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Pigs Might Fly: The Inside Story of Pink Floyd
by
Mark Blake
Mark Blake’s history of Pink Floyd – the first for fifteen years – has already been acknowledged as the final word on this remarkable band’s life. Lucidly written, incorporating over a hundred new and exclusive interviews, it covers Pink Floyd from their Cambridge beginnings in the early sixties to their triumphant re-formation at Live 8 in 2005 24 years after their last l...more
Paperback, 416 pages
Published
October 25th 2008
by Aurum Press Ltd
(first published 2007)
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"We don't need no education", Pink Floyd famously sang. And while that may be proof enough that we actually need one, it struck it's point. Yes, I'm doing another band book, and this time it's over Pink Floyd.
I have recently gotten into them and enjoy their music a lot. This book(like all band books)gave a lot of page-turning information about how they started, how they got famous and so on. David Gilmour is also one of my guitar aspirations, so it was fun reading about him.
I would definitely...more
I have recently gotten into them and enjoy their music a lot. This book(like all band books)gave a lot of page-turning information about how they started, how they got famous and so on. David Gilmour is also one of my guitar aspirations, so it was fun reading about him.
I would definitely...more
Being a bit of a Pink Floyd fanatic (up to a point in history), I came across a notice of this book that was pretty complementary so I thought I'd grab it from the library and give it a try. I enjoyed it, but as might be expected, there are some frustrations. The group has always been extremely closed to the press, and while they all apparently spoke to Blake during the writing of this book, they were clearly not overly forthcoming. The most interesting part of the book is the early days, becaus...more
Part of me just likes to read about songs or albums that I like--the more mundane the details the better: my favorite book on the Beatles is "The Beatles: Recording Sessions," which is a day-to-day account of what went on while they were recording all of their records (who played what when and so on).
But another part of me is fascinated to read about the personalities that go into making the songs or albums I like--it's like a family saga, reading about John Lennon & Paul McCartney trying to...more
But another part of me is fascinated to read about the personalities that go into making the songs or albums I like--it's like a family saga, reading about John Lennon & Paul McCartney trying to...more
Mark Blake covers a lot of ground in the span of 448 pages. The members of Pink Floyd have always been notoriously private which makes writing anything about the band difficult. Add to this the dual loss of Syd Barrett, mentally so many years ago and physically just a few years ago, and one wonders how Blake was able to pull off this project in the first place.
Despite these challenges, Blake has done solid work. His insights into the creative process of the three Pink Floyd's explain why it too...more
Despite these challenges, Blake has done solid work. His insights into the creative process of the three Pink Floyd's explain why it too...more
Pink Floyd’s contributions to music, songwriting, motion picture scoring, motion picture authoring, arena rock productions, musicianship, engineering, production, lyricism and infighting are unsurpassed. Regardless your position or opinion debating the greatest band of all time, the greatest arena show performer ever or the greatest guitarist of all time, the facts remain: 250 million albums sold, Grammies, a BAFTA, Hall of Fame inductions, record-setting tours and a 14-year Billboard listing fo...more
Not as nerdy as I would have liked (would have liked to have more on the actual recording process) but an entertaining (and quick) read nonetheless.
There are enough Pink Floyd biographies and fan-produced books to break a bookshelf by weight, but most of them are poorly researched or deeply slanted or both. This is the first biography to take a reasonably objective look at the band's musical progression and the more interesting topic of the creative tensions that led to their best music. Since the members of the Floyd were infamously full of English reserve and avoided reporters for much of their career, there are some very new insights her...more
The Floyd story is an interesting read. Any big fan would enjoy this book. Besides giving the reader the background story and history of the band, Blake also writes about how the albums charted and were received by critics and fans. Information as to the meaning behind songs, why they were written, and how they relate in the album, not to mention the explanation of the album covers are all here. Barrett was a colorful and eccentric person who should not have done drugs. Either way, I think Pink...more
May 28, 2008
Bruce
rated it
4 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Recommends it for:
anyone who enjoys a great, real-live soap opera (and Pink Floyd fans, too)
I'd have given this book 4.5 stars if GoodReads provided that option. While not foolproof, Mark Blake's latest is pretty terrific. This is true whether you're a dyed-in-the-wool Floyd fan (early, Dark Side of the Moon Waters period, or 80s Gilmour period?), just slightly curious what all the hubbub was about, or fancy a well-told story that happens to span 40 productive, slightly psychedelic years in the lives of famous British rock stars. Still doubt the relevance of this book? Well, consider t...more
Man, is this one going fast. I've neglected books I was reading just to zip through this one. I'll even be in bed, barely awake, and CANNOT put the fucker down.
I think I've read just about every book on PINK FLOYD, learning little bits of information along the way, filling in the gaps, sometimes even getting most of the same stuff with every book I read. First it was Miles' PINK FLOYD datebook from the 80's, then Nicholas Schaefer's A SAUCERFUL OF SECRETS, then the recent Nick Mason autobio/unmi...more
I think I've read just about every book on PINK FLOYD, learning little bits of information along the way, filling in the gaps, sometimes even getting most of the same stuff with every book I read. First it was Miles' PINK FLOYD datebook from the 80's, then Nicholas Schaefer's A SAUCERFUL OF SECRETS, then the recent Nick Mason autobio/unmi...more
A very interesting, well written, look into one of the greatest bands in the history of Rock. Although this is the first book about the Floyd that attempts to remain objective, it doesn't. The book still is very heavily laden with the Floyd's eternal protagonist, Syd Barrett. Although far less than "Crazy Diamond" or "A Saucerful of Secrets". All in all, a great and entertaining read.
