Home / Pink Floyd Timeline / Pink Floyd History 1995-2025
Between 1995 and 2025, Pink Floyd’s story continued to evolve through archival releases, solo projects, and occasional reunions. In 1995, they released P.U.L.S.E., a live album featuring a full performance of The Dark Side of the Moon, notable for its flashing LED packaging. The following year, they were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, with David Gilmour and Richard Wright performing Wish You Were Here alongside Billy Corgan. Richard Wright released his solo album Broken China in 1996, while Roger Waters embarked on major tours, including The Wall Live from 2010 to 2013. David Gilmour released On an Island (2006) and Rattle That Lock (2015), further cementing his solo career. Syd Barrett passed away in 2006 and, in 2008, Richard Wright passed away. Pink Floyd’s final studio album, The Endless River (2014), was built from unreleased Division Bell sessions, serving as a tribute to Wright. In 2022, Gilmour and Mason briefly reunited to release Hey, Hey, Rise Up! in support of Ukraine. By 2025, Pink Floyd’s influence remained strong, with digital adaptations, immersive concert experiences, and continued reverence for their ground-breaking contributions to rock music.
5 June 1995
Pulse Released
Pink Floyd’s P.U.L.S.E. is a live album that captures performances from their 1994 Division Bell tour. Released in the UK on May 29, 1995, and in the US on June 6, 1995, the album features a diverse track list, including classics like Shine On You Crazy Diamond and Comfortably Numb, as well as a full live rendition of The Dark Side of the Moon. It was mixed in QSound to create an immersive 3D audio effect, and its packaging was notable for featuring a flashing red LED on the spine—a unique design choice that symbolized the heartbeat of live music. The album was well-received, reaching No. 1 on both the UK Albums Chart and the US Billboard 200.
A video release of the P.U.L.S.E. concert followed shortly after, giving fans a visual experience of Pink Floyd’s grand stage production. The band’s meticulous attention to detail in both audio and visuals ensured that the album and film became landmark releases, offering listeners and viewers an unforgettable journey through their legendary soundscapes. P.U.L.S.E. remains a key part of Pink Floyd’s live legacy, showcasing their ability to translate studio perfection into mesmerizing concert performances.
Links – Pink Floyd Discography > Pulse [1995]
17 January 1996
Pink Floyd Inducted to USA Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
On January 17, 1996, Pink Floyd was officially inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame during a ceremony at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York City. The induction recognized the band’s ground-breaking contributions to rock music, from their early psychedelic explorations to their later conceptual masterpieces. Billy Corgan of The Smashing Pumpkins had the honour of inducting them, delivering a speech that praised their originality, emotional depth, and lasting influence on the music industry. While Roger Waters and Syd Barrett were absent, David Gilmour, Nick Mason and Richard Wright represented the band, accepting the honour on behalf of the band.
To mark the occasion, Pink Floyd performed “Wish You Were Here”, joined by Billy Corgan on rhythm guitar. The performance was a poignant tribute, resonating deeply with fans and attendees alike, as the song’s themes of absence and remembrance took on special significance in the moment. The induction marked Pink Floyd’s place among rock’s greatest icons, celebrating their decades of innovation and artistic vision that continue to inspire musicians and listeners worldwide.
Links – Official Hall of Fame entry, Watch Billy Corgan speech, Pink Floyd Acceptance speech and Wish You Were Here performance – Look at 1996 Pink Floyd Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame Induction Programme
4 August 1997
Piper at the Gates of Dawn 30th Anniversary Edition Released
Pink Floyd celebrated the 30th anniversary of their debut album, The Piper at the Gates of Dawn, with a special digitally remastered edition. This re-release was issued on both vinyl and CD, bringing renewed attention to the band’s early psychedelic sound. The remaster preserved the album’s original mono mix, reflecting the way it was first heard in 1967.
The CD box set included art prints and a limited edition bonus CD titled The First 3 Singles, which compiled some of the band’s earliest tracks: Arnold Layne, Candy and a Currant Bun, See Emily Play, Scarecrow, Apples and Oranges, and Paintbox. This release was a tribute to Syd Barrett’s influence, showcasing the whimsical and experimental nature of Pink Floyd’s formative years. The anniversary edition was well-received, offering fans a high-quality remaster of one of rock’s most influential albums.
