Here is the second part of my personal favorite photos from 2023. They are not ranked, but all of them are special to me in one way or another. You will see 30 photos from different settings and genres. They … Continue reading
Tag: photographer
My favorite photos from 2023, part 1
2023 has been a special year for all of us. The continuing war in Ukraine and the atrocities in Gaza plus the clear signs of the climate crisis overshadows much of what happened during the year. But in spite of … Continue reading
Richard Wright’s 80th birthday marked by superb Wet Dream remix
Today would have been the much-missed, and much-loved, Richard Wright’s 80th birthday. Today sees new mixes by Steven Wilson of Richard’s debut solo album, Wet Dream, available on CD and all streaming platforms, with a deep blue transparent marbled vinyl and blu-ray edition of the album being released on September 29th. The vinyl reissue sees it on the format for the first time since its original release in 1978. It is on streaming platforms for the first time ever including a new Dolby Atmos mix, and the Blu-ray edition of Wet Dream includes the Dolby Atmos mIx, a 5.1 surround mix (DTS-HD Master Audio 96/24), the new stereo mix in Hi-Res Audio (96/24), and exclusive personal images and videos from around this period of his life. It’s housed in a book format with four collectable postcards and an 8-page booklet. Since the initial announcement, the Blu-ray has been expanded to also include a flat transfer of the original pre-master of the 1978 stereo mix, taken from the analogue reels, as well as Steven Wilson’s 2023 instrumental stereo mixes of the four vocal tracks on the album being added. This reissue comes with brand new artwork that was commissioned and art-directed by Gala and Jamie Wright, Richard’s children and managers of his estate. As per the original release, the bi-fold sleeve folds out to extend the image and features the same vibrant colour palette. This time, the unidentified person in bright red shorts is swimming within deep blue waters of the sea rather than a pool and the image expands out to reveal a boat slightly out of their reach, referencing the nautical theme of the record. The image was taken by Costas Spathis, a photographer living and working in Greece, which is where the album was written and the graphic design is by Carl Glover. The original artwork was designed by Storm Thorgerson and photographed by Audrey Powell for Hipgnosis and features in the vinyl booklet. Upon rediscovering this record (broadly speaking, quite overlooked or unknown by some Pink Floyd fans), it becomes hugely apparent how much of Richard’s DNA runs through Floyd. His distinct rhythm patterns, song structure and style of play exudes throughout, shining a light on his unique talent and influence on modern music. Yesterday evening, at the Dolby Listening Room in Soho, London, family (most of Richard’s were there), friends, and selected media were treated to a pair of playback sessions – in the pitch black – which straddled a Q&A session with Steven Wilson, hosted by Guy Pratt. First, the playback: this was the Atmos mix which is coming in September on the Blu-ray of the album, and simply put, it sounded absolutely superb. The clarity, power, and sheer musical and emotional impact made for a truly memorable night. The Q&A with Steven led to some fascinating insights into the process of finding the original master tapes (which were held at Universal in London), then getting them “baked” by Damon Iddins at Astoria (David Gilmour’s houseboat studio), before Steven could take the separate 24-track recordings and create the remix, which gives us an album which has never sounded as good as this! Here’s a glimpse at the Q&A, and the message to the attendees on a screen in the Ray Dolby Lounge (a separate screen was showing home video footage of Richard, which should be on the Blu-ray when that is released). Finally, if you’ve yet to hear it, here’s a taster of the album: ORDERING INFORMATION:
All purchases made after using one of our links make a small but vital contribution toward the site running costs, and we really appreciate it! The links below will be made live as we get them… Wet Dream marbled vinyl: Amazon.com (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0C9QYX9V9/braindamage-20) Amazon UK (http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0C9QYX9V9/ref%3Das_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8 camp=1634 creative=19450 creativeASIN=%20%20B0C9QYX9V9 linkCode=as2 tag=braindamage-21) Canada (http://www.amazon.ca/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0C9QYX9V9/braindamageon-20) Germany (http://www.amazon.de/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0C9QYX9V9/braindamage0f-21) France (http://www.amazon.fr/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0C9QYX9V9/braindamageon-21) Italy (http://www.amazon.it/gp/product/B0C9QYX9V9/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8 camp=3370 creative=23322 creativeASIN=%20%20B0C9QYX9V9 linkCode=as2 tag=bradamonl-21) Spain (http://www.amazon.es/gp/product/B0C9QYX9V9/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8 camp=3626 creative=24822 creativeASIN=%20%20 B0C9QYX9V9 linkCode=as2 tag=braidama01-21)
