Nick Mason on Pink Floyd Reunion & Venice Concert
“`html
Nick Mason Reflects on Pink Floyd’s “Live at Pompeii” Ahead of Re-Release
Table of Contents
- Nick Mason Reflects on Pink Floyd’s “Live at Pompeii” Ahead of Re-Release
- Nick Mason Reflects on Pink FloydS “Live at Pompeii” Ahead of Re-Release: A Q&A
- What is “Live at Pompeii” and why is it being re-released?
- What does Nick Mason, Pink Floyd’s drummer, have to say about the re-release?
- Where did the idea for “Live at Pompeii” come from?
- What was it like performing in the Amphitheater of Pompeii?
- How does the Venice concert compare to the Pompeii performance?
- What is the importance of “Wish You Were hear”?
- Was “Wish You Were Here” a tribute to Syd barrett?
- What were Syd Barrett’s struggles?
- How did Pink Floyd’s early days compare to working alongside The Beatles?
- What is Nick Mason’s favorite Pink Floyd album?
- What is the current relationship between Roger Waters and David Gilmour?
- Is there any chance of a Pink Floyd reunion?
- Summary of Key Takeaways from Nick Mason’s Reflections
Pink Floyd’s legendary drummer, Nick Mason, recently discussed teh upcoming re-release of the restored film “Live at Pompeii,” originally shot in 1972. The film is slated to return to cinemas from April 24-30,accompanied by a live album release on May 2.
Mason, now 81, reminisced about the experience of filming in the ancient amphitheater. “I miss it,” he said, recalling his younger self with long hair. “It’s nice to meet again as young people.” Despite the band’s internal conflicts over the years, Mason remains a jovial figure, fondly remembering the band’s history, from Syd Barrett to The Beatles.
The Genesis of “Live at Pompeii”
When asked about the origins of “live at Pompeii,” mason credited director Adrian Maben. “It was not our idea but by the director Adrian Maben,” Mason explained. “We were catapulted to Italy and it was a surprise: also as we played for the ghosts…”
He elaborated on the unique atmosphere of the performance. “There was no one in the Amphitheater of Pompeii,” Mason stated. “But playing without audience created an incredible atmosphere, with dust, heat, lights.”
venice Concert and “Wish You Were Here“
Mason also touched on Pink Floyd’s history of performing in unusual locations, including the controversial 1989 Venice concert. “Funny, but complex, with all the controversies that we would damage the buildings,” he said. “I wouldn’t do it again. I prefer to remember the magical atmosphere of Pompeii.”
This year marks the 50th anniversary of “Wish You Were Here.” Mason considers it “one of the most tough we have made. But it’s a record that I love more than ‘dark side of the moon’,it is much more relaxed.”
Remembering Syd Barrett
“Wish You Were Here” is often seen as a tribute to Syd Barrett, Pink Floyd’s former singer. “We didn’t conceive him so immediately, as we worked we became for him,” Mason said. “Especially when he came to the studio to visit us: he transformed it.”
Mason recalled Barrett’s unexpected visit to the studio. “His visit to studies was surprising, I don’t recognize him, his tanned, overweight head, a disturbing thing.”
Reflecting on Barrett’s struggles, Mason said, “It is easy to say later, then we knew little about it and I still don’t no what exactly the problem was. Many say that he had gone mad for LSD and drugs, but this is only a part of the story.I simply think he didn’t want to be in a band, he wanted to paint maybe, do anything else.”
Early Days and The Beatles
In 1967, Pink Floyd recorded their first album, “The Piper at the Gates of Dawn,” at Abbey Road Studios, alongside The Beatles. “At that moment thay were the gods and we were the children on the first day of school: we learned from them. And they learned nothing from us,” Mason joked.
Mason’s Personal Favorite
When asked about his personal favorite Pink Floyd album, Mason chose “”A Saucerful of Secrets” of 1968,” calling it “a passage album” that paid tribute to Barrett while also marking the beginning of Roger Waters’ songwriting.
Waters and Gilmour: Enduring Conflict
Addressing the well-known conflict between Roger Waters and David Gilmour,Mason commented,”Today they hate themselves even more than yesterday,but when we were probably the contrast was their creative force. Even if I agree with both, today I see more Roger than David.”
