Frontman Descended into Madness When Creating This 70s Sonic Masterpiece | Professor Of Rock
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- čas přidán 23. 12. 2022
- Coming up, it is one of the most tragic tales of the rock era. Band leader Syd Barrett fronted Pink Floyd for a time and then cracked under the pressure. Whether it was due to excessive drug abuse, a preexisting mental illness, or psychological strain its not entirely clear. However the band was forced to go without him. But his memory would haunt the band members Rogers Waters and David Gilmour ever after, and cast a shadow over some of their greatest work including The 70s opus the Dark Side of the Moon. with would spend almost 20 years on the charts and become one of the biggest albums ever. Today, we are taking a deep dive into the classic rock standard Brain Damage and Eclipse the phenomenal album’s ending that was inspired by these events.
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#1970s #rock #pinkfloyd
Hey music junkies, Professor of Rock, always here to celebrate the greatest artists and the greatest songs of all time. It you remember vegging out on the couch watching MTV for hour on end back in the day, this channel is for you…Make sure to subscribe below right now to get the latest interviews and videos. Also take a gander at our Patreon. We have full interviews and extra content their you won’t find anywhere else. So today we’re getting into the story behind Pink Floyd’s original frontman Syd Barrett and a classic rock staple that was inspired by his story… Brain Damage, from The Dark Side of the Moon.
The character of Syd Barret, and the subject of madness, loom large over Pink Floyd’s work. And for good reason. Syd was one of the band’s founding members, their original frontman, and the primary songwriter for their early work. His time at the helm of Pink Floyd has often been described as a tragic descent into madness. But how did it get to that point?
Pink Floyd started off on a roll with their first two singles. In March 1967, they released Arnold Layne. That reached #20 on the UK charts. A few months later in June, they released 'See Emily Play’, which climbed to #6. Pink Floyd then followed up ‘See Emily Play' with their debut album, The Piper at the Gates of Dawn on August 4, 1967. Largely written by Barrett, the record combined childlike fantasy with psychedelic experimentation.
But between Piper and the release of their second album A Saucerful of Secrets in June 1968, the band’s narrative would take a turn into bizarre and heartbreaking… Permanently altering the band’s trajectory. All thanks to one Syd Barrett.
While Pink Floyd’s early chart victories led to more prestigious tours and greater exposure, this wasn’t entirely a good thing. The pressures of success weighed heavily on Barrett’s already fragile mind. And routine indulgence in hallucinogenic drugs only complicated matters. As a result of the ever-increasing pressure and hard-hitting drug abuse, Barrett often appeared near comatose on-stage and incoherent with interviewers.
Several important performances had to be cancelled and letters of apology written. And the band was compelled to take a break. Bassist Roger Waters recalled, “It actually happened very fast with Syd, I have to say, right around the time of ‘See Emily Play’. You know, he got very weird, very quickly.” Syd’s behavior then became even more erratic during a stretch of performances in the US and the Jimi Hendrix UK package tour…
As Nick Mason remembered it, this is when Syd went mad. Most of the time he didn’t know where he was. - Zábava
POLL; What is your pick for the greatest rock masterpiece? Where every song is perfect?
dark side of the moon, 2112, caress of steel, number of the beast, piece of mind, black sabbath
Comfortably numb!!! Period
Quadrophenia. Not even close.
Honorable mention: Roxy Music "For Your Pleasure"
Dark Side of the Moon is certainly in the top 5 of all time. Hotel California and Sargent Pepper come to mind quickly but it’s difficult to recall all at once all that is our rock legacy…
Moving Pictures
What happened to Syd Barrett is very tragic, but I kind of get pissed that no one will acknowledge that Pink Floyd was elevated in status and in talent with the addition of David Gilmour. David took Pink Floyd to much greater heights and deserves more praise. His guitar skills are also greatly underappreciated imo.
I don't get people who cling to the religious belief that the Syd era was Pink Floyd's best! I can barely listen to their first two albums. Gilmour and Waters made the band so epic. Their musical collaboration was unparalleled.
@@caseyspaos448 Syd only had full creative control on "piper at the gates of dawn", and only had one song on their next album, "saucer full of secrets", and it was the last song, "Jugaband blues", the rest of it was waters, as Syd was starting to complete crack, and thr lyrics for jugaband blues are quite sad if you think about everything happening, and his condition
True. Gilmour was so magic.
Gilmour is a great musician, but the songs that he wrote for the band are B-list compared to what Waters contributed. Gilmour's solo recording work is very minor league, and as a personality Gilmour is a WANKER!
@@hihowareyou9829 Actually Waters only wrote 3 songs on Saucerful of Secrets. Wright wrote 2, Barrett wrote 1 and 1 was credited to the entire band.
I suffer from depression. I handle it okay. But there comes times I am about to totally lose it. But I put this album on (Dark Side Of The Moon). It reins me in and brings me back to the world. It grounds me, relaxes me, and most of all. It reminds me that I am not the only one dealing with this. I'll put the CD in, turn off all the lights, lean back in the recliner, and focus on just the music. Close my eyes, and let the rollercoaster in my mind roll. At the end. I feel refreshed, and able to take on the world again. Thank you Pink Floyd for helping me keep a hold of my sanity.
It’s not just regular music. It’s a journey through the unknown and back again.
Me too……❤️💫🌹
Rock on, and hang in there. You are not alone. ❤
I've always suffered from depression/anxiety and from an early age (12?) I discovered "The Wall" and felt a deep connection to Floyd. I was in a school and hospital with other kids for nearly a year (some had "Truly Gone Fishing" to quote from the album.
Yrs later I still deal with it after using alcohol and some drugs in my teens and 20s to self medicate.
I remember once when CDs came out buying "Dark Side.." and having no headphones laying on the floor with my speakers on either side of my head with a joint and a 6 pack with the lights out and only a lava lamp and, although I'd memorized it yrs prior to that I think of that night. Wanting to be alone and letting the answering machine take my calls and it was this transcendent experience that I've yet to recapture but, I still play the full album once every 6 or 8 months (I quit drinking many yrs ago but, I'd still love some weed but, can't for numerous reasons I won't go into for now) and, yeah by the time those final heartbeats fade out I'm always better off than I was . Sometimes it helps more than others but, it always changes my state of mind for the better.