Links – Piper at the Gates of Dawn in Pink Floyd discography. Read about the cover design from Vic Singh
18 August 1997
EMI release Pink Floyd Vinyl Collection
In 1997, Pink Floyd released the ’97 Vinyl Collection, a special box set in the UK featuring seven of their most iconic albums. The collection included The Piper at the Gates of Dawn, Atom Heart Mother, Relics, The Dark Side of the Moon, Wish You Were Here, Animals, and The Wall. Each album was pressed on high-quality vinyl, with some editions featuring picture discs for Dark Side of the Moon and Wish You Were Here.
The box set was issued by EMI and became a sought-after collector’s item, particularly due to its limited availability and unique packaging. Some versions of the set were mistakenly pressed on 130-140 gram vinyl instead of the intended 180 gram, making them even rarer. Over the years, the collection has remained a prized item among Pink Floyd fans, offering a beautifully curated selection of their most influential works.
Links – Discography Pink Floyd ’97 Vinyl Collection – Discuss on the Forum
6 September 1998
David Gilmour in Pretty Things Internet Broadcast Live at Abbey Road
In September 1998, David Gilmour appeared as a special guest with The Pretty Things at an invitation-only anniversary concert at Abbey Road Studios. The event was a celebration of the band’s 1968 album S.F. Sorrow, widely regarded as one of the first rock operas. Gilmour joined the band on guitar, adding his signature sound to the performance, which also featured Arthur Brown as a narrator.
The concert was broadcast live on the Internet, making it one of the early examples of online concert streaming. Later, the performance was released as a limited edition CD titled The Pretty Things – Resurrection (Died 1968 Born 1998 At Abbey Road), capturing the energy and historical significance of the event. The album remains a sought-after collector’s item, showcasing Gilmour’s collaboration with the legendary psychedelic rock band.
Links – You can watch the full performance on the Forum
23 July 1999
Roger Waters In The Flesh Tour
Roger Waters’ In the Flesh North American tour marked his return to large-scale touring after a long hiatus. The tour began on July 23, 1999, at the Milwaukee Auditorium in Wisconsin and continued across 23 dates, concluding on August 28, 1999, at Kemper Arena in Kansas City, Missouri. This tour was significant as it was Waters’ first solo tour since Radio K.A.O.S. in 1987 and featured a mix of Pink Floyd classics alongside selections from his solo work.
The setlist included songs from albums such as The Dark Side of the Moon, Wish You Were Here, Animals, and The Wall, as well as tracks from Waters’ solo album Amused to Death. The tour was well-received, with high production values, elaborate stage setups, and impressive lighting effects. Due to its success, Waters extended the tour into 2000 and 2002, eventually performing 105 shows worldwide. The June 27, 2000 performance at the Rose Garden Arena in Portland, Oregon, was later released as the In the Flesh – Live CD and DVD. Waters’ return to live performances with this tour helped solidify his status as a solo artist and paved the way for future ambitious tours, including The Dark Side of the Moon Live and The Wall Live.
Links – Roger Waters 1999 In The Flesh Tour (North America), 1999 In The Flesh Tour Book
4 October 1999
David Gilmour joins Paul McCartney on Run Devil Run
Paul McCartney released Run Devil Run on October 4, 1999, in the UK and October 5, 1999, in the US. The album was a return to McCartney’s rock and roll roots, featuring covers of 1950s rock classics alongside three original compositions. It was recorded at Abbey Road Studios with an impressive line-up of musicians, including David Gilmour on guitar, Ian Paice on drums, and Mick Green on guitar. The album was produced by Chris Thomas and McCartney himself, capturing a raw, energetic sound reminiscent of early rock recordings.
To promote the album, McCartney embarked on a series of high-profile performances, with David Gilmour joining him on guitar. They appeared on Later… with Jools Holland and a Michael Parkinson TV special, Parkinson Meets Paul McCartney. The promotional run culminated in a historic concert at The Cavern Club in Liverpool on December 14, 1999, marking McCartney’s return to the venue where The Beatles had played in their early days. The Cavern Club show was broadcast live on BBC radio and TV, offering fans a rare chance to see McCartney perform in an intimate setting with a band that included Gilmour.
The album and its promotional performances were widely praised, with critics highlighting McCartney’s passionate delivery and the chemistry between him and Gilmour. You can find more details on Wikipedia and The Paul McCartney Project.
17 March 2000
Pink Floyd release Is There Anybody Out There – The Wall Live 1980-81
Pink Floyd released Is There Anybody Out There? The Wall Live 1980–81 on March 17, 2000, in the United States, and in the UK on March 27, 2000. The album features a complete live performance of The Wall, recorded across seven nights at Earls Court Arena in London during August 1980 and June 1981. The live shows were known for their elaborate stage production, including the gradual construction of a physical wall on stage, which was eventually torn down during the finale. Rick Wright played as a session musician having been fired, so was the only one to make a profit from the shows, as the tour was heavily loss making!
