FLOYDIAN

1

Sumon's brother is Sajib. Although he is much younger than us, he listens to all kinds of difficult songs, which don’t really suit his age. A young person listening to hard rock and heavy metal is one thing, but that strange boy is obsessed with Leonard Cohen Bob Dylan and such.

Although everyone is quite surprised, it seems quite normal to me. Music isn’t a ladder where you have to listen to one type of song before moving on to another. Also, there’s no rule that you have to listen to what everyone else is listening to; rather, you should listen to what you enjoy.

This kind of thing happened to me once too! I did choose hard rock and heavy metal on my own, but from a very young age, I’ve listened to all kinds of music. Starting from my parents’ classical, rock and roll, and old Urdu, Hindi, and Bengali record collections, to listening to my father’s radio; or listening to Hemanta, Shyamal Mitra, Bhupen Hazarika, and Sandhya Mukherjee while my mother cleaned the house. Along with that, there were the personal favorites of us seven siblings. Classical, pop, country, ballads, reggae, punk—I listened to everything! And during my teenage years, I became deeply obsessed with jazz and blues.

One day, I was sitting at Rhythm Recording Center on Elephant Road when a very stylish gentleman walked in. Potu Bhai said, “Green Bhai, please sit, would you like to record something…”

We had heard a lot about Green Bhai’s massive collection; no one else had a music collection like his. I had seen him a few times in the alley, but we had never been introduced before. Potu Bhai introduced me to Green Bhai, saying, “He listens to a lot of music!” And then added, “He spends all day in this alley.”

I felt very embarrassed. The truth is, if I really liked something, I would dig deep into it! I wouldn’t stop at just listening to someone’s entire album; if they collaborated with another artist… I would turn music listening into a history lesson! Almost everyone in the alley knew about my obsession. And for those of us who regularly hung out in the alley, our conversations rarely revolved around anything other than music.

Potu Bhai added, “I told you about this boy the other day. Ask him anything about music, and he’ll have an answer. He’s memorized the history of every band…”

Green Bhai looked at me with a bit of interest. He didn’t ask any complicated questions, just the usual simple one: “Who’s your favorite singer?”

I’m terrible at these kinds of tests! I stammered and asked, “Do I have to name just one?”

Green Bhai could tell I was in a bit of a dilemma. He laughed and said, “Alright, let’s make it easier. Name one female singer you like, a vocalist…”

Quickly without hesitation I replied, “Billie Holiday.”

Hearing my answer, Green Bhai’s expression changed, “What? You listen to Billie Holiday?”

He looked as if he had just fallen from the sky. How could this little kid listen to Billie Holiday? He shouldn’t even know her name! He said in disbelief, “At your age, you shouldn’t be able to understand this kind of music.”

In the meantime, Potu Bhai added in a teasing tone, “And he also listens to heavy metal…”

Ignoring that, Green Bhai asked me, “Why do you like Billie?”

I said, “The way she sings with so much sorrow and longing fascinates me. And lately, I’ve been listening to a lot of Billie Holiday.”

It’s true. A few days ago, I went to Chittagong city. There’s a recording center there called “Records,” and I found out they had an LP of Billie Holiday. I recorded it and brought it back.

Hearing my answer, Green Bhai seemed a bit taken aback. He said, “Do you know her whole life was full of pain?”

“Yes, her childhood was very sad, and that influence is always visible in most of her songs. Sometimes I feel that Billie isn’t just a great jazz singer, but the greatest blues singer in the world. There’s a kind of intoxication in her voice that I’ve never heard in anyone else’s except maybe Janis Joplin…”

He listened quietly to what I had to say, clearly surprised. But he didn’t say anything more, just said, “I’ve never seen anyone your age listen to such deep music. Very good, carry on!”

Anyway, that’s another story. Let’s get back to Sajib’s story…

Sumon and Sajib were complete opposites. Sumon was large-framed, while Sajib was skinny and lanky. Sumon was sociable, while Sajib, though friendly, rarely spoke unless necessary. Sajib mostly came to the alley when Sumon wasn’t around. Sajib would often order multiple cassettes at once. One day it would be all of Simon & Garfunkel’s albums, another day Dylan or Donovan.

We often talked about music. We would spend hours searching the nooks and crannies of the city for new collections. I remember once we showed up at a stranger’s house looking for a Beatles album. The Beatles’ White Album wasn’t available at Rainbow, Rhythm, or Sur Bichitra at the time. We went to an unfamiliar house in Shyamoli with cassettes to record the album, and the gentleman was quite surprised to see us. He kept asking how we found him. But Sajib, instead of answering, would robotically hand over a cassette and say, “Please, record the album on this cassette.”

The internet wasn’t fully developed back then; dial-up internet had just arrived. It connected through landlines and was very slow. Around that time, digital music formats emerged, like MP3. Songs were copied from CDs using software and saved as files. Since MP3s were small in size, sharing became easier. Soon, there was a rush to collect MP3s. Initially, it was hard drive to hard drive copying, and later, when CD writers became available, CD copying started.

Then came Napster; peer-to-peer software. Using this P2P software, everyone started sharing the music/MP3s they had on their computers. Anyone connected to the internet could download those songs. The problem was, our internet speed was slow! Downloading one or two songs would take almost the entire day, and the dial-up network would disconnect repeatedly throughout the day. This annoyed us a lot! Besides, we weren’t much interested in one or two songs or best-of collections; we were used to listening to full albums.

Once, Sajib somehow managed to get permission to download songs for a day from an internet service provider’s main server. Sajib and I took out the hard drive from our computer and headed to the ISP. With unlimited speed, we downloaded several albums of our favorite artists. Bob Dylan, Leonard Cohen, Pink Floyd, The Beatles, Neil Young, Eric Clapton, Tom Petty, CSNY, Simon & Garfunkel, Grateful Dead, Allman Brothers, Jimi Hendrix, Yardbirds, Rolling Stones, Deep Purple, Rainbow, Black Sabbath, Led Zeppelin. We brought back the full discographies of all of them, along with some old blues-jazz collections.

Sajib came out of the office and said, “Milon Bhai, I think we won’t need to collect anything else in this lifetime. We can spend the rest of our lives listening to these…”

I said indifferently, “Oh no, we’ve already listened to more than half of these, but it’s a super digital collection, that’s for sure.” Then I added with a laugh, “But, you know our insatiable appetite! You’ll see, in a few months, we’ll be searching for new music again…”

Sajib laughed, “You’re right, we can’t be trusted.”

Long before all this, when Sajib had just started coming to Rainbow Alley regularly, we often had long discussions about music. One day, Sajib said, “Milon Bhai, let’s start a magazine.”

I asked, “A music magazine?”

“Yes, what else?”

I usually don’t say no to anyone, so I enthusiastically said, “Let’s do it!”

Then, after a moment of thought, I said, “I’ve worked with a few music magazines before, and I’m still working for one…”

“I know, that’s why I asked you, Milon Bhai.”

I said, “What’s the point of having multiple similar magazines? If we can offer something new or extra, then it’s worth doing.”

Sajib said, “Everyone prints in black and white, only the cover and maybe a poster are in color…”

I was shocked, “A full-color magazine!”

Sajib continued, “Yes, and most magazines focus on hard rock and heavy metal, while our main feature will be Pink Floyd…”

My eyes widened, “What! I was writing something about Floyd, it just needs a bit of polishing.”

Sajib was surprised, “Seriously! Why did you keep it to yourself, Milon Bhai?”

I said absentmindedly, “Yes… I don’t know why, but the piece doesn’t feel complete.”

Sajib asked, “What are you writing, Milon Bhai? On paper, or on the computer?”

I said, “On the computer, using a word processor.”

“Good!” Sajib said with a smile, “Then come to my place, we’ll sit together and fix the piece. Please bring it on a floppy disk…”

I said, “Alright, sure.”

The next morning, Sajib showed up at my house with his car. He was going to take me to his place. I also set off with him. I hadn’t seen Sumon in a long time, so this was a good opportunity to meet him. On the way, I asked, “Where’s Sumon? I haven’t seen him in the alley for a while, is he recording something?”

Sajib said, “Oh no, Bhaiya hasn’t left the house for seven days.”

I was surprised, “What! Why?”

Sajib said, “Yeah, he’s been holed up with his bass guitar all day. I think he’s trying to figure something out…”

I said, “But does that mean he has to lock himself in his room? I’ll see him when we go.”

With that, I handed the floppy disk to Sajib, “I’ve talked about every album. And I’ve been working on this for a long time, using many foreign articles, videos, album sleeves, and such…”

“Very good, Milon Bhai, the more details the better, no problem if the piece gets long. Wait, let me show you something…” Sajib pulled out a book.

I was startled when I saw the book, “Saucerful of Secrets!”

“Yes, Pink Floyd Odyssey…”

I said, “You sit at the computer, I’ll sit with this…”

We got to work. Before we knew it, the afternoon had turned into evening, and we were still writing the history of a band called Pink Floyd. After several hours, we more or less agreed on something…

Sajib said, “Let’s get a printout.”

The dot matrix printer was making a lot of noise as it printed! It would take a while to print six pages. We were staring at it. I said, “I’ll read it at home, I’ll take a copy.”

Sajib said, “Alright. If there are any corrections, let me know, I’ll save a copy on the floppy too.”

I was putting on my shoes to leave Sajib’s room when Sumon came out of the next room. Seeing me, he was surprised and said, “Oh, Milon, when did you get here?”

I said while putting on my shoes, “A while ago. I had some work with Sajib. I’m leaving now.”

Sumon said irritably, “Wait, where are you going? You know, this is the first time I’ve come out of my room in seven days…”

I said, “Yes, I heard! Sajib said you’re trying to figure something out on the bass… which song?”

Sumon said with a smile, “Oh, not a song. A classical piece. Beethoven’s ‘Moonlight Sonata.’”

I was surprised, “What! Classical on bass guitar?”

Sumon reminded me, “Don’t you remember, it was on Stuart Hamm’s album…”

“Oh yes,” I remembered. It was from the album “Radio Free Albemuth.” Joe Satriani played guitar on a few tracks of the album. Stuart Hamm did two classical pieces on the album; one by Debussy and the other, Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata.

I said, “Listening to it, it didn’t seem that difficult, just a free-flowing tune. Did it really take you a whole week?”

Sumon said dismissively, “It sounds like that, but it’s quite complicated. Come, I’ll show you, Milon. You’ll understand when you see it.”

Sumon took me to his room. The messy room made it clear that he hadn’t left the house in days, and it was doubtful if he had let anyone in. Entering the room, Sumon said, “I was just about to come out to play it for someone. And I found you right in front of me! That’s good.”

Sumon picked up his bass and sat down, “Do you understand eight-finger playing? This is eight-finger tapping. Playing the bass like a keyboard.”

I said enthusiastically, “Then play it…”

What I heard next was truly amazing. And what I saw with my own eyes was unbelievable! As I listened, my mouth hung open in awe! It took me a while to grasp what was happening.

After finishing, Sumon smiled and said, “What do you think, Milon? Did you understand?”

I replied, “That was insane! It felt like I was listening to the real thing!”

Sumon laughed and said, “Now you understand why it took me a week?” Sumon continued, “The amount of patience I had to test to pull this off. I’m completely drained!” He said excitedly, “Man! Just by ear, figuring out such complex finger movements! It’s tough…”

I nodded in agreement and said, “Yeah, I can see that. But I noticed you didn’t use your thumb, what were you doing towards the end…”

Sumon said, “Oh, that’s ‘slapping.’” He demonstrated the slap, “The main composition is eight-finger tapping. Although it’s slow tapping, remembering the combination while playing is a bit tricky, you know.”