We know depression is not unique to us but somehow the right music can help remind us of exactly what you said, we're not alone. Looking at how many people relate to "Dark Side..." combined with the personal experience it speaks to how prevalent depression is for the human being. "Cheer up" isn't gonna' help things one bit! Pink Floyd or just the right _song_ can be the best thing for us I think.
Thanks for the comment Twisted.
Even if it's a bit ironic I'll wish you a Happy Holiday season 🤣✌️❤️🎸🎶🙏
Twisted, I replied to you but I messed up it went on regular comments
I'm 72 yrs old. And I can't imagine my life without the music of Pink Floyd...Great video !!!
Me either!
There's that old "if you were stranded on a deserted island what 3 albums would you bring?" All three of mine are
Pink Floyd.
I'm 60 and marveling that Pink Floyd fans are as old as my grandma was when DSOTM came out. lol.
I am 70, see emily play was in the charts when I was taking my gcses!
Still one of my favourite ever songs, thanks Sid!
@@soundshaper Time flies
My aunt bought me a copy of this album for my 5th birthday in 1976. She is a massive Floyd fan and used to play it all the time. My very first memory of music is driving with my aunt singing to Money in 1975. She had an 8 track player in her car. I still have that album to this very day, 46 years after I got it as a present.
And the album covers back then.
Your aunt was a ride-or-die Floyd fan!
@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 She still is. We both went to see them in 1988. She had tried to get tix for The Wall but the closest city to us that had tix we could afford was in Canada at the time and she could not afford plane fare, passports or hotel for us to go. This same aunt also took me to my very first concert which was Led Zeppelin in 1976. She also took me to see Rush in 1980 for the Moving Pictures tour. My aunt is an absolute BOSS with her musical taste and I consider myself VERY fortunate to have been around her and experienced music through her.
@@corkycobon1481 So, so cool! You have a true rock and roll aunt.
Awesome! Your aunt may be a tiny bit older than me - I had an 8-track in my first car, 1977.
It may or may not be the greatest album of all time, but it is definitely my favorite album of all time. Masterpiece from beginning to end.
No question.
In my books it’s the most perfect album ever recorded. 🎶
👍👍right on 🤘
Back when you bought albums to listen to the whole thing.
@@lencavallaro6781 Yes, back in the day there were albums wherein the songs told a story, a journey so to speak as you listened to each track in order from start to finish. These albums are called CONCEPT ALBUMS and told tales of life's events.
Professor, I just wanted to take a moment to wish you and your family Merry Christmas! Thank you for keeping the music alive.
Wow! Thank you. Merry Christmas to you and yours as well.
Have an awesome Christmas,Adam.
Merry Christmas Jenny! 🎄
@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 Merry Christmas!
the lunatic is in my head
Dark Side Of The Moon is an amazing album where every song takes you on a ride for a musical experience. Deservedly ranks as one of the best rock albums ever. My personal favorite is "Us And Them".
Wonderful choice.
Its like watching a calm wave in the distance coming at you and then when it gets to you its becomes a wave that takes you over and then calms down again and then you sit and watch it come in again and take you over but with your ears .... I think of this song every time i am out at the lake and the waves and coming in and out ..
A ride to a magical place like no other. The sheer power of this album is immeasurable.
I always immediately hear Weird Al lyrics in my head to every song. As my wife says I ruin songs for her. For Us & Them I always hear the sick “Puss & Phlegm” sorry 😮
Us and Them - I experience it as a song with a soul.
This episode is proof that the reason you are the true professor of rock. The enormous amount of reading and studying to put it all in one concise half hour of every question about the song or band. I know I'm not alone in saying this is one of the most listened to albums of my life and i never knew the whole story behind it. Thank you Professor and Merry Christmas!!
Thank you MY NAME!
@Anna Trail Thank you Anna! That was a fantastic episode today loads of stuff I didn't know, Have a happy and safe Christmas to you and your family
@Anna Trail that's a fantastic take that is fitting, glad your daughter is home again. Family at home for holidays is fantastic
@Anna Trail well thank you Anna I definitely will!
Agreed!
I knew it was Syd Barrett before I hit play.
DSOTM is top 5 greatest albums ever produced!
Depression is a daily struggle for far too many of us. I suffer from manic depression. Sometimes it's unbearable. My children are the reason I'm still here. Stay strong people. There is light ahead. You are never alone.
They don’t call it manic depression anymore, it’s now called Bipolar Disorder and I was initially diagnosed with it in the 80s, but my diagnosis was changed to Complex PTSD and autism… and I so love Dark Side of the Moon. 🌚
First guess was Syd Barrett... second choice was Peter Green.. Fleetwood Mac... similar self destruction
Hands down one of my all-time favorite bands.
Their music helps me clear my head, calm down when stressed, give me motivation to clean the house, relax while driving to work/home, chilling while hanging out in the back yard/garage, and brings me great joy when I get to share it with someone new to their music.
No other band like Floyd.
Dark Side of the Moon is an album that everyone should own. Pink Floyd may not appeal to everyone as a group but this album is relatable to everyone
For sure. No wonder it stayed on the charts for 15 years.
Sorry, I've listened to it and don't like it. Don't like Floyd at all other than "Piper".
I have that album among many other PF albums including The Wall
Great album and also Meddle is phenomenal.
Possibly my all time favourite album.
The appearance of DSOTM here on Earth is on par with the appearance of the monolith appearing amongst the apes in Stanley Kubrick 2001: A Space Odyssey. I think it changed consciousness on the same scale. This video was fantastic. Much appreciated.
Syd Barrett was a genius, pure and simple. Such a small body of of work but it has more depth than some artists that have had recording careers for decades and decades.