HMV.com (https://hmv.com/store/music/vinyl/wet-dream) Wet Dream CD: Amazon.com (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0C95CNXTW/braindamage-20) Amazon UK (http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0C95CNXTW/ref%3Das_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8 camp=1634 creative=19450 creativeASIN=%20%20B0C95CNXTW linkCode=as2 tag=braindamage-21) Canada (http://www.amazon.ca/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0C95CNXTW/braindamageon-20) Germany (http://www.amazon.de/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0C95CNXTW/braindamage0f-21) France (http://www.amazon.fr/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0C95CNXTW/braindamageon-21) Italy (http://www.amazon.it/gp/product/B0C95CNXTW/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8 camp=3370 creative=23322 creativeASIN=%20%20B0C95CNXTW linkCode=as2 tag=bradamonl-21) Spain (http://www.amazon.es/gp/product/B0C95CNXTW/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8 camp=3626 creative=24822 creativeASIN=%20%20B0C95CNXTW linkCode=as2 tag=braidama01-21)
HMV.com (https://hmv.com/store/music/cd/wet-dream) Wet Dream Blu-ray: Amazon.com (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0C9QX8YH3/braindamage-20) Amazon UK (http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0C9QX8YH3/ref%3Das_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8 camp=1634 creative=19450 creativeASIN=%20%20B0C9QX8YH3 linkCode=as2 tag=braindamage-21) Canada (http://www.amazon.ca/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0C9QX8YH3/braindamageon-20) Germany (http://www.amazon.de/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0C9QX8YH3/braindamage0f-21) France (http://www.amazon.fr/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0C9QX8YH3/braindamageon-21) Italy (http://www.amazon.it/gp/product/B0C9QX8YH3/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8 camp=3370 creative=23322 creativeASIN=%20%20B0C9QX8YH3 linkCode=as2 tag=bradamonl-21) Spain (http://www.amazon.es/gp/product/B0C9QX8YH3/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8 camp=3626 creative=24822 creativeASIN=%20%20B0C9QX8YH3 linkCode=as2 tag=braidama01-21)
Hipgnosis Studio: Pink Floyd And Beyond opens tonight in Italy
Opening this evening at the Palazzo Mezzacapo, in Maiori, Salerno, Italy, is a new exhibition – Hipgnosis Studio: Pink Floyd And Beyond. The exhibition runs until 27th August celebrating the 50th anniversary of The Dark Side Of The Moon. On display will be 55 large-format works, from the band’s most iconic covers to their preparatory works and out-takes, and will tell the story of the collaboration between the Hipgnosis design studio and Pink Floyd. In an interview for the opening of the exhibition, Aubrey ‘Po’ Powell said: “I met Pink Floyd at Abbey Road studios to listen to the recordings of the new album and talk about the cover. The keyboardist, Richard Wright, asked us not to do one of our usual surrealist works, but something simpler. A week later, while reading an American physics magazine, Storm noticed a prism which, when struck by a beam of light, created a rainbow. Itâs perfect, he said. We didnât have computers and software, so I took some crayons and made a drawing. When we showed it to Pink Floyd they chose it straight away”. Po, who is a designer, photographer and director, but above all co-founder with Storm Thorgerson of Hipgnosis, said that the exhibition in Maiori gave “an emotional contrast between the Baroque palace and my works. I would never have thought that half a century later that prism would have been an icon: on the street you see people wearing t-shirts with that logo, itâs the first thing that struck me even when I arrived in Naples. Of course the fact that Pink Floyd sold 50 million copies of that album didn’t hurt.” The exhibition is open from Monday to Friday between 6pm – 9pm, and on Saturday and Sunday from 7.30pm – 11.30pm. For more information and booking, contact info@ambientarti.net or +39 389 47 70 914 (WhatsApp).