The album includes two additional tracks not found on the original studio version: What Shall We Do Now? and The Last Few Bricks, the latter serving as a transitional piece to allow stagehands time to complete the wall. The album artwork features life-masks of the four band members, which were worn by the “surrogate band” during In the Flesh. Upon release, the album charted at No. 19 on the US Billboard 200, reflecting strong fan interest in Pink Floyd’s legendary live performances. It was later remastered and reissued in 2012 as part of The Wall’s ‘Immersion’ box set, and in 2024, it was finally made available on Apple Music, though it remains absent from other streaming platforms.
Links – Discography Is There Anybody Out There – The Wall Live 1980-81
2 June 2000
Roger Waters’ In The Flesh Tour Extended
Roger Waters’ In the Flesh tour resumed on June 2, 2000, with a performance at the Ice Palace in Tampa, Florida. This leg of the tour featured 24 additional shows, culminating on July 16, 2000, at the Providence Civic Centre in Rhode Island. The tour was a continuation of Waters’ successful return to live performances, showcasing a mix of Pink Floyd classics and selections from his solo albums. The setlist included tracks such as In the Flesh, Another Brick in the Wall (Part 2), Wish You Were Here, Comfortably Numb, and Dogs, alongside material from Amused to Death and The Pros and Cons of Hitch Hiking.
Several of the concerts from this tour were recorded and filmed, with the June 27, 2000 performance at the Rose Garden Arena in Portland, Oregon, serving as the primary source for the live album and DVD In the Flesh – Live. The DVD featured high-definition video, 5.1 Dolby Digital surround sound, and behind-the-scenes footage, offering fans an immersive experience of Waters’ theatrical live performances. The tour was praised for its stunning visuals, tight musicianship, and Waters’ commanding stage presence, solidifying his reputation as a visionary performer.
Links – Roger Waters Discography – Roger Waters 2000 In The Flesh Tour Dates – Tour Programme
19 October 2001
David Gilmour joins The Pretty Things for S.F. Sorrow Live Performance at Royal Albert Hall
David Gilmour joined The Pretty Things as a special guest for the first-ever public live performance of their classic 1968 album S.F. Sorrow at the Royal Festival Hall in London in 2001. The concert featured Arthur Brown as the narrator, adding theatrical depth to the performance. Gilmour contributed his signature guitar work, enhancing the psychedelic sound of the album. The show was praised for its extended versions of tracks like Private Sorrow, I See You, and Old Man Going, with Gilmour’s presence adding a unique dimension to the event.
In addition to performing with The Pretty Things, Gilmour also played with the support band The Soft Boys, joining them for a rendition of Pink Floyd’s Astronomy Dominé. This unexpected collaboration delighted fans, as Gilmour revisited one of Floyd’s earliest psychedelic masterpieces.
You can listen to the performance here
Biggest albums of 1995-2025
- (What’s the Story) Morning Glory? – Oasis (1995) A Britpop classic that became the best-selling UK album of the 1990s.
- HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book I – Michael Jackson (1995) A mix of greatest hits and new material, selling millions worldwide.
- Come On Over – Shania Twain (1997) One of the best-selling albums of all time, with massive country-pop crossover success.
- The Marshall Mathers LP – Eminem (2000) A defining moment in hip-hop, launching Eminem to superstardom.
- Hybrid Theory – Linkin Park (2000) A groundbreaking nu-metal album that sold over 27 million copies globally.
- 21 – Adele (2011) Dominated charts worldwide and became one of the best-selling albums of the 21st century.
- ÷ (Divide) – Ed Sheeran (2017) A massive commercial success featuring record-breaking streaming hits.
- Folklore – Taylor Swift (2020) A surprise indie-folk album that won Album of the Year at the Grammys.
- SOS – SZA (2022) A modern R&B masterpiece that topped charts with several hit singles.
- Renaissance – Beyoncé (2022) A dance-heavy album celebrating Black and queer culture.
- Midnights – Taylor Swift (2022) A synth-pop album that broke multiple streaming records.
- The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess – Chappell Roan (2023) A breakout pop album gaining cult status and critical acclaim.
- People Watching – Sam Fender (2025) The biggest British album of 2025 so far, breaking vinyl sales records.
- Short N’ Sweet – Sabrina Carpenter (2025) The best-selling album of 2025 so far, blending pop and R&B influences.
- Hurry Up Tomorrow – The Weeknd (2025) The Weeknd’s final album, marking the end of an era for his signature sound.
