Pink Floyd History 1981

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In 1981, Pink Floyd was deeply immersed in activities related to their iconic album, “The Wall.” During this year, the band embarked on a remarkable series of live performances. They staged “The Wall” live for eight consecutive nights at Westfalen Halle in Dortmund, West Germany, in February 1981 as part of The Wall Tour 1980/81. This period was particularly significant as it showcased the band’s dedication to bringing their complex and expensive concept album to life on stage, creating an immersive and theatrical experience for their audience.

In June 1981, Pink Floyd continued their ambitious tour with a notable string of concerts at Earls Court in London. They performed “The Wall” for six nights, specifically for the purpose of filming a planned movie based on the album. These concerts highlighted the bands artistic vision, blending music, storytelling, and visual effects into a cohesive and powerful performance. Sadly, the video hasn’t seen the light of day except a brief video of The Happiest Days of our Lives.

Additionally, on November 21, 1981, Pink Floyd released a compilation album titled “A Collection of Great Dance Songs” in the US. This album featured some of their most beloved tracks, including “Money,” “Shine On You Crazy Diamond,” and “Another Brick in the Wall, Part 2.” The compilation achieved commercial success, reaching No. 31 on the charts and further solidifying the band’s legacy.

Meanwhile, drummer Nick Mason explored his solo career and released his album “Fictitious Sports” on May 1, 1981. This venture allowed him to showcase his individual musical talents and explore different creative avenues outside of the band’s collective work.

13 February 1981

Pink Floyd perform The Wall Live in Dortmund, Germany

The Wall was performed live for eight consecutive nights at Wesfalenhalle in Dortmund, West Germany. Snowy White who had previously played on the Pink Floyd The Wall Live 1980/81 Tour went off and joined Thin Lizzy and was replaced by Roy Harper’s touring guitarist Andy Roberts.

The MC was German actor Willi Thomczyk who covered all the shows, unlike in the USA where there were multiple actors involved.

The Wall Tour 1981 Germany/Europe

1981-02-13 : Westfalenhalle, Dortmund, Germany
1981-02-14 : Westfalenhalle, Dortmund, Germany
1981-02-15 : Westfalenhalle, Dortmund, Germany
1981-02-16 : Westfalenhalle, Dortmund, Germany
1981-02-17 : Westfalenhalle, Dortmund, Germany
1981-02-18 : Westfalenhalle, Dortmund, Germany
1981-02-19 : Westfalenhalle, Dortmund, Germany
1981-02-20 : Westfalenhalle, Dortmund, Germany

Links – Take a look at the 1981 Pink Floyd The Wall Dortmund Tour Programme

1 May 1981

Nick Mason’s first solo album Fictitious Sports Released

Nick Mason’s Fictitious Sports was released in May 1981 both in the UK and the US. This album marked Mason’s first major solo project outside of Pink Floyd. It was recorded in October 1979 at Grog Kill Studios in New York and mixed in December 1979 and May 1980 at Village Recorders and the Producer’s Workshop in Los Angeles.

The album features jazz-rock compositions written by Carla Bley and sung by Robert Wyatt, except for the opening track. It showcases Mason’s versatility as a drummer and percussionist, collaborating with a talented ensemble of musicians.

Nick wrote of Pink Floyd becoming overly immersed in The Wall project which seems to have gone on for years. I guess his solo album was an outlet for his creative energy which might not have been used on The Wall that much. Richard Wright of course had already left the band in August 1980 but continued recording The Wall and performing on tour as a session musician, thus saving himself from the heavy losses the band incurred.

13 June 1981

Pink Floyd perform The Wall Live at Earls Court, London

In June 1981, Pink Floyd staged five additional performances of “The Wall” at Earls Court in London. These shows were specifically organized for the filming of the planned movie based on the album1.

Gary Yudman returned as the Master of Ceremonies (MC) for these performances. Due to illness, Willie Wilson, who was a surrogate band member, was unable to perform on the first night, and Clive Brooks, Nick Mason’s drum tech, stepped in to fill his role.

The filming aimed to capture the grandeur and theatrical elements of the live show, which were later integrated into the movie “Pink Floyd: The Wall,” released in 1982.

The Wall Tour 1981 UK

1981-06-13 : Earls Court Exhibition Hall, London, England
1981-06-14 : Earls Court Exhibition Hall, London, England
1981-06-15 : Earls Court Exhibition Hall, London, England
1981-06-16 : Earls Court Exhibition Hall, London, England
1981-06-17 : Earls Court Exhibition Hall, London, England

Links – Take a look at the 1981 Pink Floyd The Wall Earls Court Tour Programme

21 November 1981

Pink Floyd release compilation album A Collection Of Great Dance Songs in USA

Pink Floyd released the compilation album A Collection Of Great Dance Songs in the US. Tracklisting: One of These Days; Money; Sheep; Shine On You Crazy Diamond, Parts 1-9; Wish You Were Here; Another Brick In The Wall, Part 2. It reached No. 31 in the charts.

23 November 1981

Pink Floyd release compilation album A Collection Of Great Dance Songs in UK

A Collection Of Great Dance Songs was released in the UK, and reached No. 37 in the charts.

Top Ten Albums of 1981

• “Greatest Hits” – Queen Queen’s iconic collection of their biggest hits, including classics like “Bohemian Rhapsody” and “Another One Bites the Dust.” It’s a must-have for any rock music enthusiast.
• “Face Value” – Phil Collins Phil Collins’ debut solo album, featuring the hit single “In the Air Tonight.” This album marked his successful transition from Genesis drummer to a solo artist.
• “Double Fantasy” – John Lennon and Yoko Ono The final album released by John Lennon before his tragic death, it includes heartfelt songs like “Starting Over” and “Woman.” It’s a poignant mix of love and reflection.
• “Moving Pictures” – Rush Rush’s most successful album, featuring hits like “Tom Sawyer” and “Limelight.” It showcases their technical proficiency and progressive rock style.
• “Making Movies” – Dire Straits Known for the epic track “Tunnel of Love,” this album combines Dire Straits’ signature guitar work with evocative storytelling.
• “Trust” – Elvis Costello and The Attractions A blend of pop, rock, and new wave, this album is known for its sharp lyrics and energetic melodies. Highlights include “Clubland” and “Watch Your Step.”
• “The Jazz Singer” – Neil Diamond The soundtrack to the film of the same name, featuring hits like “Love on the Rocks” and “America.” It captures Neil Diamond’s powerful vocal performance.
• “Hotter than July” – Stevie Wonder A vibrant mix of R&B, funk, and reggae, with memorable tracks like “Master Blaster (Jammin’)” and “Happy Birthday.” It’s Stevie Wonder at his finest.
• “Kings of the Wild Frontier” – Adam and the Ants This album brought Adam and the Ants into the spotlight with its unique blend of punk and new wave, highlighted by the title track and “Antmusic.”
• “Inspirations” – Elvis Presley A posthumous collection of Elvis’s gospel recordings, showcasing his deep, soulful voice in a genre he loved dearly.