One of the best "band" biographies I've read. It doubles as a history book as well, giving an inside view of 1967's "Summer of Love" from across the pond. I have a greater in-depth understanding of the personal dynamics of highly creative group of people who have to respond authentically to enormous external pressures, tragedy (watching the demise of their bandmate's mental stability). Knowing more of the details of their production values and processes for each of their mega million selling alb...more
Excellent book. It seems a bit slow at first to get to the good stuff, but it's well worth the wait. It's amazing reading about this band; Waters and Gilmour had strengths that complemented the others' weaknesses, but typical rock issues seemed to derail them. By the end of the book, it's striking to note how much Waters in particular had changed.
Classic rock story, four guys hang out, one goes crazy, the rest replace the crazy dude. New dude has a great voice, after a few odd sounding LP's that did well in the UK, band hits pay-dirt in the U.S.A. BAM! Bass player gets moody, bass player goes away, two more LP's, world tours. Band gets back together one last time.
I suppose I knew most of the broad outlines of Pink Floyd's history, but this book laid it out with clarity and detail. It's well-written, an interesting topic and an interesting book. There is a good mix of objective fact with personal recollections occasionally, but not always of opposite views, and perspective.
The band lurches (or is yanked) from one controlling/dominate personality to another. Sid Barrett, David Gilmour, and Roger Waters. Each moulded (as the Brits would write it) the band i...more
The band lurches (or is yanked) from one controlling/dominate personality to another. Sid Barrett, David Gilmour, and Roger Waters. Each moulded (as the Brits would write it) the band i...more
a must-read for any pink floyd fan though the sad story of syd and the fate of the band leaves you bitter and melancholic at the end. after reading it, you won't blame only roger or david for the break-up but the whole band. it's the most in-depth and longest pink floyd biography and will take you on a fully detailed story of the band members from their childhood in the second world war to their old age along with their friends and creative circles of cambridge to their london days. nothing's le...more
I'm more of a fan of post-Syd Pink Floyd but while going through this book I tried to listen to all their albums. Well, things haven't really changed. Whatever mindset or tastes one has to have to enjoy Syd's work, I don't have them. The drama surrounding Syd's life just made me wish he'd got some help early during his self-destructive period.
Anyway, I did enjoy reading about the creative process behind the rest of the albums. The personality clashes between band members made me cringe a little...more
Anyway, I did enjoy reading about the creative process behind the rest of the albums. The personality clashes between band members made me cringe a little...more
A history of the band from its beginnings to its temporary reunion for Live 8, and the death of Syd Barrett. There is not much in terms of criticism or analysis of the music; most of the book is about the personality clashes within the band, as well as about the legal wranglings following the release of The Wall. Much of Blake’s information comes from his interviews with band members and with friends, family and business associates of the group. The book is somewhat more balanced than Dallas’s B...more
Interesting story - I had no idea about Pink Floyd's early split and subsequent struggles. Very detailed and thorough, a new appreciation for one of my favorite musical groups.
For a book about a rock band, this was very well-written and well-researched. It is a history of the band and it reads very much like the history of the band, with the spectre of Syd looming over everything that happens.
Interesting for me because it goes into the Floyd’s creative process – unfortunately not for all of the albums, though.
I couldn't shake the feeling this book was written by a person who didn't particularly like Pink Floyd's music. Blake placed a distinct emphasis on the interpersonal relationships in the band: Who was insulted by whom, who belittled whom, what an egomanic Roger Waters was, etc... Much of this was rather boring for me. I can imagine that a reader who is not familiar with Pink Floyd would wonder why they ever bothered to record all those albums.
I would have preferred to read some thoughful reflect...more
I would have preferred to read some thoughful reflect...more
The definitive book to read on Pink Floyd. Everything you could ever want to know about the band from beginning to end.
Interesting book about Pink Floyd. Humanized the "Ledgend" of Syd. Also, makes Roger Waters out to be a big A-Hole.
May 07, 2012
Carissa D
marked it as to-read
·
review of another edition
Recommends it for:
Pink Floyd fanatics
So far so good. Very detailed and includes all the little things that no one really knows about the group, a lot of backstory and history. Can't wait to finish reading!
very detailed, down to what roadies did, even those who lasted a day. (got to be into Floyd)
Besides an excellent biography, Blake also manages to capture the Zeitgeist of the period. Being a moderate Floyd fan and a student of history, this book totally captured me. Unlike other music biographies like 'Shout' (The Beatles), I finished this in a couple of days......
an amazing book on my favourite band. one of the best.
A bit too 'wordy' but a good insight into Floyd's dynamics
It's there, yet not quite. How very Pink Floyd..
I loved reading this book. Absolutely worth the time I put into it. I don't even think I want to read another book about Pink Floyd.
And yet, I somehow get the feeling that I'm not yet quite sure exactly what transpired that caused all the friction, the bitterness in general. I'm not sure I understand all the turmoil 80s onwards.
An absolutely must read for any Pink Floyd fan though. Gives my listening of the music a whole new dimension since now I k...more
I loved reading this book. Absolutely worth the time I put into it. I don't even think I want to read another book about Pink Floyd.
And yet, I somehow get the feeling that I'm not yet quite sure exactly what transpired that caused all the friction, the bitterness in general. I'm not sure I understand all the turmoil 80s onwards.
An absolutely must read for any Pink Floyd fan though. Gives my listening of the music a whole new dimension since now I k...more
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Jan 29, 2011 08:31pm