It was late by the time we left Sumon and Sajib’s place. As soon as we stepped out, I noticed it was a full moon. On a night like this, Beethoven composed the Moonlight Sonata, thinking of a blind girl. So that she could feel the beauty of the full moon, even without seeing it.

It wasn’t far from Abahani Field to Kalabagan, but I still took a rickshaw. Thinking of Sumon playing the Moonlight Sonata, I closed my eyes and tried to feel the full moon like that blind girl, all the way home.

As I entered the house, I thought, I hope I don’t run into my father. Otherwise, I’d have to face a barrage of questions. But I didn’t run into anyone, not even my father.

I entered my room without turning on the light. The moonlight through the open window had already filled the room. The room was as messy as Sumon’s. Since the door was locked, my mother couldn’t clean it today. The bed was covered with a few Pink Floyd LP covers, scattered cassettes, a few books, and magazines. Last night, I was trying to organize these while working on the piece. Just thinking about putting these away made me sleepy. I turned on the turntable. The last few lines of “Wish You Were Here” played:

“We’re just two lost souls

swimming in a fish bowl,

year after year,

Running over the same old ground

What have we found?

The same old fears

Wish you were here.”

Milon cleared some of the clutter from the bed, making just enough space to lie down. The turntable was making a hissing sound, and the last part of “Shine On You Crazy Diamond” started playing. Milon took out the folded piece of paper from his pocket. In the dim light, he tried to read the words for a while. Nothing was legible, and his eyes were slowly closing… The music seemed to be coming from far away, Milon was drifting into another world, sinking into the unknown… Just then, from somewhere far away, it seemed like:

“Nobody knows where you are,

how near or how far. . .”

2

“Syd, Syd, get up quickly.”

Syd was either asleep or unconscious, it was hard to tell. Roger, helpless, looked at Rick and Nick and said, “What should we do with Syd? The show is in a little while, and he’s passed out on drugs…”

Nick didn’t answer, instead, he poured a jug of water over Syd’s head. Syd slowly opened his eyes, as if nothing had happened, and said, “Oh, you guys, when did you get here?”

Rick said, “We have a show tonight, Syd, did you forget? You didn’t even come to practice…”

Syd said dismissively, “Oh, really? When?”

“I’m waiting in the van,” Roger said angrily, walking out of the room.

Rick said, “If we leave now, we might still make it to the show. But are you okay?”

“Of course!” Syd quickly stood up, but immediately stumbled. Nick quickly caught him. “Why did you get into this deadly habit, Syd! We all warned you so many times, but you still can’t quit. What should I do with you…”

Syd laughed and said, “Scared already? I’m not dying that easily. Let’s go, where’s the show…”

They reached the UFO Club just in time. The club’s announcer said, “Enjoy the lights and sounds of psychedelic music with Pink Floyd.”

One by one, they took the stage. Syd stumbled as he tried to climb up. He almost fell, but Roger caught him with a firm hand. Roger asked, “Are you okay, Syd?”

Syd didn’t answer, just smiled faintly. Roger looked into Syd’s eyes and shuddered. Syd had come to the show with them, but he wasn’t really there!

The music started, along with the band’s trademark concert lighting. But alas, the three of them were just playing, Syd wasn’t singing, nor could he play the guitar… They never imagined they’d see a day like this!

3

Roger met Rick and Nick at Regent Street Polytechnic College in London, where they were architecture students. Naturally, the academic pressure was immense. One day, during a group study session, the radio played:

“Can’t buy me love

I’ll buy you a diamond ring my friend 

If it makes you feel alright

I’ll get you anything my friend 

If it makes you feel alright

Cos I don’t care too much for money, 

and money can’t buy me love”

Roger threw down his book and said, “Rick, Nick, did you always want to be architects?”

Nick said dismissively, “Not really… but if I become an architect, I can really buy some love for myself.” Nick laughed.

Rick threw a counter-question at Roger, “What are you trying to say, what are you thinking, Roger?”

Roger said, “I’m not sure, and it’s not that important. What’s important is that before we get stuck in the architecture life, we need to try something else. Becoming architects can always be our backup plan.”

Rick said incredulously, “Like what? What are you thinking now?”

Roger said, “I want to start a blues band. We’ll play in small clubs first, and gradually move to bigger shows…”

Nick cut in, “And one day, we’ll tour with The Beatles and The Rolling Stones!”

Rick said absently, “I once dreamed of becoming a musician. My family didn’t encourage me. They couldn’t imagine music as a profession. I have formal training in classical music.”

Roger said, “Hmm! When I was in Cambridge, I used to play some blues songs on the guitar with two friends. We could start with those. Rick can play the keyboard, Nick, you…”

Nick said enthusiastically, “I can bang the drums!” Nick started banging on the table.

Roger stopped him and said, “If we’re really going to do this, we need to take it more seriously. Are you guys in?”

Nick and Rick agreed. Roger told Nick, “I know a drum tutor, you can learn the basics from him for now.”

Nick immediately said, “I’ll go tomorrow, introduce me. I can be a drummer!”

Roger and Nick laughed. Rick seemed distracted, Roger asked, “Rick? Are you thinking about something else?”

Rick said worriedly, “I don’t have my own keyboard…”

Roger thought for a moment and said, “Start with the rhythm guitar for now. You know chords, right? Right, Mr. Richard Wright…”

Rick laughed and said, “Of course! That’s no problem. Roger, Mr. Roger Waters.”

Roger said firmly, “I’ll buy your keyboard with the money from our first show, I promise.”

Then, looking at Nick, Roger said, “So, Mr. Nick Mason, we’re forming a band.”

Nick stepped forward, “Let’s do it for a change.”

Roger thought for a moment and said, “We’ll get gigs if we try on campus. That’s where we’ll start. But we need to find a singer. A bassist would be great too.”

Rick said, “I’ll post something on the campus bulletin board.”

Roger was delighted, “I didn’t realize you guys would agree to form a band so easily.” 

4

Initially, they performed on college campuses as “Sigma 6.” Two singers joined the band, Keith Noble and his sister Juliet Gale. Clive Metcalfe played bass guitar. Roger sometimes played guitar, sometimes harmonica, and also sang. Rick was on rhythm, and Nick was on drums.

During this time, the band’s name changed several times. Sometimes it was “Megadeaths,” sometimes “Screaming Abdabs,” and sometimes just “Abdabs.” They even got a manager! They were getting quite a few gigs. Their campus shows now extended beyond architecture to other campuses.

But what happens in bands happens! One by one, everyone started leaving. Some joined other bands. Some, facing reality, left music to focus on studies. Only Roger, Rick, and Nick remained. The three of them were doing well, but the future was uncertain. They were a bit worried.

Some time later, there was a big exam, and they hadn’t studied much. After a long time, the three friends sat down for a group study session. None of them were focused on studying, everyone was sitting quietly.

Roger broke the silence with a question, “Architecture or music?”

Rick said, “Definitely music, but we have to pass this too. And we’re still learning, we’re not musicians yet. We’re hanging in both!”

Nick said, “But I think, Rick, you’re a real musician! What you’ve been playing on the keyboard these past few days, anyone who hears it is mesmerized.”

Roger agreed, “Especially during practice, Rick, you’re like a magician! Really, I had no idea you played so well when we bought that thing.”

Rick sighed and said, “Well, that Hammond organ was a good buy.”

Nick said, “For now, there’s no band, let’s focus on studying.”

Just then, there was a knock on the door. Nick said, “I’ll see who it is.”

He returned with someone. Nick said, “Roger, a friend of yours is here…”

Roger looked and was shocked, “Syd! You’re here? When did you arrive?”

Syd Barrett. Syd and Roger were childhood friends. They grew up in Cambridge. They spent almost their entire childhood together.

Roger’s father died during World War II, and Roger was born that same year. He never got to know his father. So, Syd’s family was very dear to him. Syd’s family also took Roger in as one of their own. Syd’s house had a lot of records, and that’s how they were introduced to jazz and blues. On the other hand, Roger’s mother was quite conservative, and Roger had to answer to her for everything. So, he spent most of his time with Syd. They had talked about forming a band since those days. They had done a few small gigs together. But when Roger moved to London for college, they never really formed a proper band.

Meanwhile, in Cambridge, Syd had already been in several bands, starting with “The Mottoes,” then “Those Without,” and before moving to London, he had another band, “The Hollering Blues.”

After seeing a Bob Dylan concert, Syd decided in his heart that he would become a real musician. He realized that music was deeply ingrained in his soul. He headed straight to London because he knew it was the ideal city to start something.

That’s how Syd suddenly appeared in London, much to Roger’s surprise. Syd, understanding Roger’s astonishment, said, “I arrived in London yesterday. I left Cambridge Art College and joined Camberwell College of Arts.”

Roger, recovering from the shock, said, “Oh, that’s great!”

Syd said, “I heard you’ve started a band…”

Roger said sadly, “Yes, that band is now history, it doesn’t exist anymore, Syd.”

Syd suddenly asked Roger, “Roger, did you really want to be an architect?”

Hearing this, Rick and Nick burst out laughing. Syd was taken aback by the laughter of these two strangers.

Roger laughed and said, “Did you come to London to study or to start a band...”

Syd smiled and replied, “You’ve probably figured it out, Rog. And when I found out you were also in a band, I immediately thought of coming here.”

Nick said, “We were doing pretty well with rock and roll and blues…”

Syd, surprised, said, “You were in the band too?”

Roger said, “Meet our drummer Nick Mason and keyboardist…”

Rick stepped forward and introduced himself to Syd, “Richard Wright, Rick.”

Roger introduced Syd to Rick and Nick, “Syd Barrett, we grew up together, played music together. Syd plays great guitar, sings, writes amazing songs…”

Rick said, “So, should we bring back the Screaming Abdabs...”

Roger threw the books in front of him. “No, we’ll have a new name.” 

5

They started again as ‘Spectrum Five.’ This time, Roger played bass guitar, Syd sang and played guitar. A friend of Syd and Roger from Cambridge, Bob Klose, joined as a guitarist. Among them, Bob was the most accomplished musician. They started playing gigs on campuses again. This time, they moved beyond college campuses to small bars and nightclubs.

They were getting some gigs, but nothing major. They decided to spend most of their time together, so they started living together. They all moved into Roger and Nick’s rented house in London. Many days passed like this. Although their situation didn’t change much, they were having a great time together.

One day, Nick said, “Will something happen with our band? Or should we focus on studies again?”

Syd was very surprised. “The band is still there...”

Rick said, “But how long can we go on like this, and what’s the future?”

Syd didn’t answer that question, instead, he said, “I have a lot of writings piled up. Let’s try to turn them into songs.”

Nick said, “Our own songs?”

Syd said, “Without our own songs, the band can’t go far.”

So, it was decided. They now played fewer gigs and spent more time in the practice pad creating their own songs. And wherever Syd was, time never passed badly. He was always doing something new. New sounds on the guitar, new songs, or some craziness.

The house they were living in belonged to Mick Leonard. Leonard was an art lecturer at a college in London. Leonard, with his eccentric nature, was always conducting various scientific experiments. Sometimes he would pour paint into the swimming pool, and other times there would be a loud explosion-like sound coming from his room.

Leonard also became very interested in their band. He always encouraged them. At one point, for the convenience of practice, he installed a huge pair of speakers in the ceiling. One day, during band practice, he suddenly showed up with a bunch of lighting equipment. Everyone stopped playing and watched Leonard’s antics. Leonard, annoyed, said, “Why did you stop? Keep playing…” With that, he started lighting in sync with the music, “Make the jam longer, bring out the psychedelia.”

