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In 1984, Pink Floyd was experiencing a period of transition and individual activity. David Gilmour, the band’s guitarist, released his second solo album “About Face” and embarked on a 50-date North American tour. His work reflected a desire to carve out a personal musical identity. Roger Waters, the band’s primary lyricist and bassist, also ventured solo with his concept album “The Pros and Cons of Hitch Hiking,” which led him on a European tour. The album, exploring themes of regret and introspection, showcased Waters’ unique narrative style. Richard Wright, the keyboardist, formed a duo called Zee with guitarist Dave ‘Dee’ Harris, and they released their debut album “Identity,” which experimented with new wave sounds.
During this time, the band members’ solo endeavours highlighted their individual artistic directions, foreshadowing the tensions that would eventually lead to internal conflicts and membership changes within Pink Floyd. Despite these challenges, the band’s influence remained strong, and their solo projects contributed to the diverse landscape of rock music in the mid-1980s. This period underscored a critical juncture in Pink Floyd’s history, marked by creative exploration and the beginning of significant changes that would shape their future.
13 February 1984
David Gilmour released Blue Light single from About Face solo album
David Gilmour, the renowned guitarist from Pink Floyd, released the solo single “Blue Light”. The song was part of his second solo album, “About Face”, which came out on March 5th, 1984. The B-side of the single was “Cruise”.
“Blue Light” is a track that showcases Gilmour’s distinctive guitar work and song writing skills outside of his work with Pink Floyd. Its is very funky and rhythmic. Some might criticise the track as bearing the hallmarks of 1980s over production but it was a lot of “fun” compared to the heaviness of the final cut, Pink Floyd’s last album with Roger Waters in 1983.
5 March 1984
David Gilmour released 2nd solo album About Face
“About Face” is David Gilmour’s second solo studio album, released on March 5, 1984 in the UK and a day later in the US. The album features a blend of rock and pop influences and showcases Gilmour’s signature guitar work and introspective songwriting.
The album includes tracks like:
- “Blue Light” – Known for its funky rhythm and energetic brass section.
- “Love on the Air” – Co-written with Pete Townshend of The Who.
- “Murder” – A song addressing the murder of John Lennon.
The production of “About Face” is marked by its polished sound and the involvement of notable musicians, including Jeff Porcaro of Toto on drums and Pino Palladino on bass. The album received mixed reviews but has been appreciated by fans for its diversity and Gilmour’s musicianship.
12 March 1984
Zee featuring Richard Wright released Identity album
Zee was a short-lived musical project formed by Richard Wright (keyboardist of Pink Floyd) and Dave ‘Dee’ Harris (guitarist of the New Romantic band Fashion). They released their debut single, “Confusion”, in the UK, with the B-side titled “Eyes of a Gypsy”.
The single was released in 1984 as part of their only album, “Identity”, which featured a blend of new wave and synthpop sounds. The album was produced using the Fairlight CMI, a popular synthesizer of the time, giving it a distinct electronic feel1.
Although Zee didn’t achieve widespread commercial success, the collaboration between Wright and Harris remains an interesting footnote in the careers of both musicians.
31 March 1984
David Gilmour’s About Face Tour
David Gilmour began a 22-date UK and European tour at Dublin’s National Stadium, which included three nights at London’s Hammersmith Odeon.
The tour kicked off in Europe and included a memorable concert at the Hammersmith Odeon in London on April 30, 1984. This performance was later released as a live video titled “David Gilmour Live 1984”. The setlist for the Hammersmith Odeon concert video included tracks like “Until We Sleep”, “All Lovers Are Deranged”, “There’s No Way Out of Here”, “Short and Sweet”, “Run Like Hell”, “Out of the Blue”, “Blue Light”, “Murder”, and “Comfortably Numb”.
9 April 1984
Zee released their debut album, Identity, in the UK.
Zee released their debut album, Identity, in the UK.
