Intro: Documentaries about Pink Floyd
Pink Floyd is one of the most iconic and beloved rock bands in history. It all began in 1965 when Syd Barrett, Roger Waters, Nick Mason, and Richard Wright formed a band called The Pink Floyd Sound. They quickly developed a unique sound blending elements of psychedelic rock and blues, which can be heard on their debut album The Piper at the Gates of Dawn. Barrett left the band in 1968 due to mental health issues.
The band then hired David Gilmour to take Barrett’s place. With Gilmour onboard, the band moved away from their psychedelic sound and embraced progressive rock, creating intricate, theatrical soundscapes out of heavy guitar riffs, synthesizers and tape effects. During their peak in the 1970s, they produced a series of concept albums that pushed the art form of rock music forward.
In 1973, the band released their most iconic and beloved album, The Dark Side of the Moon. This album was a massive success and is still one of the most recognizable albums ever produced. It featured the hits “Money”, “Us and Them”, “Time” and “Any Colour You Like”. This album cemented Pink Floyd’s status as one of the most important bands of all time and established them as a global phenomenon.
The band followed up this success with another concept album, Wish You Were Here, which was dedicated to Syd Barrett and featured tracks like “Shine On You Crazy Diamond”. After this album, the band released the acclaimed Animals (1977) and The Wall (1979). The Final Cut (1983) was their last album with Roger Waters as a full member of the band. Waters left the band due to creative differences, which led to a long dispute between him and the other members of the band.
Since then, Pink Floyd have released three more studio albums without Waters (A Momentary Lapse of Reason (1987), The Division Bell (1994) and The Endless River (2014)). After the release of the album, Gilmour stated that Pink Floyd had split. Despite this, Pink Floyd’s legacy remains intact as one of the most influential bands of all time, and their music continues to be beloved by fans all over the world.
With their innovative sound and thought-provoking concepts, it's no wonder fans and music enthusiasts alike are eager to delve deeper into their story. To help you explore the world of Pink Floyd, we have compiled a list of the top 8 documentaries about the band, offering unique insights into their history, music, and legacy.
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1. The Pink Floyd Story: Which One's Pink? (BBC Documentary, 2007) - Documentaries about Pink Floyd
BBC Documentary from 2007, when the future of the band it was still unclear. Embark on a captivating journey through Pink Floyd's extraordinary history in this documentary, featuring archive footage and interviews with band members David Gilmour, Roger Waters, Nick Mason, and the late Richard Wright.
From their beginnings in the 1960s psychedelic London to their iconic reunion at Live 8 in 2005, witness the band's creative evolution, internal struggles, and the ground-breaking music that transcended the boundaries of rock. Explore the innovation, artistry, and personal dynamics that shaped iconic albums such as Dark Side of the Moon and The Wall, and experience the unforgettable story of one of the most influential and best-loved bands in the world.
2. Pink Floyd: The Dark Side of the Moon - Documentaries on Pink Floyd
Discover the captivating story behind Pink Floyd's ground-breaking album, Dark Side of the Moon, in this spellbinding documentary. Featuring first-hand accounts from band members, classic performance footage, and interviews with vocalist Clare Torry and designer George Hardie, this film dives deep into the creation of this iconic record.
Developed during live shows and recorded at Abbey Road Studios, the album explores themes like conflict, greed, time, death, and mental illness. Dark Side of the Moon skyrocketed Pink Floyd to international fame and remains one of the most critically acclaimed and best-selling albums of all time. Experience the history, artistry, and cultural significance of this musical masterpiece through the eyes of those who brought it to life.
3. Â Pink Floyd: Reflections and Echoes - Pink Floyd Documentaries
Discover the definitive documentary of Pink Floyd, a comprehensive collection spanning their illustrious music career. Revel in rare concert footage and gain access to candid interviews with the band and experts, unlocking untold stories and captivating insights. From Arnold Layne and See Emily Play to Comfortably Numb, explore this magisterial selection of beloved classics—Money, Atom Heart Mother, The Great Gig In The Sky, Another Brick In The Wall (Part 2) and more—accompanied by the expert commentary of a team of renowned musicologists. Reimagine the classic sound of Pink Floyd with this essential documentary.
4. The Lost Documentary (The Wall Tour) - Pink Floyd Documentary
In 1980 and 1981, Pink Floyd embarked upon an ambitious tour to promote the critically acclaimed album 'The Wall'. This groundbreaking spectacle featured an elaborate stage design and pushed the boundaries of performance art. Despite its production challenges and hefty price tag, the innovative tour was met with enthusiastic audiences in four major cities: London, Dortmund, Los Angeles, and New York City - totalling 31 unforgettable shows. This lost documentary provides an invaluable insight into the legendary tour.
5. How Pink Floyd Made Animals - The Album & Tour - Pink Floyd Documentary
Discover the untold story of Pink Floyd's acclaimed album, Animals; from the creative process of songwriting, to the production of its iconic cover image, to the spectacular visuals of its subsequent tour. Uncover the obstacles and external pressures that influenced the album, the band's unique interpretations of the record, and how their journey culminated in a lasting impact on rock music history. An enlightening exploration into the making of Pink Floyd's magnum opus, get an insightful perspective through this captivating documentary.
6. Pink Floyd - On Thin Ice Documentary (2020) 1965-1985 Psych For The Children Productions
Exploring the legacy of Pink Floyd's innovative artistry, this enlightening documentary chronicles the band's creative journey between 1965 and 1985. Drawn from rare interviews, archival footage, and exclusive insights into their personal lives, On Thin Ice paints a vivid picture of each era. Created and narrated by Dahli Thomson.
7. The Story (1994) BBC - Documentaries on Pink Floyd
Unearth the secrets of Pink Floyd and witness their remarkable journey firsthand with the BBC Omnibus broadcast, Pink Floyd: The Story. Broadcasted in November 1994, the year of the release of The Division Bell. This pro-shot recording offers an enlightening 40 minutes. Expect to hear excerpts of some of the band's most iconic tracks, as well as intriguing insights into their story – a unique opportunity for fans to get under the skin of one of rock music's greatest acts.
8. Syd Barrett: The Haunting Legacy Of Pink Floyd’s Fallen Genius (Full Documentary) | Amplified
Unlock the mysteries of one of music's most iconic innovators with the documentary Syd Barrett - Under Review. Covering Pink Floyd's early years and its solo work, this documentary is a must. Discover a treasure trove of rare live and studio recordings, accompanied by insightful commentary from a panel of renowned experts. Peer into the world of this enigmatic artist, and gain invaluable insight into his creative genius and lasting influence.
Conclusions: Documentaries about Pink Floyd
These six documentaries offer unique insights into the music, history, and enduring influence of Pink Floyd. Whether you're a die-hard fan or just discovering the band's rich legacy, these films provide an engaging and informative look at one of the most iconic bands in the history of rock music. We encourage you to watch these documentaries and share them with your family and friends!
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Photo by Yakobchuk
Images credits: Unsplash.com