He acknowledged Gilmour’s firm stance against a reunion with Waters. “There is no more reason to do anything,it is now better that everyone goes on their own,” Mason said. ”
Nick Mason Reflects on Pink FloydS “Live at Pompeii” Ahead of Re-Release: A Q&A
What is “Live at Pompeii” and why is it being re-released?
“Live at Pompeii” is a legendary concert film by Pink Floyd, originally shot in 1972. The film is returning to cinemas from April 24-30 and will be followed by a live album release on May 2. This re-release offers fans a chance to experience the band’s performance in a unique setting, restored and remastered for modern audiences.
What does Nick Mason, Pink Floyd’s drummer, have to say about the re-release?
Nick Mason, now 81, reflects fondly on the experience of filming “Live at Pompeii”. He shared he misses the experience and remembers the band’s younger days. He also reminisces about the band’s history.
Where did the idea for “Live at Pompeii” come from?
According to Mason,the idea for “Live at Pompeii” came from director Adrian maben,not the band themselves. They were “catapulted” to Italy for the filming, which was a surprise for the band.
What was it like performing in the Amphitheater of Pompeii?
Mason described the unique atmosphere of the performance, noting that there was no audience. This absence, combined with the dust, heat, and lights, created an “astonishing atmosphere”.
How does the Venice concert compare to the Pompeii performance?
Mason also mentioned Pink Floyd’s history of performing in unusual locations, including the controversial 1989 Venice concert. “Funny, but complex…,” he stated. he prefers to remember the magical atmosphere of Pompeii.
What is the importance of “Wish You Were hear”?
This year marks the 50th anniversary of “Wish You Were Here”. Mason considers it “one of the most though we have made,” adding that he loves it “more than ‘dark side of the moon’, it is much more relaxed.”
Was “Wish You Were Here” a tribute to Syd barrett?
“Wish You were here” is frequently enough seen as a tribute to Syd Barrett. Mason said, “We didn’t conceive him so instantly, as we worked we became for him.” The album was inspired by Barrett’s unexpected visit to the studio, recalling that he was “tanned, overweight, a disturbing thing.”
What were Syd Barrett’s struggles?
Mason reflects saying,”I simply think he didn’t wont to be in a band,he wanted to paint maybe,do anything else.” He acknowledges how little they knew about Barrett’s problems at the time, suggesting the story was more complex than simply drugs and LSD.
How did Pink Floyd’s early days compare to working alongside The Beatles?
In 1967, Pink Floyd recorded their first album, “The Piper at the Gates of Dawn,” at Abbey road Studios, alongside The Beatles. Mason said, “At that moment they were the gods and we were the children on the first day of school: we learned from them. And they learned nothing from us,” Mason joked.
What is Nick Mason’s favorite Pink Floyd album?
Mason chose “A Saucerful of Secrets“ of 1968” as his personal favorite, calling it a “passage album” that paid tribute to Barrett while also marking the beginning of Roger Waters’ songwriting.
What is the current relationship between Roger Waters and David Gilmour?
Mason commented that Roger Waters and David Gilmour’s conflict endures, stating, “Today they hate themselves even more than yesterday, but when we were probably the contrast was their creative force. Even if I agree with both, today I see more Roger than David.”
Is there any chance of a Pink Floyd reunion?
Mason acknowledged Gilmour’s firm stance against a reunion with Waters. “There is no more reason to do anything, it is now better that everyone goes on their own,” Mason said.
Summary of Key Takeaways from Nick Mason’s Reflections
Here’s a brief overview of the key points discussed:
| Topic | Summary |
| ————————— | —————————————————————————————————— |
| “Live at Pompeii” | Re-release of a restored Pink Floyd concert film shot in 1972, directed by Adrian Maben. |
| Filming Experience | Unique atmosphere with no audience,dust,heat,and lights. |
| “Wish You Were Here” | Celebrates its 50th anniversary.Mason loves the album and sees it as a tribute to Syd Barrett. |
| Syd Barrett | Mason reflects on barrett’s struggles and his departure from the band. |
| Early Days | Pink Floyd learned from The beatles at Abbey Road Studios. |
| Favorite Album | Mason’s favourite album is “A Saucerful of Secrets.” |
| Waters and Gilmour | The artists are in an ongoing conflict, but it’s unlikely there will be a reunion. |