Richard Wright ‘Wet Dream’ reissue with Steven Wilson remix release details
Some great news has been announced this afternoon, following some online rumours and speculation – Richard Wrightâs debut solo album, Wet Dream, is to be reissued on vinyl for the first time since its original release in 1978 – this time in deep blue transparent marbled vinyl. It will also be available on streaming platforms for the first time ever including a new Dolby Atmos mix, on CD and on blu-ray which includes a 5.1 mix and never before released personal images and videos from around this period of his life. To be released on July 28th – the date that would have been his 80th birthday – it will initially be made available on CD and all streaming platforms, with the vinyl and blu-ray editions of the record being released on September 29th. Remixed by Steven Wilson, this reissue comes with brand new artwork that was commissioned and art-directed by Gala and Jamie Wright, Richard’s children and managers of his estate. As per the original release, the bi-fold sleeve folds out to extend the image and features the same vibrant colour palette. This time, the unidentified person in bright red shorts is swimming within deep blue waters of the sea rather than a pool and the image expands out to reveal a boat slightly out of their reach, referencing the nautical theme of the record. The image was taken by Costas Spathis, a photographer living and working in Greece, which is where the album was written and the graphic design is by Carl Glover. The original artwork was designed by Storm Thorgerson and photographed by Audrey Powell for Hipgnosis and features in the vinyl booklet. Upon rediscovering this record, it becomes hugely apparent how much of Richard’s DNA runs through Pink Floyd. His distinct rhythm patterns, song structure and style of play exudes throughout, shining a light on his unique talent and influence on modern music. When originally released, post Pink Floyd’s Animals (1977) and shortly before 1979’s The Wall, Wet Dream was largely under-appreciated. Steven Wilson’s mix is designed to give new life to the record demonstrating Wright’s brilliance. Richard wrote and produced the whole album himself and it was one of only three albums he released outside of Pink Floyd, the others being Broken China, from 1996, and Identity, released in 1983 under the guise of Zee, a duet with Dave Harris from Fashion. The Blu-ray edition of Wet Dream includes the Dolby Atmos mIx, a 5.1 surround mix (DTS-HD Master Audio 96/24), the new stereo mix in Hi-Res Audio (96/24), and exclusive personal videos along with a photo gallery. It’s housed in a book format with collectable postcards and an 8-page booklet. Here’s a first taste of the album: ORDERING INFORMATION:
All purchases made after using one of our links make a small but vital contribution toward the site running costs, and we really appreciate it! The links below will be made live as we get them… Wet Dream marbled vinyl: Amazon.com (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0C9QYX9V9/braindamage-20) Amazon UK (http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0C9QYX9V9/ref%3Das_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8 camp=1634 creative=19450 creativeASIN=%20%20B0C9QYX9V9 linkCode=as2 tag=braindamage-21) Canada (http://www.amazon.ca/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0C9QYX9V9/braindamageon-20) Germany (http://www.amazon.de/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0C9QYX9V9/braindamage0f-21) France (http://www.amazon.fr/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0C9QYX9V9/braindamageon-21) Italy (http://www.amazon.it/gp/product/B0C9QYX9V9/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8 camp=3370 creative=23322 creativeASIN=%20%20B0C9QYX9V9 linkCode=as2 tag=bradamonl-21) Spain (http://www.amazon.es/gp/product/B0C9QYX9V9/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8 camp=3626 creative=24822 creativeASIN=%20%20 B0C9QYX9V9 linkCode=as2 tag=braidama01-21)
