Pink Floyd History 1989

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In 1989, Pink Floyd was in the midst of redefining themselves and solidifying their legacy without founding member Roger Waters. The band—now comprising David Gilmour, Nick Mason, and Rick Wright—was deep into their “A Momentary Lapse of Reason” world tour, which had kicked off in 1987 following the release of the album of the same name. This tour was not just a series of concerts; it was a statement that Pink Floyd was very much alive and capable of captivating audiences worldwide.

Pink Floyd Venice Concert

One of the most iconic events that year was their free concert in Venice, Italy, on July 15th. Imagine a massive floating stage set against the breathtaking backdrop of St. Mark’s Square, with the band performing to an audience of over 200,000 people who filled the city streets and waterways. The concert was broadcast live to millions across the globe, turning it into a worldwide spectacle. The sheer scale and uniqueness of the event showcased Pink Floyd’s ambition to push the boundaries of live performances.

However, the Venice concert wasn’t without controversy. Local authorities and residents raised concerns about the potential damage to the historic city. The enormous crowds and the booming sounds were feared to jeopardize the delicate architecture and environment of Venice. The aftermath ignited a debate on the impact of large-scale events in culturally and historically significant locations. This incident highlighted the constant balancing act between artistic expression and the preservation of heritage sites.

The band’s activities this year were also significant on a personal level. Without Waters, Gilmour stepped up as the primary creative force, and there was a renewed sense of camaraderie among the remaining members. They were navigating the challenges of internal changes while maintaining the essence of what made Pink Floyd unique. Their ability to adapt and evolve during this period spoke volumes about their resilience and dedication to their craft.

Pink Floyd Timeline 1989

13 May 1989

Pink Floyd’s Another Lapse European tour opened in Belgium

Pink Floyd’s “Another Lapse” European tour began on May 13, 1989, at the Festivalweide in Werchter, Belgium, drawing a massive crowd of over 60,000 eager fans. This was a monumental event that marked the band’s robust return to the European stage.

One of the tour’s crowning moments was the six-night run at London’s brand-new Docklands Arena in October 1989. The arena, with a capacity of 15,000, was filled to the brim each night, making it one of the most sought-after tickets in town. The performances there were so electrifying that David Gilmour remarked, “Playing in London again felt like coming home, but with a fresh canvas to paint on.”

The touring ensemble was a powerhouse of talent:

David Gilmour: Leading on guitars and vocals, his solos during “Comfortably Numb” left audiences in awe.
Nick Mason: The rhythmic backbone on drums, Mason’s performance was tight and invigorating.
Richard Wright: Back on keyboards officially, his atmospheric sounds were the soul of the live shows.
Guy Pratt (bass): Stepping into big shoes, Pratt brought a new energy—his groove on “Money” was particularly standout.
Jon Carin (keyboards): A multi-instrumentalist, he also provided vocals, notably on “Time.”
Scott Page (saxophone): His soulful sax breathed new life into classics like “Shine On You Crazy Diamond.”
Gary Wallis (percussion): Adding layers of rhythm, Wallis’s percussion work was both subtle and powerful.
Tim Renwick (guitars): A long-time collaborator, his harmonies complemented Gilmour perfectly.

The backing vocalists were the incredible trio of:

Lorelei McBroom
Durga McBroom
Rachel Fury

Their harmonies added a rich, emotional depth to the music. As Durga McBroom once said, “Singing with Pink Floyd was like riding a wave of pure sound.”

The stage production was nothing short of ground-breaking. The use of a 100-foot diameter arch stage, state-of-the-art lighting, and the iconic circular screen showcasing animations and films elevated the concerts to a multisensory spectacle. The band’s commitment to pushing technological boundaries was evident—this tour reportedly cost over £20 million to produce.

The Times wrote, “Pink Floyd has not just returned—they’ve redefined what a live performance can be.” The setlists were a masterful mix of new material from “A Momentary Lapse of Reason” and timeless classics, creating a journey through their evolving soundscape.

Links – See Pink Floyd concert dates 1989 and Pink Floyd posters 1989

15 July 1989

Historic Pink Floyd Venice Concert

One of the most remarkable events of 1989 was Pink Floyd’s free concert in Venice, Italy. On July 15, the band performed on a floating stage anchored in the Venetian Lagoon, directly in front of the stunning St. Mark’s Square. Over 200,000 fans gathered in the plazas and canals, while millions more watched the live broadcast across Europe. The setting was surreal—ancient architecture juxtaposed with progressive rock reverberating over the water.