Oh my, Pink Floyd's Dark Side of the Moon is one of my favorite all-time albums. That Roger Water's spouse was moved to crying to express her emotions when Roger played it for her is completely understandable given what some of the lyrics evoke. The music, the vocals, the production, the whole package can easily leave one speechless; it's that good in my opinion. I was deeply saddened to hear the story of Syd Barrett. The barrier between sanity and madness in our brains is not as fortified as we want to believe. In the year 2022, in the United States, the infuriating state of the for-profit healthcare industry has likely contributed to many people losing their lives both figuratively and literally. Mental Health professionals? When they're not being burned out to the ground, they're coping with a system that in itself is a major stressor. It's a genuine wonder why more people haven't broken with reality and lost their minds in today's world.
It’s the most perfect album of all time. And I am absolutely infuriated when people tell me “America is the greatest country in the world!” when our healthcare system is failing millions of people!!!
@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980Health care? Still the best country in the world bar none for all time. 100% irrecovably.
@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 I d I o t, Pink Floyd is from the UK.... The only thing the US has to do with it is album sales....
@@WoodysAR Not for long.
The fact that this album spent 18 consecutive yrs. on the charts while achieving #1 status only once in the U.S. but never in their home country of the U.K. just warps my brain!
The Wall was No.1 in every major country except the U.K.
@@petercena9497 In the US it was the #1 album, and Another Brick in the Wall Pt II was the #1 single, over the great turn of the decade from 1979 - 1980. (Gilmour was pleased about that.) The Wall is my #1 favorite album of all time.
We listened to DSOTM during the last full solar eclipse in the US. We timed it where Brain Damage and Eclipse played during totality. It made both the album and the eclipse even more amazing. We are planning on doing it again in 2024.
PERFECT timing Mike!
Hah!
We did the exact same thing, but timed the album to end exactly when totality occurred. We got applause from nearby eclipse observers :)
shrooms or 'cid?
I just saw Roger Waters live a couple months ago. He has a couple really touching tributes to Sid in the concert. It's amazing to see that all these years later he still has an impact to those that loved him. And inspiring how that same love can spread and affect the rest of us 🥰
One of my most treasures memories was before my Mom passed in 2017 at 87 she and I would watch "The Pulse tour" on tape and "Dark Side" in it's entirety and she just loved it! In particular "The Great Gig in the sky" she'd have me rewind it "Let's hear it again" She was fascinated by the concept of that "Journey" being expressed through vocals alone (little bit of piano too but, ya know) She was my best friend and favorite person to spend time listening to music with. I miss her everyday but it's especially difficult on holidays like today. Merry Christmas Ma, see you soon .
This album has a lifetime connection for me. By 12 I'd already memorized it, I tried the Wizard of Oz thing once and strained to get it but, aside from like 2 coincidences nah🤣 I saw the Pulse tour in Miami in the late 80s early 90s and Dark Side in quadrophonic sound in it's entirety! Man what a show! I worked event staff and stood in the center, walked to the front, just an awesome show to say the least!
Great show but, hanging out with my mom...I'd choose that over any show.✌️❤️🎸🎶🙏
Wow bro. Great post. Your mom is awesome... And yes I say, is, not was. She'll live forever in you..
Peace bro❤️
I too love, great gig in the sky. My friends always hated it 😂 Idiots
You're mom had style
@@machwal4464 Yeah, my mom was truly awesome. She loved to laugh and sing. She loved watching the Osbournes and imagine an 87 year old woman who could pick up Ozzy's voice if Sabbath came on the radio. I'd try to explain the lyrics and their meaning and she'd say "Shush honey , tell me after ...I'm trying to hear it.." 😂
She bought me the Dark Side CD to replace my vinyl copy and rented "The Wizard of Oz" so we could try the thing and neither one of us could see what the fuss was about.
I'm not gonna' call your friends idiots but, if my friends didn't get the "Great Gig" I'd have told them they couldn't appreciate it because they didn't no good music.
Speaking of friends. My friends loved to hang out at my place when I was in my teens because if we were gonna' smoke a joint or have a beer she'd rather we weren't out where she'd have to worry. Plus she was fun and made everyone feel like they were the only person in the world while talking with them so my friends loved hanging out with her as much as me.
Thanks for your comment , I love you're use of the present tense because I know she's still with me and, not a day goes by I didn't talk about her. Something she said or stories she'd tell of seeing the Beatles on Ed Sullivan. I took her to Paul McCartney back in 1990 on Easter Sunday and man! It was her first big show and just watching her do the "Na na na na"s during "Hey Jude" was so beautiful. I'll never forget that night of course.
I got to take her to see Sinatra too and that was a dream come true for both of us but, she was a "Bobby Socker" back in her youth and probably never imagined she'd see him live .
I could go on ...she was my world and I know we'll see each other again .
That kind of magical force... that love, I don't think it ever dies.
Thanks again 🙏✌️♥️🎸🎶
Peace to you too....such a kind response
I'll see you around huh , all the best...Stan
@@stanphillips7277
Stan, I've been online since the beginning of internet time. No comment ever hit me like yours, bro. I've been insulted and praised, then promoted and banned, and everything in between. For some reason, yours is the only post that made me tear up, ever.
And it was ok. Good even.
I miss my dad so much. At 59 years old I still have "Hey dad?" questions. I can only go by memory, which is clouded by time and emotion.
I can easily picture your mom telling you to "play it again" or to "shush honey let me hear it again." For just a moment I was there with you, in the backseat maybe, waiting for my hit, and hoping you did indeed play it again. 🤔🤣.
Hope to see other posts from you on the professor's channel.
Oh, and in defense of my friends, They were 17 and we lived pretty deep in the Oregon countryside and they liked Molly Hatchet, Lynyrd Skynyrd, The Allman Brothers, you know...
But I did turn on a few of them to Pink Floyd. 😉 Mission complete 😂
Peace brother
@@machwal4464 Hey Mach, hey man. I'm sorry about the delayed response but, I was responding to you when I was interrupted by life, and had to take care of something but, all's well now and I have some "Time" (couldn't resist 🤣)
I was contemplating what you said about your friends and, it conjured up a memory of my mom singing along with Freebird and I could hear her "If I leave here tomorrow, would you still remember me" from that song I first found at the age of 11 .
