets,” and “One Of These Days I’m Going To Cut You Into Little Pieces.” The film captures the band’s members—Roger Waters, David Gilmour, Richard Wright, and Nick Mason—in a raw and powerful display of their musical prowess during this era.
“Pink Floyd: Live at Pompeii” was initially released in 1972 and has since been re-released in various formats, including a Director’s cut DVD in 2002, which combined the original footage with contemporary shots of space and the area around Pompeii, assembled by Maben. The film has been influential, inspiring many bands to create videos or film concerts without an audience. It remains a unique and enduring piece of Pink Floyd’s history, showcasing the band’s creativity and the atmospheric power of their music in a truly historic setting.
Photos: 1971-10-04 to 07 – Roman Ampitheater, Pompeii, Italy
15 October 1971
Pink Floyd USA Tour featuring epic Echoes
Pink Floyd began a 27-date North American tour at San Francisco’s Winterland Auditorium, ending at Cincinnati Ohio’s Taft Auditorium. The set list included their epic new composition Echoes.
Pink Floyd embarked on a significant 27-date North American tour, which began on October 15th at the Winterland Auditorium in San Francisco. This tour was a showcase for their new composition “Echoes,” a centerpiece of their then-recently released album ‘Meddle’. The tour concluded at the Taft Auditorium in Cincinnati, Ohio, on November 20th. “Echoes” was a 23-minute epic that exemplified the band’s pioneering approach to long-form music and featured a range of innovative sound effects and musical experimentation. The tour solidified Pink Floyd’s reputation in North America and highlighted their evolution from psychedelic pop to the more expansive and experimental sounds that would define progressive rock. The setlist often included other fan favorites and tracks from their previous albums, offering audiences a full spectrum of the band’s musical journey up to that point. The tour was a critical step in Pink Floyd’s career, helping to expand their international fan base and setting the stage for their future successes.
30 October 1971
Meddle released in USA
Pink Floyd’s album Meddle was released in the US, a week ahead of the UK. It reached No. 70 in the charts.
5 November 1971
Meddle released in UK
Pink Floyd’s Meddle was released in the UK and reached No. 3 in the charts. Tracklisting: One Of These Days; A Pillow Of Winds; Fearless; San Tropez; Seamus; Echoes.
29 November 1971
Work on Dark Side of the Moon with working title Eclipse commences
In the early stages of creating what would become their iconic album “The Dark Side of the Moon,” Pink Floyd spent two weeks at Decca Studios in West Hampstead. It was here that they began writing and recording ideas for a new piece initially titled ‘Eclipse‘.
This period was crucial for the band as they were developing the themes and concepts that would shape the album. The working title ‘Eclipse’ eventually became the final track of the album, serving as a powerful conclusion to the suite of songs that explore various aspects of human experience. The sessions at Decca Studios were a significant part of the creative process, allowing the band to lay down the foundational elements of what would become one of the most celebrated albums in rock history, Dark Side of the Moon.
Interviews – Engineer Alan Parsons on the recording process and development of the album
13 December 1971
Live at Pompeii additional filming in Paris
After the initial filming of “Pink Floyd: Live at Pompeii” at the ancient Roman amphitheatre in October 1971, Pink Floyd undertook an additional week of filming and recording in Paris in December of the same year. This extra footage was incorporated into the original 1972 release of the film. The Paris sessions added a new dimension to the project, allowing the band to include more material and further refine the film’s content. The combination of the Pompeii performances and the Paris recordings resulted in a unique concert film that lacked a live audience but was rich in atmosphere and musical depth. The film has since become a classic, capturing Pink Floyd at a pivotal moment in their career and offering fans a timeless glimpse into their artistry.
1971 Pivotal Year for Development
1971 was a pivotal year in Pink Floyd’s history, marked by significant musical developments and the creation of one of their most celebrated albums. Here’s a detailed look at their activities throughout that year:
Continued Experimentation and Development
- Early 1971: The band continued their trend of musical experimentation, exploring new sounds and recording techniques.
- Live Performances: Pink Floyd maintained a busy touring schedule, performing in various locations across Europe and North America.
‘Relics’ Compilation Album
- May 1971: Pink Floyd released ‘Relics’, a compilation album. It featured a selection of previously released singles, B-sides, and other non-album tracks. The album was significant in providing newer fans with access to their earlier work.
Creation of ‘Meddle’
- Studio Sessions: Much of 1971 was spent in the studio working on what would become the album ‘Meddle’, a project that saw the band further refining their sound.