Leonard’s appearance had a profound impact on the band. They changed the band’s name to ‘Leonard’s Lodgers,’ after Leonard.

Syd’s songs, along with long instrumental jams that seemed never-ending. Leonard arranged lighting for several concerts. The combination of jams and lighting created a new dimension. The local music scene in London slowly started recognizing them. Then, they changed the band’s name once more, to ‘The Tea Set.’

Around this time, they recorded their own songs in a studio for the first time. Four songs written by Syd, a blues song by Slim Harpo, “I’m a King Bee,” and Roger’s first song written with Syd, “Walk with Me Sydney.” All of them were blues songs. But they failed to make any impact. They realized that recording without any experience wasn’t enough; they needed a band manager, a producer, proper patronage.

So, they started playing regularly in clubs again. Meanwhile, they got a call from the famous Marquee Club. They arrived early. But when they got there, they found out that the band performing on stage was also called ‘The Tea Set’!

They were all quite worried. Nick joked, “Let’s get out of here before it’s too late...”

Just then, the concert announcer came and said, “Next up, what’s your band’s name again?”

Everyone looked at each other, no one was saying anything! Syd, without consulting anyone, quickly said, “The Pink Floyd Sound.”

The announcer was quite surprised; he couldn’t recall hearing the name before. The Tea Set’s performance ended, and reluctantly, the announcer had to go on stage. He announced the new band’s name.

Rick, Nick, Roger, and Bob all looked at Syd in surprise, where did he get this name from?

Syd winked and said, “Let’s play.”

They started with a light show, in sync with the guitar, drums, bass, and keyboard. No one had ever heard psychedelic music like this before. Everyone present that day realized they were hearing something new, something that would soon change everything...

After the show, Rick asked Syd, “What’s the mystery behind this name, Syd?”

Everyone else also pressed Syd to reveal the secret behind the band’s new name...

Syd said, “I’ll tell you at home—”

As soon as Syd got home, he sat down with his record collection. Everyone looked at the records together. Syd said, “On the sleeve of a blues singer Blind Boy Fuller’s record, there was an article by the famous writer Paul Oliver, where I saw the names of two blues musicians side by side...”

Suddenly, Syd exclaimed, “Eureka, this is what I was looking for.”

He opened the record and started reading the text on the sleeve, “Here, read this…” 

He handed the sleeve to Roger. Roger started reading, and two names caught his eye, “Pink Anderson and Floyd Council.”

Syd pulled out another record and put it on the player, “This is Pink Anderson, an American blues singer from the thirties. Listen…”

“I went down to a big crap game 

it certainly was against my will

I lost every doggone nickel I had 

but a greenback dollar bill

With a forty dollar bet laying on the floor 

and my buddy’s point was nine

When the police come 

he caught all of us but I got mine

Yes I got mine 

let me tell ya I got mine

I grabbed that money out the back door 

I went flying’

Ever since that big crap game 

I’ve been a living’ on chicken and wine

I’m a leader of the high society folks 

I got mine

And I went down to a turkey feast 

and that dinner was certainly fine

Fifteen minutes ’fore the table’s set 

all the jitterbugs fell in line

When they brought them gobblers in 

on those Jodies I did shine

Talk about a rascal a grabbin’ 

I got mine”

Everyone listened to the song in awe. As soon as it ended, Syd put on another record.

“Goin’ down to the station, 

gun in my hand

Tryin’ to get something 

my woman been givin’ another man

Babe I’m grievin’ 

and I'm worryin’

Mama ‘bout the way you do

I wanna say something mama

I want you to understand

Don’t be givin’ my lovin’ 

to no other man”

Then, signaling to Roger, Syd said, “What do you think, Rog? Does it ring a bell?”

Roger had forgotten about the song! For a moment, he felt like he was back in Cambridge. They used to listen to this record a lot at Syd’s house. Roger said, “Ah, this is Floyd Council…”

Rick exclaimed, “What amazing blues!”

6

Slowly, The Pink Floyd started playing in small and big clubs in London. Around this time, Bob left the band due to family reasons. But the others didn’t stop this time. They made the UFO Club their main base, where they regularly performed. The club’s owner, Joe Boyd, took on the role of manager for Pink Floyd. On Joe’s advice, they were inspired to record songs again.

The UFO Club always had record producers coming and going, and through that, Peter Jenner offered to produce them.

Pink Floyd’s first song, “Arnold Layne,” was recorded. But trouble arose with the very first song! The BBC London radio station refused to play the song. The lyrics, which mentioned Arnold stealing women’s underwear and cross-dressing, were deemed offensive, and the song was banned!

On the other hand, the news of the BBC banning “Arnold Layne” created a kind of curiosity among people. Everyone became even more eager to hear the song. Their first 45 RPM single, “Arnold Layne,” created a huge stir. Despite not being played on the radio, “Arnold Layne” made a significant impact as their first single.

A promo video for “Arnold Layne” was quickly made on a low budget for BBC Television’s ‘Top of the Pops.’ Initially, they agreed to air it, but at the last moment, they refused!

They weren’t too worried about all this, as the record company gave them the opportunity to record an album at Abbey Road Studios. Recording at Abbey Road Studios sent shivers down their spines. This was the studio where The Beatles recorded. So, as soon as they got the studio, they didn’t waste any time. Work on their first album began.

Syd was ready with his songs, and within the first month, they had almost completed half the album. One day, in the studio, Syd was showing Roger and Rick the chords of a song. Just then, Nick rushed into the studio, panting, “I just saw George with his guitar entering the next studio...”

Roger was surprised, “George Harrison?” 

Rick said, “The Beatles are recording next door? Wow! I wish I could see them together once.”

Syd, while tuning his guitar, looked at Roger with enthusiasm and asked, “Roger, will we get to see them?”

Roger reluctantly said, “Well, I can ask Peter for permission.”

As soon as they thought of it, they told their producer about their wish. Peter Jenner said, “Let’s see if it can be arranged.”

Peter had worked as a sound engineer for The Beatles before. Through that connection, he knew the band well. Peter requested George Martin, The Beatles’ current producer. Martin said, “I can’t promise anything, but bring them over tomorrow morning at 11. Let’s see if we can do something…” Then he added, “But they must not be disturbed. And I’m not making any promises, I’ll try. Exactly at 11, though…” With that, he left.

The next day, Peter brought them over on time. They nervously entered The Beatles’ studio. The Beatles were working on their ‘Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band’ album. Many musicians were working with them. Others were also coming in, by special request. But John-Paul-George-Ringo paid no attention; they were focused on their work. They were recording the song ‘Lovely Rita.’

Syd-Roger-Rick-Nick watched them in awe. Although none of them had the courage to speak to them. After spending some time, they returned to their studio. Although recording in a studio was a new experience for them, they didn’t shy away from experimenting. Seeing John, Paul, George, and Ringo gave them a new surge of confidence. They dove back into recording with renewed energy. From morning till evening, they were in the studio, and at night, they performed live at UFO or Roadhouse clubs. This was how they spent several months.

Syd’s childlike words and guitar melodies, Nick’s incredible keyboard playing, Roger and Nick’s perfect backup—all of it came together to create a new cosmic sound. They quickly finished the album’s work.

Around this time, the others noticed a change in Syd. Before the album’s release, the record company wanted to release another single. While recording “See Emily Play,” Syd was nowhere to be found. Meanwhile, David Gilmour, an old friend of Roger and Syd from Cambridge, showed up at the studio to visit them. He was also an up-and-coming musician.

Finally, Syd was found, but it took a lot of effort to bring him to the studio. David, seeing Syd for the first time, was shocked. He whispered to Roger, “Roger, what’s wrong with Syd?”

“I don’t know, Dave. He moved into his own apartment, and since then, his behavior has become more erratic,” Roger paused and said. “Anyway, how are you, Dave? I heard you’ve started a band.”

David replied, “Yes, Joker’s Wild. I’m heading to Paris with the band; I’ve got a job scoring music for a French film. I don’t know what fate has in store for me there. But before leaving, I thought I’d visit you all. But now, I’m really worried about Syd…”

Roger said sadly, “Me too. I’ve known him for so long, but I’ve never seen him like this. Remember how much time we used to spend together?”

David’s mind drifted back, and he said, “Listening to records at Syd’s house, spending days and days talking about music, roaming around the entire Cambridge city. How can anyone forget that? But now, looking at Syd, I feel a dark omen.”

David set off for France, heading into the unknown. Pink Floyd’s first album, The Piper at the Gates of Dawn, was released. London, England, and now their name was becoming known to music listeners everywhere. They were getting a lot of gigs, but the band was in trouble because of Syd!

7

Syd became heavily addicted to LSD. Slowly but surely, Syd was drifting away from reality. Meanwhile, Pink Floyd’s songs were being played on the radio everywhere, and everything felt surreal to them. Now they had gigs almost every day, but it was becoming increasingly difficult to find Syd. And even if they managed to bring him along, he couldn’t sing, let alone play the guitar!

Meanwhile, they had to start working on their second album for the following year. They recorded a new single, “Apples and Oranges,” and went on their first tour of America.

As soon as Pink Floyd arrived in North America, they faced a new crisis. All their equipment and instruments, brought from London for the tour, were stolen. The truck and the driver had vanished! Meanwhile, the show was about to start. They arrived at the venue and ran into Jimi Hendrix. Jimi, wearing a cowboy hat, was doing a soundcheck. Roger told Jimi about their predicament, “All our instruments were stolen, Jimi!”

Nick said gloomily, “I don’t think we’ll be able to perform tonight…”

Rick was almost in tears! Seeing this, Jimi laughed and pulled out a key from his pocket, handing it to Roger, “You can’t break down like this. Here, take this. It’s the key to my studio; take whatever you need from there.”

The four of them were stunned, staring at Jimi. They couldn’t say a word.

Jimi said, “What happened to you is truly shameful, and as an American citizen, I’m truly ashamed. But remember, to be in a band, you have to face adversity every moment. You have to be ready to overcome any obstacle.”

They all thanked Jimi profusely…

Jimi didn’t wait for their response and said, “Now run… get what you need and start the show. You don’t have much time!”

They finished the US tour and returned home, diving back into the studio in the mornings and performing live at night. Syd’s condition worsened, and it became almost impossible to work with him or perform with him. But Pink Floyd without Syd was unthinkable. After all, he was the band’s primary songwriter, singer, and guitarist. But he was disappearing into the world of drugs, and no matter how hard they tried, they couldn’t bring him back.

One day, Nick asked Roger and Rick, “What are we going to do about Syd?”

Roger said, “What if we hire another guitarist? Syd’s songs will still be enough for us.”

Rick said, “I heard Jeff Beck left The Yardbirds?”

Nick laughed and said, “He left, or was kicked out…”

Roger also laughed and said, “He’s actually our kind of guy. And even if he agreed to join, he’d probably end up kicking us out one by one. Or he’d get angry and leave. And who’s going to make him that offer? I don’t have the courage!”

Rick said thoughtfully, “What we really need is someone who can play our old songs live? And also sing in Syd’s absence…”

Roger thought for a moment and said, “Your words reminded me of someone. Why didn’t I think of him earlier? He could be the one.”

Nick and Rick asked, “Who is it?!”

Roger said, “Dave, I mean David Gilmour, remember him?”

Nick shook his head, not recognizing the name. Rick said, “The guy who came to the studio when we were recording one of Syd’s songs, you introduced us…”

Nick said, “Oh yes, I remember now, a handsome guy.”

Roger said, “Dave, my and Syd’s childhood friend from Cambridge. He’s very good at picking up any song. In fact, he once gave Syd guitar lessons.”