HMV.com (https://hmv.com/store/music/vinyl/wet-dream) Wet Dream CD: Amazon.com (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0C95CNXTW/braindamage-20) Amazon UK (http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0C95CNXTW/ref%3Das_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8 camp=1634 creative=19450 creativeASIN=%20%20B0C95CNXTW linkCode=as2 tag=braindamage-21) Canada (http://www.amazon.ca/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0C95CNXTW/braindamageon-20) Germany (http://www.amazon.de/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0C95CNXTW/braindamage0f-21) France (http://www.amazon.fr/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0C95CNXTW/braindamageon-21) Italy (http://www.amazon.it/gp/product/B0C95CNXTW/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8 camp=3370 creative=23322 creativeASIN=%20%20B0C95CNXTW linkCode=as2 tag=bradamonl-21) Spain (http://www.amazon.es/gp/product/B0C95CNXTW/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8 camp=3626 creative=24822 creativeASIN=%20%20B0C95CNXTW linkCode=as2 tag=braidama01-21)
HMV.com (https://hmv.com/store/music/cd/wet-dream) Wet Dream Blu-ray: Amazon.com (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0C9QX8YH3/braindamage-20) Amazon UK (http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0C9QX8YH3/ref%3Das_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8 camp=1634 creative=19450 creativeASIN=%20%20B0C9QX8YH3 linkCode=as2 tag=braindamage-21) Canada (http://www.amazon.ca/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0C9QX8YH3/braindamageon-20) Germany (http://www.amazon.de/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0C9QX8YH3/braindamage0f-21) France (http://www.amazon.fr/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0C9QX8YH3/braindamageon-21) Italy (http://www.amazon.it/gp/product/B0C9QX8YH3/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8 camp=3370 creative=23322 creativeASIN=%20%20B0C9QX8YH3 linkCode=as2 tag=bradamonl-21) Spain (http://www.amazon.es/gp/product/B0C9QX8YH3/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8 camp=3626 creative=24822 creativeASIN=%20%20B0C9QX8YH3 linkCode=as2 tag=braidama01-21)
Richard Wright ‘Wet Dream’ reissue with Steven Wilson remix release details (updated)
Some great news has been announced this afternoon, following some online rumours and speculation – Richard Wrightâs debut solo album, Wet Dream, is to be reissued on vinyl for the first time since its original release in 1978 – this time in deep blue transparent marbled vinyl. It will also be available on streaming platforms for the first time ever including a new Dolby Atmos mix, on CD and on blu-ray which includes a 5.1 mix and never before released personal images and videos from around this period of his life. To be released on July 28th – the date that would have been his 80th birthday – it will initially be made available on CD and all streaming platforms, with the vinyl and blu-ray editions of the record being released on September 29th. Remixed by Steven Wilson, this reissue comes with brand new artwork that was commissioned and art-directed by Gala and Jamie Wright, Richard’s children and managers of his estate. As per the original release, the bi-fold sleeve folds out to extend the image and features the same vibrant colour palette. This time, the unidentified person in bright red shorts is swimming within deep blue waters of the sea rather than a pool and the image expands out to reveal a boat slightly out of their reach, referencing the nautical theme of the record. The image was taken by Costas Spathis, a photographer living and working in Greece, which is where the album was written and the graphic design is by Carl Glover. The original artwork was designed by Storm Thorgerson and photographed by Audrey Powell for Hipgnosis and features in the vinyl booklet. Upon rediscovering this record, it becomes hugely apparent how much of Richard’s DNA runs through Pink Floyd. His distinct rhythm patterns, song structure and style of play exudes throughout, shining a light on his unique talent and influence on modern music. When originally released, post Pink Floyd’s Animals (1977) and shortly before 1979’s The Wall, Wet Dream was largely under-appreciated. Steven Wilson’s mix is designed to give new life to the record demonstrating Wright’s brilliance. Richard wrote and produced the whole album himself and it was one of only three albums he released outside of Pink Floyd, the others being Broken China, from 1996, and Identity, released in 1983 under the guise of Zee, a duet with Dave Harris from Fashion. The Blu-ray edition of Wet Dream includes the Dolby Atmos mIx, a 5.1 surround mix (DTS-HD Master Audio 96/24), the new stereo mix in Hi-Res Audio (96/24), and exclusive personal videos along with a photo gallery. It’s housed in a book format with four collectable postcards and an 8-page booklet. UPDATE: due to feedback on the contents of the Blu-ray, it has been expanded to also include a flat transfer of the original pre-master of the 1978 stereo mix, taken from the analogue reels, as well as Steven Wilson’s 2023 instrumental stereo mixes of the four vocal tracks on the album being added. Here’s a first taste of the album: ORDERING INFORMATION:
All purchases made after using one of our links make a small but vital contribution toward the site running costs, and we really appreciate it! The links below will be made live as we get them… Wet Dream marbled vinyl: Amazon.com (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0C9QYX9V9/braindamage-20) Amazon UK (http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0C9QYX9V9/ref%3Das_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8 camp=1634 creative=19450 creativeASIN=%20%20B0C9QYX9V9 linkCode=as2 tag=braindamage-21) Canada (http://www.amazon.ca/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0C9QYX9V9/braindamageon-20) Germany (http://www.amazon.de/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0C9QYX9V9/braindamage0f-21) France (http://www.amazon.fr/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0C9QYX9V9/braindamageon-21) Italy (http://www.amazon.it/gp/product/B0C9QYX9V9/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8 camp=3370 creative=23322 creativeASIN=%20%20B0C9QYX9V9 linkCode=as2 tag=bradamonl-21) Spain (http://www.amazon.es/gp/product/B0C9QYX9V9/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8 camp=3626 creative=24822 creativeASIN=%20%20 B0C9QYX9V9 linkCode=as2 tag=braidama01-21)
HMV.com (https://hmv.com/store/music/vinyl/wet-dream) Wet Dream CD: Amazon.com (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0C95CNXTW/braindamage-20) Amazon UK (http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0C95CNXTW/ref%3Das_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8 camp=1634 creative=19450 creativeASIN=%20%20B0C95CNXTW linkCode=as2 tag=braindamage-21) Canada (http://www.amazon.ca/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0C95CNXTW/braindamageon-20) Germany (http://www.amazon.de/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0C95CNXTW/braindamage0f-21) France (http://www.amazon.fr/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0C95CNXTW/braindamageon-21) Italy (http://www.amazon.it/gp/product/B0C95CNXTW/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8 camp=3370 creative=23322 creativeASIN=%20%20B0C95CNXTW linkCode=as2 tag=bradamonl-21) Spain (http://www.amazon.es/gp/product/B0C95CNXTW/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8 camp=3626 creative=24822 creativeASIN=%20%20B0C95CNXTW linkCode=as2 tag=braidama01-21)
HMV.com (https://hmv.com/store/music/cd/wet-dream) Wet Dream Blu-ray: Amazon.com (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0C9QX8YH3/braindamage-20) Amazon UK (http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0C9QX8YH3/ref%3Das_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8 camp=1634 creative=19450 creativeASIN=%20%20B0C9QX8YH3 linkCode=as2 tag=braindamage-21) Canada (http://www.amazon.ca/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0C9QX8YH3/braindamageon-20) Germany (http://www.amazon.de/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0C9QX8YH3/braindamage0f-21) France (http://www.amazon.fr/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0C9QX8YH3/braindamageon-21) Italy (http://www.amazon.it/gp/product/B0C9QX8YH3/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8 camp=3370 creative=23322 creativeASIN=%20%20B0C9QX8YH3 linkCode=as2 tag=bradamonl-21) Spain (http://www.amazon.es/gp/product/B0C9QX8YH3/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8 camp=3626 creative=24822 creativeASIN=%20%20B0C9QX8YH3 linkCode=as2 tag=braidama01-21)
The Dark Side Of The Moon – Official 50th Anniversary Book