9 April 1984
Roger Waters released his first solo single 5:01 AM (The Pros And Cons Of Hitch Hiking)
Roger Waters released his debut solo single, “5:01 AM (The Pros And Cons Of Hitch Hiking)”, in the US on April 9, 1984. The B-side of the single was “4:30 AM (Apparently They Were Travelling Abroad)”. The single was released a week later in the UK1.
The song is part of Waters’ concept album, “The Pros and Cons of Hitch Hiking”, which explores the thoughts and experiences of a man going through a midlife crisis. The album was released on April 30, 1984, and features a mix of progressive rock and blues rock
24 April 1984
David Gilmour released a second single, Love On The Air
David Gilmour released his second single from the “About Face” album, “Love on the Air”, on April 24, 1984 in both the UK and the US. The B-side of the single was “Let’s Get Metaphysical”.
“Love on the Air” was co-written by Gilmour and Pete Townshend of The Who, and it features a soft rock sound with a catchy melody. The song showcases Gilmour’s guitar skills and his ability to craft memorable hooks.
The single was released as a 7″ picture disc in the UK, but it didn’t achieve significant commercial success.
7 May 1984
Roger Waters first solo album “The Pros and Cons of Hitch Hiking” released
Roger Waters’ debut solo album, “The Pros and Cons of Hitch Hiking”, was released in the US on April 30, 1984, and a day later in the UK on May 1, 1984. The album is a concept album that explores the thoughts and experiences of a man going through a midlife crisis, framed as a dream journey taking place in real time from 4:30:18 AM to 5:12:32 AM.
The album features a mix of progressive rock and blues rock, with notable tracks like “5:01 AM (The Pros And Cons Of Hitch Hiking)”, “Every Stranger’s Eyes”, and “Sexual Revolution”. It was produced by Roger Waters and Michael Kamen, and it includes contributions from various musicians, including Eric Clapton on electric guitar and David Sanborn on saxophone2.
The album received mixed reviews but has since been appreciated for its ambitious concept and musical experimentation. It was certified Gold by the Recording Industry Association of America in 1995.
8 May 1984
David Gilmour starts North American Tour
David Gilmour’s 50-date North American tour in 1984 was a major event for his solo career, establishing himself as a successful solo artist in the USA market after Pink Floyd had disintegrated and disbanded.
The tour kicked off at the Colisée de Québec in Quebec City, Canada, on May 9, 1984. This tour was in support of his second solo album, “About Face”, and featured a mix of songs from the album as well as some Pink Floyd classics.
The setlist for the opening night included tracks like “Until We Sleep”, “All Lovers Are Deranged”, “No Way Out of Here”, “Love on the Air”, “Mihalis Cruise”, “Short and Sweet”, “Run Like Hell”, “Out of the Blue”, “Let’s Get Metaphysical”, “You Know I’m Right”, “Blue Light”, “Murder”, and an encore featuring “Near the End” and “Comfortably Numb”.
The tour featured an impressive lineup of musicians, including Mick Ralphs on guitars and vocals, Mickey Feat on bass and vocals, Raphael Ravenscroft on saxophone and keyboards, Gregg Dechert on keyboards and vocals, Chris Slade on drums and percussion, and Jody Linscott on percussion. Roy Harper provided vocals on “Short and Sweet” and percussion on “Comfortably Numb,” while Nick Mason played drums on “Comfortably Numb.”
The tour was well-received and showcased Gilmour’s exceptional guitar skills and stage presence. It remains a cherished memory for fans of his solo work.
16 June 1984
Roger Waters Pros and Cons European Tour Starts
Roger Waters’ nine-date European tour for “The Pros and Cons of Hitch Hiking” in 1984 was a significant event in his solo career. The tour opened at Johanneshovs Stadium in Stockholm, Sweden, on June 16, 1984. The tour included performances in several major cities, with two nights at Earls Court Exhibition Hall in London on June 21 and 22, 1984.