Rick said, “Really? Isn’t he in Paris now?”

Roger replied, “Yes, but I’m confident that if I ask him, even if he doesn’t agree for my sake, he’ll definitely join for Syd’s.”

David didn’t waste any time when he heard the news. After all, Syd needed help! Everyone genuinely loved Syd. His lively spirit had always been infectious.

David remembered his childhood days with Syd. David attended an expensive private school, but he didn’t like it. Every day on his way to school, he would see a boy wandering around with a guitar. One day, David skipped school and went up to the boy, asking, “What do you play? Can you play me a song?”

Syd smiled and said, “I don’t really play…”

David was surprised! He couldn’t play, but he carried a guitar around? What kind of talk was that? After chatting for a while, they realized they had similar tastes. David had been learning guitar since he was very young. David said, “I can teach you some basic guitar tips…”

Syd was surprised, “Really? You play guitar?”

Syd handed David the guitar. David strummed a few chords and realized the guitar was out of tune. He said, “Let me start by teaching you how to tune the guitar…”

At that moment, one of Syd’s friends arrived. This boy was often seen with Syd. Syd introduced David to Roger. From then on, the three of them spent almost every day together, playing guitar and talking about music.

Syd and Roger attended a public school, and David often skipped school to hang out with them. When school was over, he would go straight to Syd’s house. Syd had a huge record collection, and they would spend the rest of the day listening to them. This was how their days passed.

David thought about how beautiful those days were. Thinking about Syd’s current state, David felt sad, and he returned to London.

Pink Floyd now had five members. They were full of enthusiasm for the studio work. And why wouldn’t they be? Abbey Road Studios had given them all kinds of facilities. From various musical instruments to modern recording equipment, they had the opportunity to experiment with everything.

But unlike the first album, Syd’s enthusiasm was missing this time… Even if he came to the studio, he couldn’t focus on the work, he seemed lost somewhere. During live shows, it was the same; sometimes he would play, but most of the time he would just sit quietly, not singing, not even playing the guitar much. It didn’t take long for the others to realize that Syd was no longer with them; he was living in another world.

One day, while the rest of the band was heading to a gig in the van, they decided—they wouldn’t take Syd to any more live shows! They were supposed to pick him up from his apartment on the way. On the way, they made the decision—no more live shows with Syd!

Syd didn’t say anything about it. Meanwhile, in the studio, Syd’s “Apples and Oranges” was completed. The song was released as a single, and it was Syd’s last recording with Pink Floyd!

Although the plan was for Syd to write the songs, and they would record them in the studio, Syd failed to deliver any new songs. Besides, he was rarely seen anymore. Even when he did come to the studio, he would just sit quietly, doing nothing! Eventually, Syd stopped coming to the studio altogether. The band now had to think differently. Reluctantly, they started trying to write songs themselves.

This was how they finished the album. As usual, before the album’s release, they had to release a single, which would help promote the album. Musicians always feel uncomfortable recording singles. Because these are commissioned works, based on the demands of the producers/managers. They want hit singles. But bands prefer working on albums because they have more freedom; no one interferes much.

Anyway, they released a single written by Nick, ‘It Would Be So Nice.’ On the B-side was Roger’s song, ‘Julia Dream,’ the first Pink Floyd song sung by David. The chemistry between Roger and David resulted in this song, and David’s vocal prowess was also evident.

“Sunlight bright upon my pillow

Lighter than an eiderdown

Will she let the weeping willow

Wind his branches round

Julia dream, dreamboat queen, queen of all my dreams

Every night I turn the light out

Waiting for the velvet bride

Will the scaly armadillo

Find me where I'm hiding

Julia dream, dreamboat queen, queen of all my dreams

Will the misty master break me

Will the key unlock my mind

Will the following footsteps catch me

Am I really dying”

Pink Floyd’s second album, A Saucerful of Secrets, was released. Only one song sung by Syd made it to the album, ‘Jugband Blues.’ The song had been recorded earlier, and the band’s producer was adamant about not including any of Syd’s songs on the album. “The band doesn’t have him anymore, why do you want to keep his songs? I just can’t understand it!”

All four band members strongly objected, insisting that the song must be included. Roger said, “This song has to be there, otherwise, there’s no need for the album!”

Finally, ‘Jugband Blues’ was included as the album’s closing track. Through this song, Syd bid farewell, something he had realized long before.

“It’s awfully considerate of you to think of me here

and I’m much obliged to you for making it clear that I’m not here.

and I never knew the moon could be so big

and I never knew the moon could be so blue

and I’m grateful that you threw away my old shoes

and brought me here instead dressed in red

and I’m wondering who could be writing this song.

I don’t care if the sun don’t shine

and I don’t care if nothing is mine

and I don’t care if I’m nervous with you

I’ll do my loving in the winter.

And the sea isn’t green

and I love the queen

and what exactly is a dream

and what exactly is a joke.”

After the success of the second album, their gigs doubled. They also started receiving offers for concerts from abroad.

8

Roger sat helplessly with a guitar, staring blankly at the ceiling. He was struggling to write new songs, and the absence of Syd was becoming more and more apparent.

In front of Roger were several sheets of paper filled with scribbles and crossed-out lines. Nearby lay an old-fashioned ink pen. A drop of ink fell from the pen and rolled onto the floor. A little further away, Rick sat in front of a keyboard. He was also silent, his gaze fixed on Roger.

Just then, Nick stumbled into the studio. He immediately sensed that something was wrong. Instead of heading to his drum set, he went straight to Rick, “What’s wrong with Roger? Why does he look so distraught?”

Rick said, “He’s been trying to write a song since morning, but nothing’s working…”

Nick said, “I thought you were leaving the band!”

Rick laughed, “No, I was just saying, let’s try doing something different.”

Roger, without looking up, said, “Good idea, Rick! Let’s do that.”

Nick said, “But we’re struggling even with the four of us, and now you’re saying we should do it alone?”

David said, “I can do a song if Roger writes something.”

Roger said firmly, “No. Whatever we do, we have to do it ourselves. No one else can help.”

The album Ummagumma had one record live, and the other record’s sides were divided among the four members for solo tracks. Rick composed a four-part piece. Roger did two songs, one of which didn’t use any instruments, just vocal loops and handclaps! David composed a three-part piece, the first two parts instrumental, and the last part had a song; he played drums, bass, and keyboard himself, besides the guitar. Nick composed a three-part percussion piece; his wife Lindy played the flute in the beginning and end.

They got another film project. This time, it was for the legendary Italian film director Michelangelo Antonioni. He wanted surreal music for his new film, something otherworldly for the scenes. Antonioni asked two psychedelic bands, The Grateful Dead from America and Pink Floyd from England, to create the background music for his film Zabriskie Point. Pink Floyd recorded five tracks at a studio in Rome, three of which made it to the film’s soundtrack album.

Back home, they started working on a new album. One side of the record was avant-garde instrumental, and the other side had three songs by the other three members, excluding Nick. Nick’s responsibility was to come up with new ideas for the album’s closing instrumental track. Together, they recorded the album’s first instrumental track, a six-part, twenty-three-minute piece. But none of them were satisfied; something was missing.

Nick asked, “What exactly do we mean by avant-garde?”

David said, “Something progressive, ahead of its time, that’s the definition of avant-garde.”

Nick replied, “I don’t feel like we’ve achieved that!”

Rick said, “I think if we add an orchestra choir to our music, it would sound better.”

Nick said, “What if we ask Ron Geesin?”

They had met Ron recently. Ron conducted orchestras and also worked with sound effects. He literally created avant-garde music.

Roger said, “Yes, we can ask Ron.”

Ron Geesin agreed. But there was a problem with the orchestra musicians. They were classical musicians and weren’t initially interested in creating avant-garde music for a rock band. Eventually, they agreed, and work began. Ron Geesin led the orchestra. John Alldis, the choir master at Abbey Road, arranged the choir section. This was how the six-part “Atom Heart Mother Suite” was completed.

Around this time, Syd showed up at the studio with some more songs. David and Rick got busy helping him.

Roger, along with Ron Geesin, worked on a documentary film, The Body. This documentary, about human biology, deeply examined various organs and parts of the human body. Roger used sounds from the human body to create the soundtrack, while Ron arranged the orchestra and soundscapes.

Meanwhile, Nick was deeply worried about the new album’s closing instrumental. He couldn’t come up with anything! One day, early in the morning, his sleep was disturbed by a loud noise! He went to the kitchen and saw one of their roadies, Alan Styles, preparing breakfast with great enthusiasm. Then he was enjoying his meal. Alan was responsible for the band’s instruments during concerts. Nick watched Alan’s breakfast routine intently. Suddenly, he thought, this could be an idea! Alan would have breakfast, and they would provide the background music. Everyone liked the idea, and they recorded “Alan’s Psychedelic Breakfast.” The other three songs were also quickly recorded.

The album Atom Heart Mother reached number one on the UK album charts. Orchestral rock was completely new at the time. They were gaining fame on both sides of the Atlantic. They performed several symphonic rock concerts at home and abroad.

Famous film director Stanley Kubrick expressed interest in using Atom Heart Mother for his new film, A Clockwork Orange. But when the band found out that Stanley would use parts of the track as he pleased throughout the film, Pink Floyd declined. Later, Stanley used various parts of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony in the film instead.

10

Pink Floyd didn’t stop; they dove back into the studio. Their experiments with sound and instruments continued. For the song ‘Fearless,’ they recorded the Liverpool Football Club’s theme song, ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone,’ with the stadium crowd. They recorded a dog’s bark for “Seamus.” The album’s opening instrumental featured Nick’s voice saying, “One of these days, I’m going to cut you into little pieces.”

Roger and David wrote most of the songs for the album together. Roger wrote one, and David wrote three songs, singing them as well. The album’s other side featured another long composition. The 23-minute song “Echoes,” inspired by the famous poet Allama Iqbal’s poem “Do Sitare,” was sung in harmony by David and Rick. Their vocal harmony added a new dimension to the song.

“Overhead the albatross

Hangs motionless upon the air

And deep beneath the rolling waves

In labyrinths of coral caves

An echo of a distant time

Comes willowing across the sand

And everything is green and submarine

And no one called us to the land

And no one knows the where’s or why’s

Something stirs and something tries

Starts to climb toward the light

Strangers passing in the street

By chance two separate glances meet

And I am you and what I see is me

And do I take you by the hand

And lead you through the land

And help me understand

The best I can

And no one called us to the land

And no one forces down our eyes

No one speaks and no one tries

No one flies around the sun

Cloudless, everyday you fall upon my waking eyes

Inviting and inciting me to rise

And through the window in the wall

Come streaming in on sunlight wings

A million bright ambassadors of morning

And no one sings me lullabys

And no one makes me close my eyes

So I throw the windows wide

And call to you across the sky”

The album Meddle was released, and once again, they achieved great success! Pink Floyd’s members were now full of confidence. Through “Echoes,” they seemed to have found their own sound, a kind of direction for the future.

The studio had become their home, and they had learned a lot about the intricacies of recording. One day, while they were working in the studio, they learned that a guest had arrived, Adrian Maben. But none of them recognized him. The person who brought the news added, “He introduced himself as a film director.”

Roger said, “Oh yes, a guy talked to me about six months ago. He wants to make a film about us. Dave, you go and meet him. See what ideas he has…”

David met Adrian. David asked, “Have you thought about what you’ll do? Any ideas?”

Adrian said, “Not really, but I was thinking of combining famous paintings with your music…”

David didn’t like the idea much, and Adrian could tell from his expression. He quickly said, “No, actually, I came to say that I’m interested in making a film…”

David replied, “You said that six months ago! If you have a good idea, we’re interested too.”