Back in October, we told you about the official hardback book that was published on March 24th 2023 as part of the 50th anniversary of the release of The Dark Side Of The Moon by Pink Floyd. With the Floydian bookshelves now beginning to groan with the number of books easily into triple figures – and that’s not including lyric or musical tablature publications – a lot of familiar ground has been covered in a number of them. It therefore takes something different, something new, for books to stand out in a crowded field. So, we come to the Official 50th Anniversary Book, which is quite rightly already proving extremely popular amongst Pink Floyd fans who have been fortunate enough to already see it. The book is being sold separately as well as being included in the 50th anniversary The Dark Side Of The Moon Deluxe Box Set (https://www.brain-damage.co.uk/latest/pink-floyds-the-dark-side-of-the-moon-50th-anniversary-box-set-anno.html). There is no difference between the box set and separate edition, other than the latter includes a dust jacket which features the iconic prism as per the record cover. With the box set carefully holding the book inside, a dust cover is not needed. There is a third option if you are interested – the Brain Damage exclusive signed book and print offer through RockArchive (https://www.brain-damage.co.uk/latest/exclusive-pink-floyds-the-dark-side-of-the-moon-official-book-and-signed-print.html) which is limited to just 100 copies and selling well. The book and print are signed by photographer Jill Furmanovsky. Curated by Furmanovsky, with art direction by Aubrey ‘Po’ Powell, this LP-sized, 160-page book – with 143 illustrations – showcases some incredible, rare and previously unseen photographs, and was created with the involvement of the band members. In case you need reminding, or haven’t already seen the contents, the book includes:
Pink Floyd’s The Dark Side Of The Moon – extensive coverage in Record Collector magazine
Just published is the latest issue (March 2023, issue 542) of the UK’s Record Collector magazine, which as you might guess from the eye-catching cover, has a whopping eighteen page article looking at various aspects of Pink Floyd’s The Dark Side Of The Moon, tying in with the upcoming 50th Anniversary of the album, and the associated releases. The magazine, in UK stores now and selected stores internationally, and available to purchase online through this link (https://shop.recordcollectormag.com/issue/view/issue/RC542), often includes material of interest to Floyd fans and on occasion, there’s major coverage within its pages. The main article takes a look at the 1972-74 live shows, from presenting the early version of the album through the changes and finessing to the final iteration that we all know and love. They chat with photographer Jill Furmanovsky, who took a number of atmospheric and unique pictures of the band at that time (and of course, is still doing so, having recently focused her lenses on Nick Mason’s Saucerful Of Secrets). They also take a look at reviews of the album from the time of its release, which is an interesting trip back in time. There’s a small section sharing the thoughts of Guy Pratt, vocalist Durga McBroom, and saxophonist Theo Travis about their experiences discovering and learning the songs from the album, for their respective roles on the road. Finally, and tying in with the release of the new book Pink Floyd – Any Colour You Like: The Dark Side Of The Moon on Vinyl (https://www.brain-damage.co.uk/latest/pink-floyds-the-dark-side-of-the-moon-collectors-book-anno.html) which details the 700 currently known variations of the album, there’s an interview with author Stefano Tarquini and publisher Charles Beterams about this mammoth undertaking (identifying and collecting these variations, and putting the book together). This sits alongside a guide to some of the editions worth tracking down, and a guide to 50 collectable variants for people to keep an eye out for. There’s also a selected UK discography, with rough valuations, a competition to win a Pink Floyd print, and an offer of a limited edition (just 100 will be made) A3 print of the magazine cover signed by Furmanovsky. Elsewhere in the magazine – and in addition to the eighteen pages focused on the Floyd – is an interview with Alan Parsons, talking about his life in music, a look at occasional Floyd vocalist Sam Brown’s new album, and a wide range of non-Floyd related features taking in artists from The Jam to the Rolling Stones. There are also obituaries for Jeff Beck and David Crosby.