I know I was 11 because my mom and I moved on average every few months between the age of 4 and 15 between Philly and Florida and I have this strong memory of my mom and I moving into this beautiful beachfront apartment in Ft Walton beach Florida to be near my dad .
I remember living on the second floor and sitting in the living room with my Marlboro 25s and my Emerson dual cassette radio with detachable speakers and my cassette's.
My mom was exposed to everything I played from Skynyrd to Zeppelin and Floyd. Rush .... just so open to anything I was into.
We'd move often and she'd always say "it's you and I against the world".
So fast forward to 2006 and she'd had a heart attack, successful cancer surgery and a broken femur and I had the honor and great pleasure of becoming her sole caregiver.
She never had to live in a nursing home as long as I was around and passed away at home, with me in 2017 the way she wanted but, just recalling her position nature and how even confined to her bed we'd have the radio on and she'd sing along with Freebird.
So as soon as I pictured her singing, eyes closed and head back so in the moment. She'd hear that opening slide guitar and sing the first lines before Ronnie started and man, just thinking about those 2 separate moments in time. One where we were younger and all those years and all that life ! I could hear her voice and those particular lyrics just hit me hard. I had tears and chills and this heavy emotional reaction similar to you man.
I still want to ask her things and let her know the news ya know.
If something happened I couldn't wait to tell her . If I heard a new song I wanted to play it for her. My entire life by phone or face to face she was my go-to . No 2 people were ever closer and that love , that magical force, the phenomenon of it can't ever die.
She used to speak of her mom and say "I'd reach for the phone to call my mother and say 'oh what am I doin' ' and she'd say in a kind of far away voice "What a funny feeling"
So now I've had that same feeling maybe 4 or 5 times where I'm overjoyed over something or a song I'd never heard by an artist I thought I knew all their stuff, a crisis averted and for a fraction of a millisecond I think "She's gotta here this." and she was right.
Its a funny feeling.
I have to emphasize that I'm 51 and I used to be able to cry a lot more easily. If I do it confirms that I'm still human and haven't just gone numb and when I was thinking about what I'd say to you about your friends and thought of my mom singing Freebird I cried for the first time in a while. Months at least. And it was good like you said.
It's strange how mentioning my mom sometimes gets a strong response from at least one person. In this case it was you man and it's my favorite response of all time and I've talked about her really often. Time and emotion clouds some things and yet others are so vivid. It's been nearly 7 years and it feels like 17, like I dreamed her at times and other times I think it can't be that long. Funny how time can mutate like that.
Those "Hey Dad?" questions I feel you'll get a chance to ask him someday. Hopefully not too soon right, but someday.
Same with me. She'd say "I've probably told you this one before..." and I'd say "tell me again then, I wanna remember" and still I wish I could have her tell me just once more because I've forgotten details and probably some things entirely.
I believe my mom's probably saying to your dad "That's my kid down there, ya see him . The one with the tablet. He's talking about us to your kid. I'm Dorothy by the way"
Another thing, I'd gladly have passed the joint into the backseat and I'd have definitely played it again. She never had to ask me twice.
Your friends sound like they were no different from some of mine. I've had Long haired country boys and metal heads who eventually got into the "Dark Side" and other stuff outside of their normal comfort zones. A little persuasion and a little bit of a toke and they've come around.
I can't express how much I've enjoyed chatting with you bro, and I'll look for you on the Professors Channel for sure man.
Also if you don't already watch Rick Beato's channel it's a cool music appreciation channel that I like.
Another one I've recently gotten into is called "The Charismatic Voice" where this cute little operatically trained woman who looks like the epitomy of innocence. Giggles and gets excited about the music of Zeppelin and Sabbath and Floyd etc ..
I'm not into reaction videos but, she's _never_ heard a lot of these songs and artists. She gets into the whole band and analyses the vocals from a singer/vocal instructors perspective.
She's adorable. If you're interested I can get you links if you have any trouble finding them, but I doubt you will .
Peace be with you man, I look forward to seeing you around and again, thanks for your heartwarming response. I can tell you're one of the good guys.✌️♥️🎸🎶🙏
Syd Barrett retreated from society for many reasons, and to society (us!), it appears to be tragic rooted in weakness . Yet it clearly was also rooted in Syd's STRENGTH of conviction to reject things such as commercialism, and all the pressures of life spoken about so eloquently by Roger which can be detrimental to the human and artists psyche. Worth noting that in or directly after the height of his personality "breakdown", Syd made two brilliant and creative solo albums. David Gilmour served as the producer of them and David reported that while Syd would arrive in various states of productiveness, he never once appeared to search a lyric or be at a loss for the next chord. Syd's artistic vision survived the Pink Floyd.
Brain damage and Dark Side are both a masterpiece. The paper holds their folded faces to the floor, and everyday the paperboy brings more. Rest in eternal Peace Syd Barrett.
You lock the door
And throw away the key
There's someone in my head
But it's not me
Greatest album ever made. I remember the first time I heard Brain Damage/Eclipse digitally, and there was that little gap between them. I thought it was sacrilege.
Yes! They need to be played without a pause between them.
I know!!!
Some people just don't get it...
I’ve experienced this too…sigh.
i regularly rip my CDs for use on a USB drive for my car, and when there's a situation like that, when the gap is just too much to take, like in this case, i'll open the files in a wave editor and paste them back together.
Love this in-depth analysis of one of the tracks of my life. I have listened to TDSOTM repeatedly throughout my life. My life changed when I first played this LP.
PINK FLOYD expanded exponentially after Syd's departure. In my opinion, this is one of the most meaningful recordings of all time, questioning much of modern life.
It has guided my thinking about how life has been constructed for us. We need to step out and great our own destiny. Don't follow society. Create your own path.
Merry, merry & a Happy 2023 Proffessor! Thank you for all that you do!!! Looking forward to the Bright side of the moon🌜!
I will often explain to someone how these old songs were messages to the listener. There was valuable information in the lyrics and when you feel like you can relate with the artist, it's reassuring.
Excellent work by you and your team!
Always enlightening and entertaining!
Merry Christmas to you and your family Adam! Thank you for sharing your love for music with us everyday! I can’t wait to see what you do in 2023!