With that, David got up. Adrian was left in deep thought; it was a mistake to come to them like this. He should have prepared a proper plan before coming. Nothing had been thought out properly, and it had all gone wrong.

A few days later, Adrian went to Rome with his girlfriend. They were wandering around the ruins of Pompeii, a city destroyed by a volcano a thousand years ago. He thought about the history embedded in the place, the cries of the past… The ancient mosaic paintings on the walls still seemed so vibrant, as if they were living witnesses of time. Thinking about all this, he suddenly remembered Pink Floyd. This would be the perfect place to film a concert with them! He imagined the ancient amphitheater being brought back to life by Pink Floyd’s music.

As soon as he thought of it, he called them from Rome. The band liked the idea. It was decided that they would come to Rome for a week. Adrian had to finish the shooting within that time. He made all the arrangements, and the shooting would take place over six days. The local government was requested to keep the site closed to visitors during those six days, as only the shooting would take place.

Everything was quickly arranged. But alas! There were problems with electricity during the shooting. The government was lobbied, generators were brought in… but nothing seemed to solve the problem!

The amphitheater was almost two kilometers away from the town hall of Pompeii. Finally, they managed to bring electricity through two kilometers of cables! All this took three days, and the remaining three days were used to complete the shooting. And to ensure that the cables didn’t come loose or someone didn’t disconnect them, people were stationed to guard them at all times.

Pink Floyd performed live without an audience, while fragments of Pompeii’s art and ruins were shown. A unique atmosphere was created. Adrian’s face slowly lit up with a smile; this was exactly what he had wanted.

11

One day in the studio, Roger said, “We should get back to work without wasting any more time.”

Nick said, “Album work? We’ve been so busy with the tour, when do we have time for the studio?”

Roger said, “We need to think of something new, something inspiring…”

Rick said, “Are you writing something?”

Roger said, “Yes, I’m writing… conflict, greed, time, death; slowly, these are reflected in various stages of life. I’m thinking of a concept album about these themes.”

David said, “Sounds very interesting!”

Roger said, “The writings need a bit more polishing. I can give you a rough idea. Each song on the album will be like a sequential fragment.”

Roger continued, “The album will start with an instrumental, like a travel sequence, with guitar and drum jamming.

“Then a song about the significance of time, with David and Rick harmonizing.

“Next, another instrumental, ‘Mortality Sequence.’ Religion will come into play here, with some prayer passages from the Bible in the background. We need to capture the taste of death here, Rick, you’ll handle this.

“Then a song about money, wealth, and greed, ‘Money.’”

With that, Roger picked up the guitar, “I’ve set it to a simple blues progression for now, listen and you’ll get an idea...”

“Money, get away

Get a good job with good pay and you’re okay

Money, it’s a gas

Grab that cash with both hands and make a stash

New car, caviar, four star, daydream

Think I'll buy me a football team

Money, get back

I'm alright, Jack, keep your hands off of my stack

Money, it’s a hit

Don’t give me that do goody good bullshit

I’m in the high-fidelity first class traveling set

And I think I need a Lear jet

Money, it’s a crime

Share it fairly but don't take a slice of my pie

Money, so they say

Is the root of all evil today

But if you ask for a raise

It's no surprise that the’re giving none away”

Everyone listened to Roger’s song in awe. For a while, no one spoke. Finally, David said, “Amazing!”

Roger continued, “The next song, ‘Us and Them,’ needs a lot of work. A saxophone would go well with the guitar solo. Finally, two songs, ‘Brain Damage’ and ‘Eclipse.’ The first is about mental illness, and the second is about empathy, something hopeful.

David said, “I can’t wait!

Rick said, “Roger, when do we start recording?”

Roger laughed and said, “Starting today!”

Nick was surprised, “You just said the writing wasn’t finished, so…”

Roger said, “Actually, I’m dreaming of a perfect concept album. I’ve told you the concept, now we need to create the music for the album based on that.”

Nick said, “With the rate of shows we have, it’s almost like a world tour.”

Roger said, “I think we should perform songs from this album at the upcoming shows.”

Hearing this, the others were stunned. Rick said, “Perform before the album is out?”

Roger replied, “If we perform the album live, we’ll compose as we go. We’ll see our own improvement with each new show. There’s always room to add something new. We’ll get a complete idea of what works and what doesn’t.”

David agreed, “With each show, our skills will improve. We’ll have a demo of the album, which we can use as a reference to record the final album. It will only benefit us.”

“What’s the album’s name, have you decided?” Nick asked.

Roger said, “‘The Dark Side of the Moon.’”

The three of them almost said in unison, “The Dark Side of the Moon!”

“Yes, that’s the album’s name. Are you all ready to perform live...” Roger’s eyes sparkled, “We need to prepare ourselves accordingly.”

The next month was spent on an England tour, and Pink Floyd was extremely busy. They started performing all the songs from The Dark Side of the Moon live. They even recorded a few new tracks during this time. Nick’s “Speak to Me” opened the show, followed by another new song, “Breathe.” Another instrumental, “On the Run,” was added. After performing the entire album, they ended the concert with a few songs from their older albums.

After the England tour, they rushed back to the studio. Everyone was lost in the dream of a concept album. Abbey Road’s vast sound library was at their disposal, and they were exploring every musical instrument, not leaving out any recording equipment.

When Pink Floyd first started recording, Abbey Road had 4-track Studer tape machines, but now they were using 8-track machines. They learned that a 16-track machine had recently been installed, but only one person could operate it. His name was Alan Parsons.

Rick said, “Oh, Alan has worked with us before. On the Atom Heart Mother album, he was the tape operator. I remember, he’s a very talented guy. He has an incredible knowledge of sound.”

Roger said, “We want Alan as the sound engineer.”

Alan was urgently hired for The Dark Side of the Moon album. Alan got to work with great enthusiasm.

But within a few days, Roger surprised everyone by saying, “Let’s all go on a holiday to France.”

Rick was surprised, “You’re talking about a holiday now!”

The others were also curious. Roger said, “‘Château d’Hérouville,’ an 18th-century castle. It’s far from the city, a very peaceful environment...”

Nick asked, “What’s there?”

“There’s a studio there.” Roger burst into laughter, “Actually, I didn’t tell you, Barbet Schroeder has asked us to do the music for his new film again.”

Nick sighed, “So that’s what it is! I thought you were sick or something. I’ve never heard you talk about anything other than work…”

David said, “That’s good, we can do the film’s music with a fresh mind.”

After the success of More, film director Barbet Schroeder asked Pink Floyd to do the music for his French film La Vallée. The band set off for France. In the countryside castle, they forgot everything else and got busy with the film’s music. They worked non-stop for seven days, then set off on tour again.

After the Japan tour, they returned to Château d’Hérouville to finish the film’s music. Another week was spent completing the album’s work. They recorded four instrumentals and six songs for More. Barbet was very satisfied, but the band insisted on naming the album Obscured by Clouds.

Back in England, they did two shows and then set off on a North America tour. They toured for two months straight and then dove back into the studio. For almost three months, they barely left the studio. They had more or less finished the album’s work.

They spent the next six months touring Europe and America. Whenever they returned to England, they were busy with the album’s work. The Dark Side of the Moon was almost complete.

But there was a problem with the “Mortality Sequence”! The Bible passage they had used for the background no longer felt right to anyone. Rick said, “If we could do it without words, it would be better, but we need someone with classical training.”

Alan Parsons said, “I can suggest someone. There’s a vocalist who does session work at this studio, Clare Torry.”

Clare Torry came to record, but Rick couldn’t quite explain what he wanted. David stepped in to help, telling Clare, “Just follow Rick’s piano, and when you sing, close your eyes and think of death.”

Clare began. Outside, everyone was looking at each other. Rick’s eyes lit up; this was exactly what he wanted!

Clare wasn’t paying much attention to what was happening outside; she was truly singing with her eyes closed! When she finished, she apologized, “Sorry, that wasn’t good... Should I try again?”

Everyone almost said in unison, “No no, it’s perfect.”

Clare was confused.

David reassured her, “Don’t worry, just do what you were doing again...”

Clare sang again, and everyone listened in awe. When she finished, Rick said, “This is what I wanted, thank you, Clare.”

The “Mortality Sequence” was renamed “The Great Gig in the Sky.”

Nick created a fantastic intro for the album’s opening, “Speak to Me,” with various sound effects, someone’s laughter, another’s scream, and fragmented speech. Then came “Breathe (In the Air),” a song of youthful invocation. A song about being born anew into the world...

“Breathe, breathe in the air

Don’t be afraid to care

Leave but don’t leave me

Look around, choose your own ground

For long you live and high you fly

And smiles you’ll give and tears you’ll cry

And all your touch and all you see

Is all your life will ever be

Run, rabbit run

Dig that hole, forget the sun

And when at last the work is done

Don’t sit down, it’s time to dig another one

For long you live and high you fly

But only if you ride the tide

And balanced on the biggest wave

You race towards an early grave”

Next came “On the Run,” which they had previously performed as the “Travel Sequence.” The track was recorded with the sound of footsteps, which blended into the next song. The ticking of clocks and Nick’s drums opened “Time.” The song ended with another line from “Breathe.”

“Home, home again

I like to be there when I can

When I come in cold and tired

It's good to warm my bones beside the fire

Far away across the field

The tolling of the iron bell

Calls the faithful to their knees

To hear the softly spoken magic spells.”

Then, “The Great Gig in the Sky” closed the album’s first side. The second side opened with the sound of coins dropping, which Roger created by dropping coins into a bowl. “Money” and the next song, “Us and Them,” featured Dick Parry on saxophone. “On the Run” was renamed “Any Colour You Like,” where human preferences blended with abstraction. “Brain Damage,” originally “Lunatic Song,” was about Syd’s mental breakdown, and finally, “Eclipse,” a song of hope. David was supposed to sing all the lead vocals on the album. But while recording “Brain Damage” and “Eclipse,” David told Roger, “You should sing these two songs, Rog.”

Roger said, “Your voice is the best among us...”

David insisted, “These songs have such an appeal, I think your voice would suit them better.”

Reluctantly, Roger sang the songs. The album ended with a line, “There is no dark side in the moon, really. Matter of fact, it’s all dark. The only thing that makes it look light is the sun.”

The Dark Side of the Moon was essentially the result of their live shows and recording experiments. Roger prepared several questions and asked random people to answer them. Alan recorded those answers and inserted them into various parts of the album! The songs were seamlessly connected, creating a concept album. The album opened with the sound of a human heartbeat and ended with a snippet of The Beatles’ “Ticket to Ride” played by an orchestra! The Dark Side of the Moon also ended with the sound of a heartbeat.

The album’s work was finished. Everyone listened together. The album cover designers were also invited. Storm Thorgerson and Aubrey Powell, who had been working for Pink Floyd since their first album under the name ‘Hipgnosis,’ were there. Storm and Aubrey were childhood friends of Syd, Roger, and David from Cambridge. Although everyone in the band liked their previous covers, the management didn’t. So, this time, they were asked to create something smart. A few days later, they brought seven album designs to the band. Although everyone liked one design from the start. It featured a prism refracting light.

The Dark Side of the Moon was released. Within the first week, it created a huge sensation. It climbed to the top of the charts in almost every country around the world. It reached number one in the US and Canada and number two in the UK.

Pink Floyd instantly became a big band, and the four of them became millionaires overnight. Nick bought all his favorite cars, David bought a castle, Rick bought a sailboat… it was chaos!

They set off on another world tour.

12 

They quickly finish the tour and return to the studio. Although they don’t have any new song ideas at the moment. Roger says, “Let’s forget all our instruments and then try to make music.”

