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In 1986, Pink Floyd was in a state of transition with Roger Waters having left the band in 1985, leading to legal disputes over the band’s future. Despite these challenges, David Gilmour and Nick Mason continued to record new material for the upcoming album “A Momentary Lapse of Reason” at Britannia Row Studios and the Astoria. Roger Waters released the soundtrack for the film “When the Wind Blows.” Preparations for the next tour began, marking the band’s first without Waters and setting the stage for their resurgence. Pink Floyd History 1986 was pivotal in defining the David Gilmour led era of the band. The new era would introduce many new fans to the band including the author of this blog. Me.
9 February 1986
David Gilmour performs at Colombian Volcano Appeal Benefit Concert
The 1986 Colombian Volcano Appeal Benefit Concert was held on February 9, 1986, at the Royal Albert Hall in London to raise funds for victims of the Nevado del Ruiz volcanic eruption in Colombia.
David Gilmour headlined, joined by musicians like John “Rabbit” Bundrick, Michael Kamen, Jodi Linscott, Chucho Merchan, Sam Brown, Billy Nichols, and Simon Phillips.
The setlist included songs like “You Know I’m Right,” “Run Like Hell,” “Out of the Blue,” and “Comfortably Numb”. Notable artists like Pete Townshend, Annie Lennox, and the Pretenders also performed, making it a memorable event for a noble cause.
Links – Watch video of the event, See concert programme, See entry in the Concert Database
11 October 1986
David Gilmour in Pete Townshend’s band on The Tube TV Programme
On October 11, 1986, David Gilmour appeared on the British TV show The Tube to help promote Pete Townshend’s Double O charity. During this appearance, Gilmour and Townshend performed together, showcasing their musical collaboration1. They played songs like “Give Blood” and “Secondhand Love” from Townshend’s solo work.
This appearance was part of the Deep End Live Tour, which featured Gilmour and Townshend along with other talented musicians. The collaboration not only promoted the charity but also highlighted the enduring friendship and musical chemistry between Gilmour and Townshend.
Links – Watch the performance on YouTube
27 October 1986
Roger Waters soundtrack for When The Wind Blows cartoon film
Roger Waters’ soundtrack for the Raymond Briggs cartoon film When The Wind Blows was released in the UK and US. The soundtrack also featured tracks by Squeeze, Paul Hardcastle, Hugh Cornwell, and Genesis.
11 November 1986
Press Release : Pink Floyd intend to continue without Roger Waters
The departure of Roger Waters from Pink Floyd marked a tumultuous time for the band, but it also showcased the resilience of the remaining members. Waters’ exit in December 1985 appeared to signify the end of the band as he was the principal songwriter and creative force. However, by summer 1986, David Gilmour and Nick Mason were already planning a new future for Pink Floyd, including the creation of a new album.
In October 1986, Waters initiated legal action to dissolve the band’s partnership, describing Pink Floyd as “a spent force, creatively.” Undeterred, Gilmour, Mason, and Rick Wright, along with producer Bob Ezrin, announced their determination to continue as a band. They emphasized their collective strength and expressed excitement about their new material, preferring to be judged by the public on the merit of their upcoming work.
The band’s press release excerpt: “The group have no intention of disbanding. On the contrary, David Gilmour and Nick Mason, with Rick Wright and producer Bob Ezrin, are currently recording a new album.” David Gilmour added: “The strength of Pink Floyd lay in the talents of all four members. Naturally, we will miss Roger’s artistic input. However, we will continue to work together as in the past. We are surprised at recent claims that Roger believes the band to be ‘a spent force, creatively’ as he’s had no involvement with the current project. The three of us are very excited by the new material and would prefer to be judged by the public on the strength of the forthcoming Pink Floyd album.“
November 1986
Recording Sessions Began for A Momentary Lapse of Reason album
Recording sessions began on the next Pink Floyd album at Britannia Row studios and on David Gilmour’s houseboat, Astoria. This was the first Pink Floyd albums that did not feature Roger Waters – which must have come as quite a surprise to him.
Best Selling Albums of 1986
Pink Floyd History 1986 can be considered in the context of what was happening in the music scene at the time. Here’s a list of the top ten selling albums of 1986:
- Whitney Houston – Whitney Houston’s self-titled debut album was the best-selling album of the year, spending 14 non-consecutive weeks at number one.
- True Blue – Madonna’s fourth studio album, featuring hits like “Papa Don’t Preach” and “Live to Tell.”
- Slippery When Wet – Bon Jovi’s third album, which included popular tracks like “Livin’ on a Prayer” and “You Give Love a Bad Name.”
- Graceland – Paul Simon’s seventh studio album, known for its blend of American and South African musical styles.
- Top Gun Soundtrack – The soundtrack for the film “Top Gun,” featuring songs by various artists including Kenny Loggins and Berlin.
- Control – Janet Jackson’s third studio album, which established her as a pop icon with hits like “Nasty” and “What Have You Done for Me Lately.”
- The Broadway Album – Barbra Streisand’s album featuring covers of classic Broadway songs.
- Promise – Sade’s second studio album, known for its smooth and soulful sound.
- The Ultimate Sin – Ozzy Osbourne’s fifth solo studio album, featuring the hit single “Shot in the Dark.”
- Hunting High and Low – A-ha’s second studio album, which included the international hit “Take On Me.”
Sources- Pink Floyd Official Website, The Independent, The Evening Standard, Louder Sound Feature, Echoes The Complete History of Pink Floyd Glenn Povey
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