Merry Christmas Nancy! 🎄
Thanks for the info on the Syd Barrett era Pink Floyd of the late 60s (‘67 to ‘68) - I didn’t know this period of the band - I only grew up knowing the Waters/Gilmour Pink Floyd of the 70s and early 80s era (1973 to 1981) - great video Professor!
I’ll start listening to those late 60s albums of Pink Floyd
Cool! Thanks Duane!
I’ve actually heard a few songs from the Syd Barrett era and they’re just as alluring.
@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 Have you listened to Barrett's solo albums ("Barrett" and "The Madcap Laughs")?
Excellent presentation. This is why you are the Professor of Rock !
I discovered Pink Floyd and Dark Side of the Moon while I going some depression/mental health challenges. I was never a fan going thru High School but many years later (in 2004) while I was struggling I found Dark Side and Pink Floyd and it will always credit that music in helping me get straightened out.
I think I listened to the entire album every day straight for months.
Thank you for doing what you do.
My favorite one of the bunch on the album for sure! Thank you for giving it the attention it deserves with this excellent video (-that's longer than ten minutes, like most others probably would've settled for).
It isn't the most likely track to be heard on the radio or in media, but if you listen to it once with an open mind and an open heart, it has the potential to haunt you forever...in a good way 😉
How incredible it is, that Parsons and Gilmore sounds so much alike. Without a doubt 'Dark Side of the Moon' is my number one stranded on a desert island album.
Hearing Pink Floyd for the first time at 12 years of age, I knew then the reality that every group, band or artist would always be a close second because Pink Floyd will always be number one.
The Beatles just cleared their throats.
@@Frankie5Angels150 The Beatles, as good as they were never produced 4 platinum over the top albums, in terms of deepness and music trip.
Exactly the same for me, same age for the discovery, never let it down.
Excellent analysis of a great work. Merry Christmas to you and your family, Professor!
Thanks for the Christmas present, Professor! Taking on Dark side of the moon is a challenge and you did it justice. Not only that, you gave me new insights into the lyrics.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Years to you and yours, Adam.
Thanks for the wonderful videos...
I had two Uncles. They were born in 1955 and 1956. They were both very intelligent guys. They gave their parents, my Grandparents, such joy and hope and pride. For 18 years.
Then, the eldest died resulting from injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident in October of 1973. That was my 7th year here in this life.
That Uncle, Gregory, was his senior class valedictorian. He was SUCH the great guy. Loving son to his parents, doting brother and the most unreal Uncle a 7yr old red headed stepchild could have ever hoped to have. He was always happy to see me, always wanted to take me with him on adventures to the store, or to the A&W drive-in or to the county park. He was larger than life to this 7yr old kid. Then, he was taken away by fate. Or criminal mischief. I was too young to be privy to the adults' discussions, but the whispers I heard at the time, stuck with me.
Halloween prank gone bad. Concrete blocks in the road around a blind turn... or perhaps just dumb luck of refuse that fell off a truck crossing the railroad tracks,,, either way, causing Greg to wreck his motorcycle trying to avoid the debris.
Or possibly those were protective wishes that gave my Grandparents some other explanation for an otherwise grade A young guy to lose control of his motorcycle other than youthful exuberance and too much speed.... there's too many years gone by to say for sure.
But his Brother and his parents grieved hard. And separately for the most part. That can fracture families. Even solid ones.
I was lost without my super duper Uncle Greg. And to seek comfort by talking about him,, hurt those around me. So me and my Uncle Bruce, we listened to Greg's albums on the stereo. Dark Side of the Moon and The Moody Blues were his favorites at the time.
I lost Bruce just before Christmas this year. 5 days ago. I dearly hope that Greg collected Bruce on the Dark Side of the moon, before they rolled on home to the Grandparents place....
The time is gone, the song is over...
That was beautifully written. Thank you for sharing it.
A classic album and a worldwide hit ,it's a must listen to every music fan , pink Floyd was the best concert I've seen , Roger was gone but he wasn't missed, Syd became a liability to the band , it makes complete sense to fire him , this is a basic business decision, a tribute band brit Floyd is an excellent band in concert, they are true to the Floyd sound, I recommend giving them a listen, you'll be amazed as I was , merry Christmas
So grateful for all you do for music! Wishing you and your family a very Merry Christmas and very Happy New Year
My older brother was into Pink Floyd but I never listened to them until my 40s, I'm almost 58 now. I was in high school when I first heard them with the song Another brick in the wall, and only listened to the album dark side of the moon just recently, I now own 4 Pink Floyd albums.
"Alan Parsons" has had such a large impact on what we have listened to over the years that many do not begin to appreciate what he has wrought. I enjoyed this episode. You really do these with nothing less than top-notch efforts.
It would be cool if the Professor could do an episode on the Alan Parsons Project---that would be fascinating all na itself, given how interesting his music was.
Dark Side of the Moon is so sad. Spiraling down into madness. It’s sad when someone breaks down like that. Comfortably Numb is heartbreaking, the people “helping him” are in fact feeding his addiction to keep him going. It’s such a great song because it totally describes how people can go down the drain with mental illness, drug use and pressure. I love it and it always breaks my heart to hear it.
I hope you and your family have a great Christmas!
Nobody describes Madness like Pink Floyd.
I’ve bought Dark Side maybe 7 times 😂
Tapes, CDs, digital and recently I finally found an LP in excellent condition. Totally worth every penny I spent on it.
I'm pretty sure that Comfortably Numb is on The Wall, but yeah, same source material, absolutely. I feel like the Wall is a lot more particular; less general than Dark Side. But it all has the same kind of emotion. I love The Wall, too. But The Wall has an anger and anxiety to it whereas Dark Side is more subdued and more desperate.......No, OK, the desperation is on both of those records. I guess The Wall has even less hope, in the end (though the hope on Dark Side is at best, hope against hope, almost like saying, well, we're all gonna die and meet up later on, where everything will be OK, without really believing it. Maybe that's what brings the tears to my eyes).
@@theskintexpat-themightygreegor I own both records and yes the source material is the same man, that’s why I mentioned it. I’ve always felt for him because of his fall into madness.