Nick asks, “What are you saying? How will I play without instruments?”

Roger continues, “It could be ordinary household items, stationery, or furniture…”

Nick thinks for a moment and asks, “Kitchen utensils?”

Roger replies, “Yes, it could be… We’ll use these to create sounds like instruments!”

Rick, picking up on Nick’s words, laughs and says, “I know what Nick was thinking when he mentioned kitchen utensils.”

Everyone bursts into laughter. David says, “Go on, Nick, the kitchen utensils are reserved for you.”

Though the idea isn’t entirely clear to anyone, they start brainstorming. Roger takes a rubber band and attaches it to a lighter, trying to produce a bass-like sound. David brings some wine glasses, fills them with varying amounts of water, and runs his finger around the rims to create a ringing sound. Since each glass has a different amount of water, the pitch varies, and David tries to use this to create something. He starts extracting musical chords from the glasses. Rick arranges small to large furniture to create a scale and uses a spoon to measure the vibrations of the objects. Nick is ready with his plates and pots!

This continues for several days. Taking a break from studio work, they go for a campfire. As evening falls, they light a fire by the Thames and spend time laughing and chatting. The night grows deeper. At this point, Roger suddenly says, “I really miss Syd.”

Hearing this, everyone’s mood instantly sours. Nick breaks the silence, saying, “When you recorded Syd’s second album, it turned out quite well…”

Rick adds, “Getting Syd to record was a huge struggle. Most of the time, he didn’t want to sing.”

David says, “After the album, we did a show at Olympia, and I was on bass guitar. He played four songs, then suddenly threw down his guitar and left the stage! Backstage, we couldn’t find him; he just left without saying anything. Later, we found out he went straight to Cambridge.”

David goes to fetch his guitar. Roger says, “But he still did live shows after that.”

David, tuning his guitar, says, “Yes, he did one in Cambridge. I’ve heard that story.”

Nick, surprised, says, “Really? I didn’t know that!”

Roger tells the story, “Blues musician Eddie ‘Guitar’ Burns came to Cambridge with his ‘Boogie Band’ to perform, and Syd went to watch the show. The band members recognized him and invited him on stage. Syd refused, but the audience forced him up. He jammed with the band for almost half an hour! He really enjoyed it. The Boogie Band’s drummer and bassist even offered to form a band with Syd, and he agreed.”

Nick and Rick listen in stunned silence, while David tries to play something on his guitar.

Roger continues, “They formed a band and toured for a while. What was the band’s name again…?”

David says, “Star.” He plucks a few notes on his guitar intermittently while listening to the story.

Roger nods, “Yes, Star. Syd did two or three shows at the Dandelion Club. Along with his solo songs, he played ‘See Emily Play’ and ‘Lucifer Sam.’ But during the first show, Syd cut his hand while playing guitar and ended the show there.

“At the second show, no one in the band could keep up with him; they couldn’t understand what he was playing. So, sometimes they’d leave him on stage alone, and he’d perform acoustically. I read all this in reviews. The shows were apparently terrible, and Syd had apparently forgotten how to play guitar. These reviews unexpectedly reached Syd’s eyes. The next day, he went to the show but got on stage and said, ‘I don’t feel like playing anymore’… and left. Actually, Syd couldn’t accept those reviews. His spirit was broken. That was Syd’s last performance.”

David tries to pluck a note on his guitar, but the notes don’t land correctly, sounding a bit off. It sounds strange, creating a sense of lonely neglect!

Roger notices and says, “What was that, Dave? Play it again, let me hear…”

David plucks the same way again. Roger says, “That really reminds me of Syd.”

Roger starts singing a song,

“Remember when you were young, you shone like the sun 

Shine on you crazy diamond 

Now there’s a look in your eyes, like black holes in the sky 

Shine on you crazy diamond 

You were caught on the crossfire of childhood and stardom 

Blown on the steel breeze 

Come on you target for faraway laughter 

Come on you stranger, you legend, you martyr, and shine!”

What unusual lyrics! Everyone stares at Roger in amazement. Nick exclaims, “What was that, Rog!”

Roger says, “I was trying to write a song about Syd. I couldn’t find the right melody, but hearing Dave’s guitar made me think this could work.”

David says, “Let’s make an album about Syd. I often feel guilty that we couldn’t do anything for Syd…”

Rick says, “Yes, Rog, write about Syd.”

Nick says, “Yes, no more plates and pots, let’s do a real album!”

Their France tour begins. There, alongside songs from ‘The Dark Side of the Moon’ album, they start regularly performing the new song about Syd, ‘Shine On’. 

It takes Roger a long time to write new songs for the album. Finally, they go to the studio to record the album. ‘Shine On’ becomes ‘Shine On You Crazy Diamond’. David starts the song with the experimental sounds of wine glasses, using a glass harp, and then the plucking of the chords they played that day.

David’s singing seems to pour out anguish, with a faint laughter in the background of the melody! The madness took away Syd’s creative power of song, melody, and rhythm. Like poison, it seeped into Syd’s bloodstream, slowly turning him into a lifeless object. The song calls out in an otherworldly tone, and it’s only because the lost friend Syd was so close that this was possible. The entire song ends up being twenty-six minutes long.

At first, it was decided to keep it all together, like they had done before with ‘Echoes’. David composed it that way. But Roger had a different idea. He said, “This one song will both start and end the album.”

Nick and Rick also agreed to that. The song was divided into two parts. The first part consists of sections 1 to 5, and the second part consists of sections 6 to 9. Three more songs were added in between.

The story of becoming acquainted with the world of music; drifting away from reality to dream of ambition, the greed and corruption of record companies; all these are explored in the second song, ‘Welcome to the Machine’. The third song, ‘Have a Cigar’, also deals with the corruption of the music industry and the media’s inability to understand the music. In one line, Roger writes, “By the way, which one’s Pink?” Actually, during Pink Floyd’s early tours, a reporter asked a similar question. She thought Pink Floyd was the name of one of the band members! But while recording the song, they ran into a new problem. David records the song and says, “My voice doesn’t sound good with satire. Maybe you can try it, Roger.”

Roger tries the song, but they still don’t like it. Roger says, “Let’s try singing it together.”

But no, they still don’t like it. In another studio at Abbey Road, Roy Harper was recording. David had been helping him with his new album. Suddenly, it occurred to him, “I can ask Roy. His voice is quite bluesy.”

Roy is brought to their studio. They explain the song to him, and he immediately gets it, understanding how to sing it. David says enthusiastically, “Yes, Roy, that’s exactly what we wanted.”

Like their previous album, they add various experimental sounds here too. ‘Have a Cigar’ ends with the sound of radio tuning, as if someone is searching for a song from one station to another. At one point, an acoustic guitar plays on the radio, and someone seems to be playing another guitar along with it; ‘Wish You Were Here’ is essentially a reminiscence of growing up with Syd in Cambridge during their childhood. After recording the song, David says, “What if we add a violin to the song? Violins sound great in country-style songs…”

Roger says, “You’re in luck, Dave. In the next studio, Stéphane Grappelli and Yehudi Menuhin are working on an album together! You can ask them…”

The legendary violinists, Stéphane Grappelli and Yehudi Menuhin, are approached with their request. Stéphane agrees, but Yehudi shows no interest. They record a track with Stéphane for the song. However, due to multiple tracks being recorded, the violin sound gets lost in the final mix!

The album’s recording is finished. For the last time, they listen to the final mix of the album. Along with the four of them, their regular cover designers, sound engineers, producers, and management have all come to hear the album for the first time. Today is also David’s wedding, but they’ve already taken care of the formalities earlier. With the US tour ahead, they have very little time on their hands. As they listen to the album, they make various comments. In the midst of this, they notice someone sitting hunched in the far corner of the studio control room! A bald, heavyset man occasionally flails his arms and legs but says nothing. Rick asks Roger at one point, “Who’s that, Rog? Do you know him?”

Roger glances back dismissively and says, “I don’t know…”

Rick says, “I thought he might be a friend of yours…”

Roger replies, “No, I don’t know him.”

They become engrossed in listening to the music again. Just as *Shine On You Crazy Diamond* plays for the second time on the album, Rick suddenly looks back again. He realizes that the stranger is none other than Syd himself!

Rick nudges Roger with his elbow and says, “Roger, that’s Syd!”

Roger quickly turns around, “Oh my God, it is! What’s happened to Syd…”

Tears stream down Roger’s face. He looks at David, who, without understanding, looks back. David’s blood runs cold—who is he seeing? Just then, the next part of the song plays…

“You reached for the secret too soon, you cried for the moon 

Shine on you crazy diamond 

Threatened by shadows at night, and exposed in the light 

Shine on you crazy diamond 

Well you wore out your welcome with random precision 

Rode on the steel breeze 

Come on you raver, you seer of visions 

Come on you painter, you piper, you prisoner, and shine!”

Syd, whose vision launched Pink Floyd; their friend, companion, and like-minded soul. His generous voice has fallen silent, the guitar’s melody no longer plays, and the pen lies still. Tears well up in David’s eyes too.

Eventually, the album ends. David approaches Syd and says, “Syd, this song is about you. Would you like to listen to it again properly?”

Syd remains silent for a moment, then replies with a hint of irritation, “I just heard it! Why again?”

He’s not willing to listen again. David doesn’t push further and changes the subject, “I got married today, Syd! Let’s all go down to the studio canteen. My wife Ginger and I have arranged a little celebration.”

With that, David leads everyone out. Someone jokingly asks Syd, “Syd, how did you get so fat in just a few days?”

Syd laughs and replies, “I have a huge fridge at home, and I love to eat pork chops.”

Everyone laughs. Syd does join everyone at David’s celebration, but after a while, he disappears without saying a word to anyone! That was the last time Syd left.

After the celebration, as everyone leaves, Rick and Roger sit in melancholy. Rick says, “I’m thinking, what if we add a melody from one of Syd’s songs at the end of the album?”

Roger immediately responds, “That would be amazing! But which song are you thinking of, Rick?”

Rick says, “I was thinking of the couplet melody from Syd’s ‘See Emily Play’.”

Roger gets up right away, “Let’s go to the studio now…”

When ‘Wish You Were Here’ is released, it reaches number one on both sides of the Atlantic! Once again, they prove themselves as the world’s best band. Pink Floyd finishes their regular long tour.

Upon returning to England, Roger buys a three-story old church hall in North London. A 24-track recording machine is installed there. Within a few days, it’s turned into a studio. Roger says, “From now on, Pink Floyd will record here.”

Everyone loves the idea. Nick excitedly exclaims, “Our own studio!”

David says, “We can work as long as we want, no one will say anything.”

Rick says, “We won’t have to leave the studio for anyone.”

They plan to start recording a new album. Two songs, ‘Raving and Drooling’ and ‘You Gotta Be Crazy’, are already written. Roger wrote these two songs during the last tour. They’ve already performed them at several shows. Roger says, “I’ve tweaked the two songs a bit and turned them into ‘Sheep’ and ‘Dogs’.”

Nick asks, “Why sheep and dogs again!?”

Roger says, “Remember George Orwell’s Animal Farm? Where the author uses dogs, pigs, and sheep to describe different classes of society…”

Rick says, “So can I assume there’s another song on the album called ‘Pigs’?”

Roger laughs and says, “Yes! Although it’s still not fully written. This album is going to be somewhat political. It’ll be based on the twists and turns of politics, the greed for power among rulers, and so on.”