However, the concert stirred controversy. Local authorities and residents expressed concerns over potential damage to the city’s delicate infrastructure due to the massive crowds and loud music. Despite logistical challenges and political tensions, the concert went ahead and is remembered fondly by Pink Floyd fans.

Links – See Pink Floyd Venice in the concert database which was one of 9 concerts Pink Floyd performed in Italy that year.

18 July 1989

Pink Floyd’s Another Lapse Tour comes to an end

The final night of the Another Lapse tour took place at Marseille’s Stade Velodrome. The band and crew must have been relieved having been on the road with this tour for a very extended period of time.

Links – Concert Database 1989-07-18 : Stade Velodrome, Marseilles, France

15th December 1989

Pink Floyd play Rock Aid Armenia

On December 15, 1989, Pink Floyd contributed to Rock Aid Armenia, a charitable initiative aimed at raising funds for victims of the devastating 1988 Armenian earthquake. The band donated their track “Run Like Hell” to “The Earthquake Album,” a compilation featuring renowned artists like Deep Purple and Iron Maiden. Additionally, Pink Floyd’s guitarist David Gilmour played lead guitar in an all-star re-recording of Deep Purple’s “Smoke on the Water,” collaborating with musicians such as Brian May, Ritchie Blackmore, and Bruce Dickinson. This collective effort not only provided significant financial support for Armenia but also showcased the unifying power of music in responding to humanitarian crises.

Links – Watch Smoke on the Water with David Gilmour see also Picture 2 and 3

August – December 1989

Reflection and Rumblings of New Projects

Following the whirlwind tour, the latter half of 1989 was a quieter period for Pink Floyd publicly, but it buzzed with anticipation behind the scenes. The band members—David Gilmour, Nick Mason, and Richard Wright—took time to recharge and explore individual interests. Gilmour engaged in solo projects and collaborations, further honing his production skills. There was speculation about the band’s next moves. Fans eagerly discussed rumors of new material or potential changes in the lineup. While no official announcements were made, this period was crucial for creative incubation, setting the stage for future endeavors.

Top Selling Albums of 1989

Here are the top ten best-selling albums of 1989—a year where music was a kaleidoscope of pop, rock, and emerging genres that felt a wrold away from Pink Floyd’s early beginnings:

1. “Don’t Be Cruel” – Bobby Brown
   • Bobby Brown’s breakout solo album, blending R&B with the edgy beats of new jack swing. Hits like “My Prerogative” and “Every Little Step” showcased his charisma and redefined the sound of urban music.
2. “Hangin’ Tough” – New Kids on the Block
   • This album catapulted the boy band into international fame. With catchy tracks like “You Got It (The Right Stuff)” and “I’ll Be Loving You (Forever),” they became teenage heartthrobs and set the template for future pop groups.
3. “Forever Your Girl” – Paula Abdul
   • Paula Abdul’s debut album delivered dance-pop gems that dominated the charts. Singles like “Straight Up” and “Opposites Attract” highlighted her choreography background and bubbly persona.
4. “Appetite for Destruction” – Guns N’ Roses
   • Although released in 1987, its sales peaked in ’89. This hard rock masterpiece, featuring “Sweet Child o’ Mine” and “Welcome to the Jungle,” brought raw energy back to the rock scene.
5. “Electric Youth” – Debbie Gibson
   • At just 18, Debbie Gibson wrote, produced, and performed this album. “Lost in Your Eyes” and the title track showcased her talent, making her a pop icon for young fans.
6. “Open Up and Say… Ahh!” – Poison
   • Glam metal at its peak, this album mixed catchy hooks with flamboyant style. “Every Rose Has Its Thorn” became one of the era’s defining power ballads.
7. “New Jersey” – Bon Jovi
   • Following up their massive success, Bon Jovi delivered hits like “Bad Medicine” and “I’ll Be There for You,” blending rock anthems with heartfelt lyrics.
8. “Heart Break” – New Edition
   • Marking a mature return with Johnny Gill joining the group, this album fused R&B with slick production. “If It Isn’t Love” showcased their smooth harmonies and dance moves.
9. “Hysteria” – Def Leppard
   • Known for its polished sound and layered guitars, the album featured “Pour Some Sugar on Me,” pushing the boundaries of hard rock and appealing to a broader audience.
10. “Girl You Know It’s True” – Milli Vanilli
    • Dance-pop tracks like the title song and “Blame It on the Rain” made them a sensation—until the lip-syncing scandal unraveled their fame.