Comfortably Numb sounds relaxing but gets darker when you think about the lyrics. 😢
Merry Christmas Di! 🎄
I can recall one time when I had "the place" to myself and we ended up (I was on a date) back that the house in the basement of the tri-level where my 'stereo' was set up. I put on my quad copy 8-track of DSOTM.... it was one of the greatest make-out sessions I can remember. The gal years later told me what was going on in her head at the time, "Oh God, Yes, Please let it be me....."
It goes to show you that music can and does 'take you back', and this album is perfect.
Professor Adam, Thank You for this one and for what you do. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
Thanks for all the insights and behind the scenes details on my favorite album of all time.
I remember seeing interviews with David Gilmour and Nick Mason where they said one day long after Syd had "left" the band, they were in the recording studio and this man walked in that no one recognized. He had a pot belly, had shaved his head and eyebrows, and looked close to death. Only later did they realize it was Syd Barrett. And a sad prelude, really, to his premature passing.
It's really sad.
He was just sixty! 😢
@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 Such a shame that he could not find effective help or any peace. Gilmour also said that after being asked continously about Syd Barrett's influence on the band, he had "no soul for it anymore". I can see that, too.
@@vehicle22 It’s really sad. I had a loved one like that who would go insane as her health was slowly deteriorating.
Adam, thanks to your legendary breakdown of this song, it has reached a mythical point in music history (for me, at least). I can't thank you enough for this Christmas present. God Bless you, and for us all.
Dude! Thanks for this! This is incredible! Pleasure hanging with you on the Loggins shows!👍👌🏾🐕
I've always PFloyd for their willingness to include Sid emotionally in their music and with interviews and felt the lyrics ; Is anyone in there, just nod if you can hear me, is there anyone at home...etc was like them letting go of Sid's hand with love and respect and I tear up
Same. I'm happy they made sure money went his way too. Don't know how much he got, but they loved him enough to at least not forget him. Money can make people douchey, but at least they cared
Absolutely, and without exception, the GREATEST album of all time. I even had a special pendant made of the album cover in Inlayed stone with diamonds.
That’s very cool! Such an iconic cover. One of my best friends at school even has a Dark Side of the Moon t-shirt!
I've mentioned my link to this song earlier. I'm so glad you gave this song the attention it deserves. I wish it got more play time on classic rock stations.
Hey Adam, just wanted to say thanks for all you do and Merry Christmas to you and yours! ⛄🎄
The Shine On You Crazy Diamond suite is also dedicated to Syd
Yes, I mention it in the video.
@@ProfessorofRock My apologies Prof . I jumped the gun
And not just with Shine On You Crazy Diamond or Dark Side of the Moon but "how you suffered for your sanity" from Don McLean. Though Vincent was written for van Gogh, I hear it and think of Syd Barret and other creative, borderline geniuses that move art forward and open windows in our minds at the expense of theirs.
So many legends we can thank for helping pave the way for new art forms.
@hbofbyu1 I love how you phrased that last sentence. Very eloquent and poignant.
I'm now 72 ( sigh ) and still listen to all of Floyds albums especially when going for my 90 m inute daily walk or riding my E bike, just never get sick of listening to them. Then there are Rogers albums, for me they are totally different and just as good. When Roger left the band i thought it was a tragedy, but not so, now there are two bodies of work, so creative, so different. Roger mentions Syd in his concerts many years after Syd passed away, much respect.
Thanks. Nice memoriam and it's also great that the band remembered him and his contribution as well.
One of my favorite bands , Thank you Professor
Rock on!
Really great analysis of this work of art ❤️ It reminds me of what happens when an album finishes playing. That silence that Gilmore included in his phrasing. Inviting memory from the silent void. It's no wonder that I would wear out several copies of the same records because it usually felt wrong to violate that silence with anything else but what I was already playing in my head. Merry Christmas to you ❤️
At the end I always have the "oh no, I want more" feeling...
@@garryiglesias4074 And hours go by 🙂
@@Gotblade In my high school days, I had a "Walkman" with some autoreverse feature... And incidentally, DSOTM and WYWH were about the same duration and each one was fitting on each side of a cassette... I often (almost all nights) was falling asleep with my Walkman in infinite loop between Dark Side and Wish... Until no battery anymore or I just woke up in the middle of the night to stop and fall asleep again straight away.
@@garryiglesias4074 dreams with a soundtrack! Sweet 😊
Adam, I remember it was 1979; the year I graduated high school. New Year’s Eve heading into 1980. We were listening to Chicago radio at a house party. Low and behold; “PINK FLOYD, DARK SIDE OF THE MOON” ALBUM OF THE DECADE! I will never forget that! To this day I listen to my original album completely when I need my Pink Floyd “fix”. THANK YOU, and Merry Christmas 🎄🎁 🙏
WOW - Thank You for this, and all the others!
Fantastic album I bought when it first came out and still have. Another of my favorites came out while a junior in high school and I used part of the song as a poem I did in front of the class from Days of Future Past/moody Blues. I quoted the ending “Breathe Deeply~another days useless penny is spent” complete quote and got an A grade for it. The teacher hadn’t heard the record and bought it after I did that.
Reminds me of a time when I was a teacher in training. We were studying poetry and I played this and none of my high school class had never heard of Pink Floyd. I was astounded and felt old at 21 in 1979!
The so called Wizard of Oz connection is interesting, not because of any conciously contrived connection, but as a study in how timing and rhythm figures into the underlying foundations of audio-visual artistic works and the fact that these too separate and distinct works are syncretic in such an interesting way. I think Carl Jung would find it very interesting.
Whoever came up with that idea was a pretty clever guy!
@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 Or pretty stoned/high...
Hey Adam - SUPERB episode on this complex, sad, and masterpiece of an album!!!!! Keep punchin buddy!!!
Merry Christmas, Professor of Rock. Thank you for keeping our shared heritage alive. You're a fine spokesman guide through it all. I got out my reference book - Pink Floyd: In The Flesh (The Complete Performance History) to match your citing Barett's last performance. You're right. This book claims it was January 20th in West Sussex, England. I appreciate your lectures where you go past the introductory stuff about a band & delve into what you think is important to put across. I call it - "Professor of Rock riffing in deep cut mode" Merry Christmas!