But Roger struggles while working. He’s the only one writing the songs, and no one can really help him. David is a bit busy with his first child. Nick and Rick are both dealing with marital issues. In this state, Roger feels quite alone. His new wife, Carolyne Christie, encourages him to write new songs. For Carolyne, Roger writes *Pigs on the Wing*, a song divided into two parts, with Roger himself playing acoustic guitar, and guitarist Snowy White playing a guitar solo in between. Snowy had been regularly playing guitar alongside David during the band’s live shows since the last tour.

Roger starts working on the album. Although David had asked for some time, Roger doesn’t want to delay any further. Everyone reluctantly returns to the studio.

The album begins with the first part of *Pigs on the Wing* and ends with the second part. Snowy White’s guitar solo is left out of the main album!

In the middle of the album, Dogs, Pigs, and Sheep find their place. ‘Animals’ is released. Although no one except Roger is fully satisfied with the album, it gains popularity among listeners and earns a prestigious place on the charts.

During the Animals tour, Roger’s relationship with the others deteriorates. At one show, some audience members behave badly, and Roger reacts aggressively! Rick threatens to leave the band! Roger later regrets his behavior. However, Roger privately thinks that one day he’ll build a wall between himself and the audience!

After the tour, David releases his first solo album with his old band, *The Joker’s Wild*. Rick, along with Snowy White, releases his first solo album. During this time, Roger writes a lot of songs. He finds it easy to write.

13 

It’s time for another new album! Roger creates demos for two albums himself and plays them for the band. Roger says, “There are ideas for two albums here; you can choose one for the band’s album. I’ll do the other one as a solo project.”

The first demo’s songs are a continuous sequence of dreams, *The Pros and Cons of Hitchhiking*. It deals with midlife crises, fears, and mental breakdowns. The other is a 90-minute demo, *The Wall*. It’s about the life and rise and fall of a fictional rock band’s singer named Pink. Roger essentially tries to shape Pink based on Syd and himself. David and Nick choose the second one.

While they’re busy recording the album, Rick becomes hard to find. Even when he comes to the studio, he doesn’t do much work! This frustrates the other three. Roger says, “Rick isn’t helping at all with the album.”

Nick says, “I had marital issues too, but that doesn’t mean I stopped working.”

David says, “Lately, he’s been drinking a lot and can’t control himself!”

Roger gets a bit angry and says, “How long can this go on? He didn’t do much for the last album either, and now he’s stopped coming to the studio…”

This time, Roger turns to David and says, “Dave, let him know that the band doesn’t need him anymore. If he wants, his name will still be on this album, but he’ll have to leave the band. Or, if he wants, he can take legal action against us, but the chances of him winning are very slim.”

Rick is informed, and he’s ready to leave the band. But Rick wants to finish the album’s work. Recording begins. At the same time, they decide to make a movie. Initially, they plan to create a film combining their live performances with various animations. Gerald Scarfe handles the animations. But later, they decide to make a full-length feature film. Roger writes a screenplay based on *The Wall* album. Like the songs, the screenplay is filled with metaphors and symbolism. Famous director Alan Parker agrees to direct, with Bob Geldof playing the lead role of Pink.

‘The Wall’ album explores themes of urban alienation, rebellion against the old education system, social isolation, and the helplessness of people after World War II. Pink’s father dies in World War II at the time of his birth, just as Roger’s father died during his childhood. The album centers around Pink’s life struggles as a rebellious outcast born in war-torn England. A fatherless childhood, cruel treatment from teachers at school—all these events build a wall around Pink. Gradually, the wall around him grows taller. In his youth, Pink becomes a rock star. Then, his distrust, cruelty, professional failures, marital problems, descent into addiction, and loss of mental stability—all these are depicted in the album. In the end, Pink retreats behind a self-imposed wall, symbolizing his depression, loneliness, and isolation.

The album’s title is changed to simply ‘The Wall’. Upon its release, The Wall once again makes waves for Pink Floyd. It is recognized as a full-fledged rock opera. The songs ‘Another Brick in the Wall’ and ‘Comfortably Numb’ soar to the top of the charts.

‘Another Brick in the Wall’ is a trilogy song that portrays parts of Pink’s adolescence and youth. The second part of the song becomes the most popular. This section criticizes the rigid education system. In this part, schoolchildren are featured singing the chorus, “We don’t need no education.” Roger draws from his own bitter memories of school in the 1950s. In the final part of the song, Pink slowly builds a wall around himself, imagining every person in his life as a brick in that wall.

“Daddy’s gone across the ocean, 

Leaving just a memory, 

A snapshot in the family album. 

Daddy, what else did you leave for me? 

Daddy, whatcha leave behind for me? 

All in all it was just a brick in the wall. 

All in all it was just the bricks in the wall. 

We don’t need no education. 

We don’t need no thought control. 

No dark sarcasm in the classroom. 

Teacher, leave those kids alone. 

Hey, Teacher, leave those kids alone! 

All in all it’s just another brick in the wall. 

All in all you’re just another brick in the wall. 

I don’t need no walls around me. 

And I don’t need no drugs to calm me. 

I have seen the writing on the wall. 

Don’t think I need any thing at all. 

No. Don’ think I need anything at all. 

All in all it was all just the bricks in the wall.”

On the other hand, *Comfortably Numb* is essentially a conversation between a drug-addled Pink and a doctor. Roger sings the doctor’s part, while David sings Pink’s part. David’s guitar solo shines brilliantly in this song. The doctor and Pink’s dialogue about drug addiction is accompanied by David’s guitar, which seems to ignite with double intensity... And so ends Pink Floyd’s masterpiece, *Comfortably Numb*!

“Hello, 

Is there anybody in there? 

Just nod if you can hear me. 

Is there anyone at home? 

Come on now 

I hear you’re feeling down 

Well, I can ease your pain 

And get you on your feet again 

Relax 

I'll need some information first 

Just the basic facts 

Can you show me where it hurts? 

There is no pain, you are receding 

A distant ship smoke on the horizon 

You are only coming through in waves 

Your lips move but I can't hear what you're saying 

When I was a child I had a fever 

My hands felt just like two balloons 

Now I’ve got that feeling once again 

I can’t explain, you would not understand 

This is not how I am 

I have become comfortably numb 

O.K. 

Just a little pin prick 

There'll be no more aaaaaaaah! 

But you may feel a little sick 

Can you stand up? 

I do believe it’s working, good. 

That’ll keep you going through the show 

Come on, it’s time to go. 

There is no pain you are receding 

A distant ship smoke on the horizon 

You are only coming through in waves 

Your lips move but I can’t hear what you’re saying 

When I was a child 

I caught a fleeting glimpse 

Out of the corner of my eye 

I turned to look but it was gone 

I cannot put my finger on it now 

The child is grown 

The dream is gone 

I have become comfortably numb.”

As the The Wall tour begins, they run into trouble. Without Rick, they can’t figure out how to play the keyboards! Rick is brought back, but not as a band member—this time, he’s hired as a session musician!

During The Wall live performances, Roger actually builds a massive wall across the stage! During the first half of the show, the wall is gradually constructed. By the second half, a complete wall separates the audience from the band! At the very end of the show, the wall is torn down. They do this at every show.

The album is released, the live tour ends, but the movie isn’t out yet. In the meantime, Nick releases his first solo album, ‘Fictitious Sports’. ‘Pink Floyd: The Wall’ takes over two years to be released. Alan faces many difficulties during filming. Some scenes don’t turn out as Roger had imagined while writing, so they have to reshoot. It also takes a lot of time to capture the surreal and complex scenes…

While working on The Wall movie, Roger writes more songs. His initial goal was to use these songs to narrate parts of the movie’s story—to create a soundtrack. But as he writes, he realizes it could be a whole new album. So, he incorporates contemporary events like the Falklands War, Margaret Thatcher’s harsh rule, and more. Roger writes an anti-war concept album.

When Roger tells David and Nick about recording the album, they initially refuse. David says, “Musically, it feels very weak to me. I don’t think these songs are mature enough for an album.”

Nick says, “It feels like a shadow of the previous album to me. I’m not sure if it’s wise to work on an album with these…”

Roger responds with a hint of sarcasm, “Well, what have you two brought to the table?”

No answer comes. David says, “Give us some time…”

Roger says, “We’ve had plenty of time already. In fact, in some cases, you’ve had more time than me…”

Reluctantly, they start working on the album. Michael Kamen is brought in to handle the keyboards. Michael, a classical music conductor, had also orchestrated The Wall album. Despite being a classical musician, Michael has worked extensively on rock music. During the recording, David stops talking to Roger altogether, and Michael acts as a mediator between them! The album’s recording is completed during a very tense period.

Roger feels that this might be Pink Floyd’s last album. He thinks he might never work with David again, and the thought pains him… He remembers once telling David, “Dave, we should always work together. We should never drift apart.”

But that’s exactly what’s happening… Suddenly, a line from Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar comes to Roger’s mind: “This was the most unkindest cut of all.”

Roger names the album ‘The Final Cut’.

The Final Cut doesn’t achieve much success! They don’t go on tour for the album; instead, everyone focuses on their solo projects. Roger records ‘The Pros and Cons of Hitchhiking’ with Eric Clapton on guitar. David releases his second solo album, ‘About Face’. Nick also releases his second solo album, ‘Profiles’. David guests on one of Nick’s songs, ‘Lie for a Lie’. Around the same time, Rick releases an album titled ‘Identity’.

14 

Roger wants to officially end Pink Floyd! But David and Nick resist, wanting to revive Pink Floyd without Roger. Roger opposes this, arguing that no one can use the Pink Floyd name without him. David and Nick don’t back down either, and they fight to keep the Pink Floyd name for themselves.

Both sides hold press conferences and take legal action; the case even goes to the High Court. Eventually, the court rules in favor of David and Nick! The court states that the side with the majority of band members can use the Pink Floyd name if they wish.

Heartbroken, Roger throws himself back into work. To distance himself from all this, Roger forms a new band called *The Bleeding Heart Band*. He quickly gets involved in creating soundtracks and background music for animations. *When the Wind Blows* is an animated film depicting the horrors of a third world war.

Meanwhile, under David’s leadership, Pink Floyd begins a new journey, with Nick by his side. Nick says, “Why don’t we bring Rick back?”

David says, “I thought about that too, but we can’t bring him back as a full member right now. But a Pink Floyd album without Rick wouldn’t be right, so he’ll have to work as a session musician for this album, like before.”

Nick asks, surprised, “Are we bringing in more musicians for the album, Dave?”

David laughs and says, “Yes, we have to. I have a lot of musical compositions, but no lyrics!”

Nick looks worried, so David says, “Don’t worry too much. I’ve found an excellent lyricist. His name is Anthony Moore.”

“Really? Someone else writing lyrics for Pink Floyd? It feels a bit strange…”

David says seriously, “Anthony writes better lyrics than Roger.”

Nick looks at David in disbelief, and David laughs, joined by Nick. After the laughter subsides, David says, “Nick, Pink Floyd isn’t just a band anymore; it’s an institution. Remember that, and working won’t be so difficult.”

Nick says, “You’re absolutely right, Dave! Let’s make an album.”

The new Pink Floyd album begins with Rick and several other musicians. About half the songs are composed by David, with lyrics by Anthony Moore. They release ‘A Momentary Lapse of Reason’.

The album becomes unexpectedly successful. Even Pink Floyd’s old fans embrace it. Songs like ‘Learning to Fly’ and ‘On the Turning Away’ become fan favorites.

Roger, meanwhile, creates a new concept for his album, centered around a disabled character. Billy, though physically disabled, possesses metaphysical powers. He can transmit radio frequencies without any device and can communicate with any radio broadcaster at will. This strange story forms the basis of Roger’s new album, ‘Radio K.A.O.S.’.

