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In 1987, Pink Floyd made a significant comeback with their album “A Momentary Lapse of Reason”. This was their first album without Roger Waters, who had left the band in 1985. The album was released on September 7, 1987, and marked the beginning of their “A Momentary Lapse of Reason Tour”. The tour started on September 9, 1987, in Ottawa, Canada, and featured impressive special effects and elaborate stage shows. Despite initial uncertainties, the tour was a huge success, grossing around $135 million and becoming the highest-grossing tour of the 1980s.
January 1987
Pink Floyd began recording their album “A Momentary Lapse of Reason”
Pink Floyd began recording their album “A Momentary Lapse of Reason” in January 1987 at David Gilmour’s studio, Astoria, a converted houseboat. The recording sessions continued at several other locations, including Britannia Row, Mayfair, and Audio International Studios in London, as well as A&M and Village Recorder Studios in Los Angeles. The album was produced by Bob Ezrin, who brought his expertise to the project.
This album marked a significant moment for the band as it was their first release without Roger Waters, who had left in 1985. Despite the challenges, the album was a success and featured notable tracks like “Learning to Fly” and “On the Turning Away.”
15 June 1987
Roger Waters released his second solo studio album, “Radio K.A.O.S.”
Roger Waters released his second solo studio album, “Radio K.A.O.S.”, on June 15, 1987 in the UK and June 16, 1987 in the US. This album was his first solo effort after formally leaving Pink Floyd in 1985.
“Radio K.A.O.S.” is a concept album that tells the story of Billy, a mentally and physically disabled man from Wales, who moves to Los Angeles to live with his uncle after his brother is imprisoned. The narrative unfolds through Billy’s interactions with a disc jockey at a fictitious radio station called Radio KAOS. The album addresses topical issues of the late 1980s, such as monetarism, popular culture, and the Cold War.
The album features notable tracks like “Radio Waves,” “Sunset Strip,” and “The Tide Is Turning (After Live Aid)”. It was both a critical and commercial success, showcasing Waters’ continued relevance as a solo artist.
1 August 1987
Pink Floyd rehearsals for A Momentary Lapse of Reason Tour
In August 1987, Pink Floyd began four weeks of tour rehearsals at a warehouse facility at Lester B Pearson International Airport in Toronto, Canada. The touring line-up included David Gilmour, Nick Mason, and Richard Wright, who had recently re-joined the band. They were joined by additional players: Guy Pratt (bass), Jon Carin (keyboards), Scott Page (saxophone), Gary Wallis (percussion), Tim Renwick (guitars), and backing vocalists Rachel Fury and Margaret Taylor.
These rehearsals were crucial for preparing the band for their upcoming tour, which would feature elaborate stage shows and impressive special effects. The tour, supporting their album “A Momentary Lapse of Reason,” was a significant success and helped solidify their place in rock music history.
Links – Watch Pink Floyd – A Momentary Lapse of Reason Tour Backstage Preparations, See photos from 1987 A Momentary Lapse of Reason Tour Rehearsals
14 August 1987
Roger Waters’ “Radio K.A.O.S.” North American Tour kicked off
Roger Waters’ “Radio K.A.O.S.” North American tour kicked off on August 14, 1987, at the Providence Civic Centre. The tour played for a total of 25 nights, concluding on September 29, 1987, at the Expo Theatre in Vancouver. After a two-month break, the tour resumed on November 3, 1987, at the Cumberland County Convention Centre and continued for an additional eight dates across America.
The tour was notable for its elaborate stage design and theatrical elements, incorporating both new material from the “Radio K.A.O.S.” album and classic Pink Floyd songs1. Waters’ performances were praised for their narrative-driven approach and innovative use of technology and visuals.
Links – See Radio K.A.O.S Tour Book, Learn about Roger Waters Radio Kaos Tour Schedules, Watch Roger Waters performing Who Needs Information (Live @ Madison Square Garden) [26th Aug 1987] alternatively watch Roger Waters Radio K A O S. Live In Quebec. 1987 Full Concert
7 September 1987
Pink Floyd Release “A Momentary Lapse of Reason” in the UK And USA
“A Momentary Lapse of Reason” was released on September 7, 1987 in the UK and a day later in the US. This was Pink Floyd’s first album following the departure of Roger Waters. The track listing for the album is as follows:
- Signs of Life
- Learning to Fly
- The Dogs of War
- One Slip
- On the Turning Away
- Yet Another Movie
- Round and Around
- A New Machine, Part 1
- Terminal Frost
- A New Machine, Part 2
- Sorrow
The album was well-received by fans and critics alike, reaching No. 3 in both the UK and US charts. The release marked a successful new chapter for the band, showcasing their ability to continue producing compelling and innovative music even amidst significant changes in their line-up. The album’s lead single, “Learning to Fly”, became one of their most popular tracks and is a fan favourite.
9 September 1987
Pink Floyd began their A Momentary Lapse of Reason World Tour (1987–89)
Pink Floyd’s North American tour for the “A Momentary Lapse of Reason” album began on September 9, 1987, at the 25,000-seat Landsdowne Park Stadium in Ottawa, Ontario. The tour was a massive success, featuring 61 dates across North America. It concluded on December 11, 1987, at the British Columbia Place Stadium in Vancouver.
The tour was notable for its elaborate stage design and impressive special effects, which captivated audiences and helped solidify Pink Floyd’s legacy as one of the greatest rock bands of all time.