The setlist for the tour featured a mix of Pink Floyd classics and songs from Waters’ solo album. Notably, the second set of the concert was dedicated to performing “The Pros and Cons of Hitch Hiking” in its entirety, complemented by visuals from Nicolas Roeg and animation by Gerald Scarfe.
The tour featured an impressive lineup of musicians, including Eric Clapton on lead guitar, Tim Renwick on guitar and bass, Andy Newmark on drums, Chris Stainton on bass and organ, Michael Kamen on keyboards, Mel Collins on saxophone, and backup singers Katie Kissoon and Doreen Chanter.
Despite the star power and elaborate performances, the tour faced challenges with ticket sales and mixed reviews. However, it remains a landmark event in Roger Waters’ solo career, showcasing his musical prowess and theatrical vision.
Links – The Pros and Cons of Hitch Hiking – European Tour (1984)
4 July 1984
Roger Waters single 5.06 AM (Every Strangers Eyes) Released in the UK
Roger Waters released his second single from the “The Pros and Cons of Hitch Hiking” album, “5:06 AM (Every Stranger’s Eyes)”, in the UK on June 16, 1984. The B-side of the single was “4:39 AM (For the First Time Today, Part 2)”. The single was released a week later in the US.
“5:06 AM (Every Stranger’s Eyes)” is a reflective and melodic track that delves into themes of identity and self-recognition. The song features a mix of acoustic and electric guitar work, along with poignant lyrics that resonate with listeners.
The single was well-received and added to the critical acclaim of Waters’ solo work.
17 July 1984
Roger Waters Pros and Cons North American Tour Starts
Roger Waters’ 10-date North American tour in 1984 was a significant part of his solo career. The tour opened at the Hartford Civic Centre in Connecticut on July 17, 1984. This tour was in support of his debut solo album, “The Pros and Cons of Hitch Hiking”, and featured a mix of songs from the album as well as Pink Floyd classics.
The setlist for the opening night included tracks like “Set the Controls for the Heart of the Sun”, “Money”, “If”, “Welcome to the Machine”, “Have a Cigar”, “Wish You Were Here”, “Pigs on the Wing (Part 1)”, “In the Flesh”, “Nobody Home”, “Hey You”, “The Gunner’s Dream”, and the entire “The Pros and Cons of Hitch Hiking” album, ending with an encore of “Brain Damage” and “Eclipse”.
The tour featured an impressive lineup of musicians, including Eric Clapton on lead guitar, Tim Renwick on guitar and bass, Andy Newmark on drums, Chris Stainton on bass and organ, Michael Kamen on keyboards, Mel Collins on saxophone, and backup singers Katie Kissoon and Doreen Chanter.
Links – see tour dates and photos
Top Ten Albums of 1984
Here are the top ten albums of 1984, along with a brief note on each:
- “Born in the U.S.A.” by Bruce Springsteen – A landmark rock album that became one of the best-selling albums of all time.
- “Purple Rain” by Prince and The Revolution – The soundtrack to the film of the same name, featuring hits like “When Doves Cry” and “Purple Rain.”
- “Diamond Life” by Sade – Sade’s debut album, which established her as a major figure in sophisti-pop and smooth soul.
- “The Smiths” by The Smiths – The debut album by the influential British rock band, known for its jangle pop sound.
- “The Works” by Queen – Featuring hits like “Radio Ga Ga” and “I Want to Break Free,” this album solidified Queen’s place in rock history.
- “Human’s Lib” by Howard Jones – The debut album by the British pop star, known for its synth-pop sound.
- “Keep Moving” by Madness – The ska/pop band’s fourth studio album, featuring the hit single “It Must Be Love.”
- “Sparkle in the Rain” by Simple Minds – A new wave album that includes the hit “Waterfront.”
- “Ride the Lightning” by Metallica – The second studio album by the thrash metal band, showcasing their growing technical prowess.
- “Private Dancer” by Tina Turner – A comeback album for Turner, featuring hits like “What’s Love Got to Do with It.”
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