Pink Floyd embarks on a world tour. It’s a tour unlike anything any band has done before. The interplay of lights and lasers, big-screen projections, and Pink Floyd’s music create a dazzling spectacle! ‘A Delicate Sound of Thunder’ is recognized as one of the greatest live concert albums of all time.

The year after the Berlin Wall falls, Roger performs ‘The Wall: Live’ in the space between the two Berlins. He invites David and Nick to join, but they decline. Later, Roger performs the ‘Berlin Wall’ concert with various artists, without them. The concert is broadcast live in over 50 countries.

Roger returns to his personal studio. He’s been trying to finish an album for almost five years but can’t seem to complete it. He’s known the main issue for a while—he needs the perfect guitarist. Suddenly, an old memory comes to mind. When they were in trouble with Syd, they considered bringing in a new guitarist. They had thought about Jeff Beck. Remembering this, Roger invites Jeff to work on his new album, and Jeff agrees! On the first day, Roger tells Jeff the old story. Jeff laughs and says, “Yes, I know about that incident.”

Roger is stunned, “How did you hear about it?”

Jeff says, “But by the time I found out, Dave had already joined.”

Roger laughs and says, “We didn’t have the courage to tell you back then. You were a legend to us!”

“What are you saying, Rog? I’ve been a fan of yours since then! I really liked Syd. His guitar was even more special to me; I first saw him use echo feedback…”

Roger asks eagerly, “Would you have joined us if we’d asked you back then?”

Jeff replies, “Absolutely!”

Jeff thinks for a moment and says, “Something similar happened to me before. They kicked me out of Yardbirds, and I don’t remember if Jimmy Page wanted me to join Led Zeppelin.” He laughs loudly.

Roger’s album’s story begins with a monkey holding a TV remote. As the monkey changes channels, the news segments or stories on TV inspire Roger’s songs. The album, ‘Amused to Death’, is largely based on social and political contexts. Jeff Beck plays guitar on eight tracks.

Meanwhile, Pink Floyd begins work on another album. But before that, David and Nick officially bring Rick back into the band. The lyrics are written by David’s fiancée, Polly Samson. Polly is a writer and poet. Additionally, Dick Parry, the saxophonist from ‘The Dark Side of the Moon’ and ‘Wish You Were Here’, is brought back to work on the album.

The album’s songs touch on David’s childhood in Cambridge, memories of Syd, and even Roger’s story! Alongside these, political and social issues are also explored. The first two verses of ‘Poles Apart’ are directed at Syd and Roger, respectively...

“Did you know, it was all going to go so wrong for you? 

And did you see, it was all going to be so right for me? 

Why did we tell you then, you were always the golden boy then 

And that you’d never lose that light in your eyes? 

Hey you, did you ever realize what you’d become? 

And did you see, that it wasn’t only me you were running from? 

Did you know all the time but it never bothered you anyway? 

Leading the blind while I stared out the steel in your eyes.”

‘Lost for Words’ also describes the bitter times between David and Roger. The album cover features two faces that, when combined, form a third face, symbolizing the absent friend.

‘The Division Bell’ becomes perhaps the only Pink Floyd album to top the charts in almost every country simultaneously! After the album’s stunning reception, Pink Floyd embarks on a successful world tour. During the tour, David and Polly get married.

The Division Bell ends with a song about Syd, ‘High Hopes’. The album’s title is taken from a line in this song.

“Beyond the horizon of the place we lived when we were young 

In a world of magnets and miracles 

Our thoughts strayed constantly and without boundary 

The ringing of the division bell had begun 

Along the long road and on down the causeway 

Do they still meet there by the cut 

There was a ragged band that followed in our footsteps 

Running before time took our dreams away 

Leaving the myriad small creatures trying to tie us to the ground 

To a life consumed by slow decay 

Looking beyond the embers of bridges glowing behind us 

To a glimpse of how green it was on the other side 

Steps taken forwards but sleepwalking back again 

Dragged by the force of some inner tide 

At a higher altitude with flag unfurled 

We reached the dizzy heights of that dreamed of world 

Encumbered forever by desire and ambition 

There’s a hunger still unsatisfied 

Our weary eyes still stray to the horizon 

Though down this road we've been so many times 

The grass was greener 

The light was brighter 

The taste was sweeter 

The nights of wonder 

With friends surrounded 

The dawn mist glowing 

The water flowing 

The endless river 

Forever and ever.”

High Hopes ends again with a line from Syd’s ‘See Emily Play’: “Float on a river forever and ever.”

The distant sound of church bells rings out…

15 

A brick flies through the window and lands on the guitar lying on the bed, making a *dong* sound. I wake up with a start. Ugh, it fell on the guitar again!

I look out the window and see Arafat has arrived. The burly Arafat has brought two friends with him today. From below, Arafat waves and shouts, “Milon Bhai, I’ve been calling for so long! Why aren’t you waking up?”

I signal for them to come up. I move the guitar aside and place it by the window. Arafat often comes to my place—to listen to music or borrow cassettes.

Arafat is learning to play the drums. As soon as he enters the room, he says, “Milon Bhai, we’ve formed a band!”

I say excitedly, “That’s great! What’s the band’s name?”

Arafat replies, “The Attempted Band.”

Hearing the name, I laugh and say, “Oh, Arafat, what kind of name is that for your band?”

Arafat asks, “Really, Milon Bhai, is the name good?”

I say, “If I ever form a band and it falls apart like yours, I’ll name it that…”

Everyone laughs. Arafat introduces the two people he’s brought with him, “You already know Imran, right? I brought him to your place once before.”

I recognize him, “Yes, the guitarist.”

Arafat introduces the other person, “And this is Daniel.”

I ask him, “Do you play anything?”

Daniel says, “Bass guitar… I’m learning, Bhai.”

I immediately say, “Good, good. Have you heard of Jaco? Jaco Pastorius?”

Daniel looks surprised, “No. Which band’s bassist?”

As I open my cassette cabinet, I say, “Oh, he’s an amazing bassist! He was in Weather Report, Joe Zawinul’s jazz fusion band. Jaco also has solo albums. Wait, I’ll play one for you…”

Daniel’s eyes widen as he sees my cabinet filled with cassettes, “I’ve never seen so many cassettes in one place before…”

Imran says to Daniel, “I told you, didn’t I?”

I laugh and say, “You guys look around; I’ll have some tea. I haven’t had breakfast yet… Do you want some breakfast?”

“Breakfast?” Imran asks, surprised, “It’s almost noon, Bhai.”

Arafat says, “Oh, this is Milon Bhai’s morning. I’ll have some, I’ll have some…”

I think for a moment and say, “Let me check if Mom’s in a good mood. If she’s upset, we’re all in trouble.”

From Mom’s room, a song by Sandhya Mukherjee is playing, “This is just a day for songs, a time to listen to music…” Mom is humming along. As I enter the room, Mom says, “Finally woke up? What time did you get home last night? The door was locked…”

I don’t answer any questions and think, oh no! Mom seems to be getting angry... But then, to my surprise, Mom asks in a sulky tone, “So, do you want breakfast?”

“Yes,” I say again, “I have some guests over; they’ll need breakfast too…”

Hearing this, Mom’s mood instantly sours, “There’s nothing at home except eggs and bread…”

I say, “Oh, that’s fine! They’re like my younger brothers…”

“Younger brothers? Since when do you have younger brothers…” Mom grumbles as she goes to make breakfast.

I enter my room and see the three of them almost rummaging through my cabinet. I ask, “Found anything?”

Arafat says, “Why don’t you pick something for us?”

Daniel says, “Yes, I’m confused too!”

I laugh and say, “Mom’s special egg omelet and bread are coming…”

Arafat says, “Oh! My favorite.”

Soon, we start listening to music. Our conversation flows, and we lose ourselves in the world of music… “Listen to this song,” “Isn’t this guitar solo like that one?” “Oh, the drummer!” “That kind of bassist…” This goes on for hours…

Daniel takes one of Jaco’s solo albums to listen to. On the other side is Weather Report’s *Black Market* album. I say sadly, “You know, Jaco died after getting into a fight with someone! He got into a scuffle with a bar manager while drunk. The manager knew karate and beat Jaco badly. Poor Jaco went into a coma and never woke up…”

We all feel down. We sit in silence for a while. Arafat, trying to lighten the mood, laughs and says, “Stop making us sad, Milon Bhai. What will you give me to listen to today?”

I think for a moment and hand him a cassette, “For now, take this and listen. Billy Cobham, jazz-rock drummer. There are two albums on both sides. ‘Spectrum’ is amazing! Tommy Bolin is on guitar, and Jan Hammer is on keyboards.”

Arafat asks, “Do I know Tommy Bolin, Milon Bhai?”

I immediately say, “Don’t you remember? After Ritchie Blackmore left Deep Purple, he made an album, ‘Come Taste the Band’.”

Arafat, not recognizing it, says, “No, I haven’t heard that album yet! Is it good?”

I get excited, “Oh! What are you saying? It’s great! He’s a super jazz-rock guitarist, and Bolin’s best work is on Cobham’s Spectrum album. He also made some solo albums and was a great singer…”

Arafat asks, “Oh! Is he dead?”

My mood sours again, “Yeah… Drug abuse…”

Arafat quickly changes the subject, “Let’s go to the alley, Milon Bhai.”

I say, “Yes, let’s go. I was planning to go anyway; I have to deliver a cassette to Rainbow today.”

Arafat asks, “What did you order?”

I say, “Return to Forever.”

Surprised, he asks, “What’s that?”

I explain, “Jazz-rock fusion. I ordered their first album, ‘Romantic Warrior’. Chick Corea on keyboards, Al Di Meola on guitar, Stanley Clarke on bass, and Lenny White on drums… They’re a supergroup.”

I say to Daniel, “Next time, I’ll play you Stanley Clarke. Sometimes, I don’t even think of Stanley as a bassist—he’s like a four-string guitarist! And in this band, the musical chemistry between the four of them is incredible…”

Just then, Mom enters the room. As soon as she steps in, her eyes widen, “What have you done to this room?”

Then she turns to the others and says, “Tell me, does a sane person’s room look this messy?”

Arafat immediately starts saying, “No, Auntie, it doesn’t. I was also surprised when I came in…” He laughs…

Mom continues, “He wasn’t home all day yesterday, and now he locks the room, so I can’t even clean it…”

I say, “I’ll leave it unlocked from now on…”

Mom gets angry again, “Don’t you dare! You’re not leaving without eating lunch… You all should eat too…”

“Alright, you go now.” With great difficulty, I manage to send Mom away and say to them, “Let’s get out of here quickly! If Mom comes back, she’ll start with the ‘eat, eat’ again…”

Daniel and Imran get up, but Arafat doesn’t, “Auntie said we should eat before leaving…”

Daniel and Imran forcefully pull him up. As I move the guitar from the bed and place it by the window again, I say, “But Arafat, why do you always torture my guitar like this?”

Arafat laughs and says, “Did the brick fall on the guitar again?”

I say seriously, “Yes! And I was having such a nice dream, which got ruined…”

Arafat wants to know, “What did you see, Milon Bhai?”

I laugh and reply, “I can’t tell you. Maybe someday, if I write a book, you’ll find out…”

“You don’t have to tell me, and you don’t have to go through the trouble of writing a book. I’m sure you were dreaming about music.”

I’m stunned and stare at Arafat! How did he know…

Arafat says excitedly, “I’m right!! You were definitely dreaming about a band, weren’t you?”

I can’t say anything; my eyes widen. The three of them burst into laughter, rolling on the floor. Arafat says again, “We know your ways.”

My vision blurs again. The sound of church bells rings in my head… *Dong, dong*…