Home / Pink Floyd Timeline / Pink Floyd History 1974
The previous chapter covered the release of Dark Side of the Moon which launched the band into the stratosphere in terms of selling out larger venues and having impressive chart success around the world. The band had spent some years post Syd Barrett finding their sound and reason for making music. They stumbled upon the winning formula with Dark Side of the Moon and the subsequent massive albums of Pink Floyd’s 1970s hit albums. This chapter explores Pink Floyd in 1974 where Syd Barrett’s solo career went through a period of steady output.
4 February 1974
Time (B-side: Us And Them) was released as a promotional single in the US.
“Time” with “Us And Them” as the B-side was released as a promotional single in the US on February 4, 1974. This single was part of Pink Floyd’s album “The Dark Side of the Moon,” which is one of the most iconic albums in rock history. The promotional single was released by Harvest Records.
“Time” is known for its distinctive sound, featuring a combination of ticking clocks, alarm bells, and a powerful guitar solo by David Gilmour. The B-side, “Us And Them,” is a more mellow track with a strong saxophone presence and reflective lyrics written by Roger Waters and Richard Wright.
18 June 1974
Mr Screen Born in France
Pink Floyd embarked on a seven-date French Summer Tour 1974, which began at the Parc des Expositions in Toulouse and concluded at the Palais Des Sports in Paris.
During this tour, their set list included the complete performance of The Dark Side Of The Moon and two new compositions: an early version of Shine On You Crazy Diamond and Raving And Drooling.
This tour was notable for the first use of a circular projection screen, which became a trademark of all future Pink Floyd shows. The circular screen, often referred to as “Mr. Screen,” was used to project various visual effects and images, enhancing the overall concert experience and setting a new standard for live performances. The band used projections at the UFO club back in the 1960’s but this was an upgrade some might say.
The band were sponsored by drinks company Gigi on this tour which left a bad taste in mouth’s of fans and the band alike.
Visit the 1974 tour page for photos from the tour, the story of Pink Floyd’s music being used in sponsorship and the birth of Mr Screens with his logistical challenges!
25 June 1974
Pink Floyd Football Match vs The Media
On 25 June 1974, Pink Floyd played a friendly football match against a team of journalists. The match took place during their French Summer Tour and was held in France. The game ended with the journalists defeating Pink Floyd with a score of 4-3.
20 July 1974
Syd Barrett’s solo albums released in USA (Release in UK on 8th November)
Syd Barrett’s solo albums, The Madcap Laughs and Barrett, were released in the US as a double package entitled Syd Barrett on 14 November 1974. This compilation marked the first US release of these two albums, which were originally released in the UK in 1970. The double album reached No. 163 on the US charts, giving Barrett his only charting album in the United States.
The album cover for the Syd Barrett double package was designed by Storm Thorgerson of the design group Hipgnosis. The cover features various images that relate to the songs contained within the album. One notable element is the inclusion of an orange, a plum, and a matchbox, which Syd Barrett had once placed in a corner while under the influence of a substance. Barrett claimed that these items symbolized Venus and Jupiter. Thorgerson incorporated this imagery into the cover, adding a unique and personal touch that reflects Barrett’s eccentric and imaginative nature.
See Syd Barrett Discography
13 September 1974
Nick Mason drums for friend Robert Wyatt on TOTP
After the French Summer Tour of 1974 and before the British Winter Tour of 1974, Pink Floyd drummer Nick Mason joined his old friend Robert Wyatt to perform “I’m A Believer” on Top of the Pops. This performance took place in September 1974.
The song “I’m A Believer” was originally written by Neil Diamond in 1966 for The Monkees. Robert Wyatt’s cover of the song became an unlikely hit in the UK in 1974, featuring Nick Mason on drums. The performance on Top of the Pops was notable not only for the collaboration between Wyatt and Mason but also for the controversy it sparked. There were strong arguments with the producer of Top of the Pops surrounding Wyatt’s performance, as the producer felt that Wyatt’s use of a wheelchair was “not suitable for family viewing”.
Musicians: Richard Sinclair – bass, Robert Wyatt – vocal, Dave MacRae – piano, Andy Summers – acoustic guitar, Fred Frith – electric guitar & violin, Nick Mason – drums
See The Video from TOTP, Source Richard Sinclair Website, Discuss on Forum
4 November 1974
Pink Floyd’s British Winter Tour Nov/Dec 1974
Pink Floyd’s 20-date British Winter Tour began at Edinburgh’s Usher Hall and ended at Bristol’s Hippodrome. The tour included four nights at London’s Wembley Empire Pool, one of which was broadcast on BBC Radio One. The amended set list included a third new composition, “You’ve Got To Be Crazy.”
The tour programme, titled ‘The Pink Floyd Super All-Action Official Music Programme for Boys and Girls,’ was printed as a comic and featured a band portrait by Gerald Scarfe. It also included cartoon strips of the band members depicted as their alter egos: ‘Rog Of The Rovers,’ ‘Captain Mason R.N.,’ ‘Rich Right,’ and ‘Dave Derring.’
See – Pink Floyd British Winter Tour 1974 Schedule,
