Anyway the wind blows....

This is something that no one could believe first. One of the most successful bands in the history of music is getting united again. Yes, Waters is back to the Floyd line up. Waters and the present leader of the band, David Gilmour, have officially confirmed the reunion for a live8 concert in July.

About Pink Floyd first, the band was formed with Roger Waters, Nick Mason, Syd Barret and Rick Wright. The leader of the band was none other than the genius Syd Barret in the beginning. Hence began the long and successful journey of the Sultans of Progressive Rock, “Pink Floyd”. They started of with some really psychedelic singles like Arnold Layne, which is their debut single, which was perfectly written and sung by Barret himself. After this their first album, The Piper at the Gates of Dawn was released with Barret on lead and vocals, Waters as Bassist, Mason on drums and Wright on Keyboards. This album is one of the greatest psychedelic albums in the British history. Later in 1967, a fifth member, David Gilmour, a school friend of Waters, was inducted to the band, for lead guitar, so that Barret could concentrate more on music.

In 1968, the first major reshuffle happened to the band. Barret, one of the all time best songwriters, was forced to leave the band following a mental breakdown from which he has not recovered till date. This was a big blow to the band as their future was under the shadow of huge uncertainty. It was at this time Waters showed his caliber and guts to come up to the front and take leadership of the band. Thus resumed the voyage of a new Pink Floyd band with Waters as the scriptwriter

In 1973, the album The Dark Side of the Moon was released. This is the best Floyd album released, staying in the US top charts for a record 15 years!!! After this came a plethora of bands trying to work out the success formulae of Floyd. By the time “The Wall” was released in 1979, Floyd had become one of the best progressive bands in the history of Rock.

Speaking about “The Wall”. It’s truly an amazing piece taken out from the hearts of the band, especially Waters. This album shows the brilliance and creativity of Waters, he conceived almost the whole idea behind The Wall. All thought Floyd is peaking new heights. Well… actually no. Though The Wall concept is Roger’s brainchild, it had significant contributions from other members as well. But he failed to appreciate that, especially the role of Gilmour. This eventually resulted in the split of one of most imaginative bands in the rock history. While performing “The Wall” concert, nobody knew that Waters is not the part of the band anymore. Finally Waters left the band officially sometime in mid 80s.

After that it was a period of struggle for Floyd as well as Waters, with Waters coming out with radiant concepts, but failing to get the music correct. Moreover there was no one who could sing those songs better than Gilmour. Meanwhile Floyd got dried up of creativity and good lyrics, though they had the music with them. Still they continued because of the success they had with the albums of Pink Floyd.

Speaking of bands, almost all great bands in the western music history had this kind of break ups when they were at their peak. I was just wondering whether this has got anything to do with sound propagation, like the condensations and rarefactions. Bands like Black Sabbath, Led Zeppelin, Dire Straits and recently Spice Girls, Boy zone, Backstreet Boys, all these bands broke up when they were at the top of the chart, after which they tried with their singles, but never succeeded.

It looks like the new millennium is the time for reunion. Black Sabbath was in the news recently as ozzy was back in their line up. When it looked like Floyd is fading away, they are back with the full strength team barring Syd. This is such great news for all Floyd fans that reflects in the number of applicants for the tickets of the show. Though I was not born when they were really cherishing the golden moments of the band, I can see that in my dreams. Hope this reunion is not just for this stage show alone… Hope they stay for another decade… Kudos to the band, Kudos to Waters. Jai Floyd.

Before I end, I would like to add the lyrics of my favourite Floyd song, Shine on you crazy Diamond. It says about the days before they announced their reunion.

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!

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 percision,
Rode on the steel breeze.
Come on you raver, you seer of visions,
Come on you painter, you piper, you prisoner, and shine!