It’s still an album that when I need inspiration to deal with this thing we call life I refer to.
As a soundtrack to my life it is simply irreplaceable
Loved Dark Side, but Wish You Were Here is my favorite album!
Both are perfect!
Love Wish You Were Here. Thought it was Lynyrd Skynyrd at first, silly me.
Merry X-mas Everyone! This music was the soundtrack to my childhood- I heard these tracks on the radio and our hi-fi record player. The "Floyd" permeated through my consciousness after hearing "Welcome to the Machine" on the radio. That track had a tremendous influence along with all of the Dark Side of Moon and Wish you were Here. Their music is consciousness altering both melodically and lyrically. They are Amazing- what else can you say about them! Thank you Adam for this treat today
Hey Professor!
THANK YOU for this film! A little bit sensational, but pretty damn accurate on the history, and enjoyed your interpretation of the lyrics of Brain Damage. That was quite the list of covers! Jefferson Starship!? That was news! Wish ya had a clip. You're so fantastic at finding the little details.... you missed the bubbles popping on the velvet seats of the theatre in London!
Pink Floyd has always been my favorite band...since I was 13...in 77. And YES! The first album I listened to was DSOTM! (I was at a small get together at my buddy's house, sitting across from his Christmas tree in an unlit room, and we were all HIGH AF! ) I also let a dude kiss me to give me his DSOTM album...still got it!
Happy 2023! Keep on rockin'! 💜
Dark Side of the Moon - one of the greatest albums of all time. But lucky you, Professor - getting to spend an afternoon with Alan Parsons! From the Beatles to Pink Floyd, from Ambrosia to The Alan Parsons Project - that had to be a mind blowing afternoon!
Geeze... The Dark Side of the Moon album had such a profound effect on my mind when I was growing up in the 70's. It's really hard to put it into words. I felt as though music could examine states of consciousness for the first time (I felt that with the Moody Blues also). The music on DSotM was so mystical and entertaining and touched on a scary but true realization about our sometimes fragile state of being.
I absolutely agree with you Glenn, And yes, The Moody Blues were also definitely amongst the best in the cerebral Prog Rock genre.
Wonderful piece here. You’ve done a wonderful job with this story.
This episode was so good, it left me Comfortably Numb.
Thanks for revisiting this, Professor. Merry Chriatmas to you! 🎅
Same to you!
Comfortably Numb was definitely a nod to Syd Barrett! If that isn't apparent on the album, it's driven to the point in the movie.
Merry Christmas, Roger! 🎄
@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980
Thanks Lilly! 😁🎅
Pink Floyd is the best all around band of all time and I don't think there's a close second. Nobody has ever been able to copy their sound or come close.
There will only be one Pink Floyd. Eternally.
As a wise person once said..." You don't listen to Pink Floyd, you experience them."
Absolutely!
Another favorite quote is "You can only hate Pink Floyd for so long." -John Lyndon
Merry Christmas and thank you for this wonderful gift. Brain Damage/Eclipse are tied together forever.
Sometimes the original just can't be improved on, sometimes the cover becomes the standard. Pink Floyd can't be improved on, except perhaps in heaven.
Merry Christmas Professor, and I’m so glad you finally did this story, I am a huge Pink Floyd fan and have seen them in concert 9 times starting during the wish you were here tour, up until their final tour, I even saw the Wall in New York which I was lucky enough to win an all expenses paid trip to from one of my local radio stations.
I’ve been blessed to see other amazing bands in concert, including Led Zeppelin, but no band in my humble opinion was as amazing live as Pink Floyd.
As to my favorite song on Dark Side it’s very difficult to choose as they all speak to me in different ways, but Brain Damage/ Eclipse would be my picks if forced to choose, together they are the perfect ending to a perfect album.
My favorite album of all time. I'm a HUGE Syd fan. I have two of Syd's autographs, including his autograph on "Barrett" album cover. I'm hoping there will be a 50th anniversary album release of Dark Side. Next favorite album of all time is Led Zeppelin IV.
Went to bed listening to Dark Side on headphones shortly after its release. Could explain my mental state from the age of 15. I think most people suffer, at least temporarily, from some sort of depression. Nice to know we're not alone. Time for some uplifting, Christmas tunes 🤪
Professor, great lyrics comments. While I never understood it well, it has for 45 years been one of my favorites. As you explained it, I had to wonder its connection to my life. Which has been spent helping the mentally ill. Water's interpretation that the madness is in us all, has always been one of the mainstays of my therapy approach. All of us are a few genes or life events away from madness. I will listen to this video a few more times.
Thanks, Professor, Merry Christmas, 🎄, haunting tunes.
This album is on my personal list of Greatest Album Ever.
I remember my daughter loving Pink Floyd…she introduced her mom to Another Brick in the Wall…I liked it! I introduced her to my sixties music, and I learned to love a lot of my kids music! I actually went to an Insane Clown Posse concert with my son, and his friend from college! What an honor to be asked! The kids there were the best! Treated me with upmost respect! I have found music brings all generations together! My daughter went on to get her degree in Music Therapy…she cut her teeth on the stereo playing all day long! Merry Christmas to you, and yours!
Wait, you learned about Another Brick in the Wall from your daughter?! Wow!
Merry Christmas Suzanne! 🎄
Lies
This is a near-perfect video - fabulous. Thank you! You missed my favorite element. My favorite element is the final spoken words of the album, after the heart beat at the end of "Eclipse", when you can hear "There is no dark side of the moon, really. As a matter of fact, it's all dark". To me, the simple statement of irony and contradiction to the entirety of the album brings an end to the journey and puts me, as a listener, right back at the beginning of the journey, no further down the path of resolution from where I started, back at the heart beat at the beginning of the album. I cannot listen to DSOTM and that final line without laughing (out loud) and maybe slipping each time just a bit closer to insane myself. For me, it;s the best practical joke played on listeners in music history.
such a great window on a coming of age story, masterfully carried across the point of intimacy to be delivered directly to the truth of who we are.