- Sound Exploration: During these sessions, the band experimented with a variety of innovative techniques, including using household objects to create unique sounds and extensive use of studio effects.
Release of ‘Meddle’
- October 1971: ‘Meddle’ was released, showcasing a more cohesive sound and style compared to their previous works.
- Key Tracks: The album featured the track “Echoes”, which took up the entire second side of the album and was a significant step in the development of their music, hinting at the style they would perfect in ‘The Dark Side of the Moon’.
- Reception: ‘Meddle’ was critically acclaimed and is often regarded as the point where Pink Floyd started to find their definitive sound.
Live at Pompeii
- Concert Film: In 1971, Pink Floyd filmed ‘Live at Pompeii’, a concert film set in the ancient Roman amphitheatre in Pompeii, Italy. This performance, without an audience, showcased the band’s music and live performance style in a unique setting.
- Innovative Filmmaking: The film combined live performances with studio footage, offering a rare glimpse into the band’s creative process.
Internal Dynamics and Growth
- Creative Contributions: The band members were contributing more evenly to the songwriting and production processes.
- Roger Waters’ Emerging Role: Roger Waters began to emerge as a dominant creative force, a trend that would continue in subsequent albums.
Cultural and Musical Impact
- Influence on Progressive Rock: Pink Floyd’s work in 1971, especially with ‘Meddle’, had a profound impact on the progressive rock genre.
- Expanding Fan Base: Their evolving sound and successful albums continued to attract a wider audience.
End of 1971: Setting the Stage for Future Achievements
- Foundation for ‘The Dark Side of the Moon’: The developments in 1971 laid the groundwork for their next project, ‘The Dark Side of the Moon’, which would become one of the most iconic albums in rock history.
In 1971, Pink Floyd solidified their place in the music world, with ‘Meddle’ marking a significant step in their musical evolution and setting the stage for their future successes.
The year 1972 was a significant period in Pink Floyd’s history, characterized by their continued evolution as a band and the development of one of their most iconic works. Here’s an overview of their activities and achievements during that year:
Early 1972: Touring and Live Performances
- Concert Tours: Pink Floyd spent much of early 1972 touring, performing in various locations across Europe, Japan, Australia, and the United States.
- Live Sound Innovations: Their live shows continued to feature innovative use of sound and visual effects, including quadraphonic sound systems and elaborate light shows.
Development of ‘The Dark Side of the Moon’
- Initial Work: Throughout 1972, the band worked on the album that would become ‘The Dark Side of the Moon’.
- Creative Process: This period was marked by intense creative collaboration among the band members. They experimented with new recording techniques and musical ideas, pushing the boundaries of studio technology at the time.
- Conceptual Themes: The album began to take shape around a unified theme exploring various aspects of human experience, such as conflict, greed, time, death, and mental illness.
Live Debut of ‘The Dark Side of the Moon’
- First Performance: A version of ‘The Dark Side of the Moon’ was first performed live in January 1972, several months before the album was completed and released. This early version was known as ‘Eclipse: A Piece for Assorted Lunatics’.
- Audience Reception: The live performances of the new material received positive responses, generating anticipation for the album’s release.
Other Projects and Collaborations
- Soundtrack Work: The band worked on music for various projects, including the soundtrack for the film ‘La Vallée’, which was released as the album ‘Obscured by Clouds’ in June 1972.
- ‘Obscured by Clouds’: This album, while overshadowed by ‘The Dark Side of the Moon’, was well-received and included several songs that became part of the band’s concert repertoire.
Internal Dynamics and Growth
- Collaborative Synergy: The band’s members were working together with a high degree of synergy, with each member contributing significantly to the creative process.
- Roger Waters as a Primary Lyricist: Waters was becoming the band’s primary lyricist, a role he would continue in subsequent albums.
Cultural Impact
- Influence on Progressive Rock: Pink Floyd’s work in 1972, especially their live performances of ‘The Dark Side of the Moon’, solidified their position at the forefront of the progressive rock movement.
- Building a Global Fan Base: Their innovative music and captivating live shows continued to attract a growing international audience.
End of 1972: On the Brink of Major Success
- Anticipation for ‘The Dark Side of the Moon’: By the end of 1972, anticipation for the release of ‘The Dark Side of the Moon’ was high, setting the stage for one of the most significant moments in the band’s history.
1972 was a year of creativity and innovation for Pink Floyd, with the band focusing on developing ‘The Dark Side of the Moon’, an album that would become a milestone in their career and in the history of rock music.