Links – A Momentary Lapse of Reason Tour (1987–89) Schedule and info, Tour Books 1987/88 Pink Floyd World Tour Programme, Unofficial Fan Book for Wembley
14 September 1987
Pink Floyd released the single “Learning to Fly” in the USA
Pink Floyd released the single “Learning to Fly” in the US only, with the B-side “Terminal Frost” in 1987. “Learning to Fly” was one of the lead singles from their album “A Momentary Lapse of Reason” and quickly became a fan favourite. The song features themes of freedom and escape, with a memorable music video that showcased stunning aerial footage.
The B-side, “Terminal Frost,” is an instrumental track that highlights the band’s ability to create atmospheric and evocative music without lyrics. This single helped re-establish Pink Floyd’s presence in the music scene and solidified their ongoing relevance as a major force in rock music.
21 & 22 November 1987
Roger Waters Performs at Wembley Arena, England
In 1987, Roger Waters played two significant dates at London’s Wembley Arena as part of his “Radio K.A.O.S.” tour. The shows took place on November 21 and November 22, 1987. These performances were notable for their elaborate stage design, which included a large screen that displayed thematic visuals and animations to complement the music.
The “Radio K.A.O.S.” tour was innovative in its use of technology and theatrical elements. The setlist combined new material from the “Radio K.A.O.S.” album with classic Pink Floyd songs, offering fans a blend of both Waters’ solo work and the band’s iconic hits. Key tracks performed included “Radio Waves,” “The Powers That Be,” “Sunset Strip,” and the emotionally powerful “The Tide Is Turning (After Live Aid).”
During these performances, Waters’ storytelling abilities shone through, as he narrated the concept of the “Radio K.A.O.S.” album, which follows the story of Billy, a young man with a disability who can hear radio waves in his head. The shows were well-received, with audiences appreciating the combination of music and narrative elements, as well as the striking visual effects.
These Wembley Arena dates were part of the European leg of the tour, which followed the North American dates earlier in the year. Waters’ performances were praised for their depth, creativity, and the way they engaged the audience through a multi-sensory experience.
Links – Listen to the FM Broadcast of the Roger Waters Radio K.A.O.S from 21st November 1987
24 December 1987
Legal Settlement Reached between Pink Floyd and Roger Waters
In the mid-1980s, tensions between Roger Waters and the rest of Pink Floyd reached a boiling point. Waters had officially left the band in 1985, assuming that would mark the end of Pink Floyd. However, David Gilmour and Nick Mason decided to continue without him, which led to a legal battle over the use of the band’s name.
In 1986, Waters took legal action to prevent Gilmour and Mason from using the Pink Floyd name without his consent. He argued that Pink Floyd was a “creative entity” that couldn’t continue without him. Waters’ legal team filed a high court application to ensure the band name could never be used again.
However, the court ruled against Waters, stating that the Pink Floyd name was a “piece of property” and not a “creative entity“. This decision allowed Gilmour and Mason to continue using the name.
In December 1987, on Christmas eve, an out-of-court settlement was reached after 6 months of negotiations. Waters agreed to withdraw his challenge to Gilmour’s use of the Pink Floyd name in exchange for retaining full rights to the concept of “The Wall”, and to be freed from his contractual terms with manager Steve O’Rourke. This settlement allowed Pink Floyd to continue as a band, while Waters retained control over his most famous work.
Despite the settlement, the relationship between Roger Waters and the rest of Pink Floyd remained strained. Waters later admitted that taking the band to court was a mistake and that he had made an error in his judgment. The legal battle and subsequent settlement had a lasting impact on the band’s dynamics and their creative output.
Links – Watch BBC Video of Roger Waters saying he shouldn’t have sued the band Read Pink Floyd Accountant’s testimony about the process
Top Selling Albums of 1987
Here’s a list of the top-selling albums of 1987, along with a brief note on each:
- “Bad” by Michael Jackson – Sold over 45 million copies worldwide. This album produced five number-one singles and solidified Jackson’s status as a global pop icon.
- “Dirty Dancing Soundtrack” – Sold over 32 million copies. This soundtrack became immensely popular due to the success of the film “Dirty Dancing.”
- “Appetite for Destruction” by Guns N’ Roses – Sold over 30 million copies. This debut album is considered one of the greatest rock albums of all time.
- “Faith” by George Michael – Sold over 26 million copies. George Michael’s solo debut was a massive success, featuring hits like “Faith” and “Father Figure.”
- “Hysteria” by Def Leppard – Sold over 25 million copies. This album is known for its polished production and hit singles like “Pour Some Sugar on Me.”
- “The Joshua Tree” by U2 – Sold over 25 million copies. This album is often regarded as U2’s masterpiece, with iconic tracks like “With or Without You” and “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For.”
- “Whitney” by Whitney Houston – Sold over 20 million copies. This album produced four number-one singles and showcased Houston’s incredible vocal range.
- “Tango in the Night” by Fleetwood Mac – Sold over 15 million copies. This album marked a return to form for the band and included hits like “Big Love” and “Little Lies.”
- “Kick” by INXS – Sold over 14 million copies. This album featured the hit single “Need You Tonight” and helped solidify INXS’s place in rock music.
- “Introducing the Hardline According to Terence Trent D’Arby” by Terence Trent D’Arby – Sold over 12 million copies. This debut album was a critical and commercial success, with the hit single “Wishing Well.”
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