I was a big Syd Barrett fanboy for awhile lol. He was a genius with wordplay. I just wonder what direction the band would've taken, if Barrett didn't lose his mind. What would they sound like. No offense to Syd, but I'm glad how it turned out. I couldn't imagine a world without Gilmour!
No kidding.
Maybe Gilmour would’ve had success with another band, but I guess we’ll never know.
I guess the closest thing to where they could have headed are Roxy Music's first 3 albums, which are amazing. Rather than Gilmour tho, it's Roger Waters coming to the front writing lysics and elaborating concepts that set Pink Floyd apart from the rest. It took them 6 years to top their first album with Dark Side anyway.
Syd was a one in a million gifted visionary and songwriter
@@dsoquist lol, anythings possible, but there's no way he would have attained the success that Floyd did.
I know. Imagine if Dark Side of the Moon was recorded with Syd Barrett still in the lineup.
I was a teenager during the seventies so I honestly didn't know anything about Syd Barrett, but I totally understood the concept of losing your mind. I tried to keep my mother from doing it from 1972-1983. Because of this, I've never been able to even listen to this album before very recently. At 64 (almost) I now know what David Waters was doing with the album. I've missed out on some really cool work! I went to buy it but my store was out so I hope somebody's still making it somewhere lol! I'm glad that he made it with me into old age and survived that attack. Schizophrenia is a nightmare that you don't wake up from. I hope all my friends out there find the right doctor and meds so they can be happy again!
I experienced schizophrenic behaviors years ago in middle school. I’m glad I made it out alive.
@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 I'm glad you did too! It's a bumpy ride but you are worth the trip! They have better meds out there now so I hope that helps you. Hope your Christmas is great and your New Year even better!
@@nancyholcombe8030 Happy holidays! ❤️
Hahahahaha ! David "f***ing" Waters.... hahaha... I'm pretty sure Gilmour and Roger would be jealous about this new rival in the band.
Great work, Adam!! Keep up the good work!!
Since the day of its release Dark Side has been my desert island album. Can't see that changing. Thank you for a really interesting and intelligent contribution.
I was in high school when the album was released. Before, if you mentioned Pink Floyd you’d either get a blank look or a “Who’s he?” Then The Dark Side of the Moon came out, and suddenly they were the biggest band in the world. And I still think Dark Side is the greatest Rock album of all
Possibly the most glorious album ending ever together with A Day in the Life
Amazing video to dissect such a complicated song. Thank you.
Fantastic breakdown of Brain Damage mate, really insightful!
All of the stars aligned for Pink Floyd on DSOTM. Let's not forget that one of the stars that happened to be there at the right time was Alan Parson as engineer. Also, we can add as another star Storm Thorgerson for the iconic cover.
And one huge star, also shooting fast, is Clare Torry... Her back vocals and the GIg she delivered was once in Space Time too.
I have heard there is a fine line between genius and insanity. Could Syd help make that case? It is such a sad and deeply disturbing story . Professor, I want to wish you and your family a merry Christmas and a New Year. You help bring sanity to this chaotic World. And a merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all. Peace out!
That was nothing short of amazing, Adam! It’s going to take me a while to climb down off of this one.
This was and still is my most favorite album. This also made Pink Floyd my favorite band. I have followed them for years. Seen waters in concert twice. Once outside D.C. doing Dark side tour and in Atl doing the wall. Watched every documentary I could find on them. Read a few books written by Nick Mason and others. I knew who you were talking about even before you said Sid's name. Pink Floyd is the greatest and you will never change my mind on that.
Love your channel and I even have my daughter watch you just so she can know what real music is.
I feel honored to be around when this album came out and sort of snuck up on the world. Remember hearing the songs first time on the radio in the mid-70s. I miss the time of the great albums like this and pop culture thought so much of their audience and to let these albums become the soundtrack of our youth.
When music was actually meaningful and served a purpose. Long for those days.
Yes those were the good old days I remember hanging out in the neighborhood and someone had a transistor radio with Pink Floyd Money playing right after came out those are golden days and we didn't even realize it
I've always been of the mind that the Dark Side and Wizard of Oz connection is entirely coincidence. When I first heard of it I didn't believe it was actually a thing. A friend finally got the VHS of the film and figured out when to start the record (yes, the LP) so it would work out the way he was told it would. Then he demonstrated it for me. He had to pause the video when he flipped the record over but it did kinda work. At least once through the album, I don't know what happens after that.
Good friend, I miss him.
Nowadays it's our favourite way to watch The Wizard of Oz.
I did it with a CD, it does line up almost pretty well. Dorothy even puts her ear on TinMan's chest when the heart beat starts.
If it wasn't intentional it just a fun coincidence.
after that i like to cue up Meddle (tinman or metal man)
followed by Wish You Were Here (shine on you crazy diamond!)
enjoy =)
Wonderful job once again! Merry Christmas to you and your loved ones.
Thanks!
Merry Christmas to you too! 🎄
Another great vid, Prof. with new-to-me info and insight. There is no way to pick just one song or album as best (imho) but this one is def on the short list. It is a masterpiece and a classic, because it still sounds fresh/current, and relevant. I wouldn't want to live in a world where it is forgotten or gone.
Just my random thought ... masterpieces can't be covered and done justice. It's a perfect song from a perfect album.
Exactly.
Their whole catalog should be cover proof.
I totally agree... BUT... But there's Easy all Stars' "The Dub Side of the Moon" which is incredible... Because it's a high fidelity tribute musically, although it's totally different interpretation.
I was stunned the first time I heard it, I couldn't believe it was possible... You can find it on YT, I highly recommend you to take time to appreciate that very respectful yet deviant cover.
It's such an interesting tale to tell for sure, but still a tragic one nonetheless. Music is powerful to referencing and depicting things like it
So very true. Thanks RC32. d
It touches your soul!!! ❤
Fantastic content, bro!
Guess I’m gonna have to get the old lunatic back on the (stereo signal) path.
Thanks for your work, sir!!!!!!
Great episode, thank you! And Merry Christmas to all!! 🎄🎄