Hipgnosis Exhibition opens in Dutch city of Groningen
The following article was kindly written by Charles Beterams, a self-confessed Pink Floyd addict and owner of FloydStuff.com (https://www.floydstuff.com), an online store stuffed full of PF goodies. Charles supplied the pictures (below) from the opening event as well. He’s also the man behind a range of excellent books about the band, with the latest book – Any Colour You Like: The Dark Side Of The Moon On Vinyl (https://www.floydstuff.com/product/8818296/pink-floyd-any-colour-you-like-the-dark-side-of-the-moon-on-vinyl) – the result of Stefano Tarquini’s lifelong quest and gathers together the 700 currently known variations of Pink Floyd’s masterpiece on record. The Groninger Museum in the northern city of Groningen has become somewhat of a centre for interesting musical exhibitions. Following on from the highly successful David Bowie exhibition and a recent one on the Rolling Stones (which will see a reprise later this year) the museum – lead by director Andreas Blühm – was nominated for hosting the Their Mortal Remains exhibition. Despite the museum’s spacious rooms the exhibit didn’t fit in terms of size and especially height. Following discussions with Aubrey ‘Po’ Powell who curated the Pink Floyd Exhibition: Their Mortal Remains in London and subsequent cities across the globe, a plan was raised to focus on the visual side of things and create a new exhibition on Hipgnosis. The result of that can be seen (or absorbed) until 14 May in no less than eight rooms in the Mendini Pavillion of the museum. The opening event to place in the presence of Aubrey Powell, Peter Curzon and Pink Floyd’s curator Paula Webb Stainton and also attracted people like photographer Claude Vanheye who took the famous 1968 shots of the band during their visit to Amsterdam. Director Andreas Blühm introduced Aubrey Powell who discussed the hard work it was to get all those sleeves done in an pre-digital era but with enormous budgets on the other hand. With the close connection between the band and Hipgnosis showed in the large presence of Pink Floyd in the exhibition with the largest room fully dedicated to The Dark Side Of The Moon, but also highlighting Wish You Were Here, Animals and two beautiful walls with front of house and backstage photos. Other artists featured in the exhibition include Paul McCartney, Genesis, Led Zeppelin, Peter Gabriel and 10CC. Both the city of Groningen and the exhibition are well worth a visit. Details and directions can be found at groningermuseum.nl (https://www.groningermuseum.nl/en/art/exhibitions/hipgnosis)
Pink Floyd’s The Dark Side Of The Moon 50th anniversary box set announced
Following on from this week’s teaser videos, and whispers and rumours abounding, the official announcement has been made today for Pink Floyd’s celebration of the 50 years since the release of The Dark Side Of The Moon. Apart from a deluxe box set, which is released on March 24th, 2023, there are also standalone releases, Planetarium presentations of the album, and a competition aimed at animators. Rest assured, we have all the details for you here. First, the box set: As you might be able to determine from the picture, the new deluxe box set includes a CD and gatefold vinyl of the new 2023 remastered studio album, and Blu-Ray and DVD audio discs featuring the original 5.1 mix and remastered stereo versions. The set also includes an additional Blu-ray disc of the new Atmos mix plus a CD and vinyl (for the first time) of The Dark Side Of The Moon – Live At Wembley Empire Pool, London, 1974. There’s also a 76-page music book, replicas of two 7″ singles, posters, stickers, a replica invite to the press preview of the album at London Planetarium in February 1973, and Thames & Hudson’s 160-page hardback book with rare and previously unseen photographs from the 1972-1975 tours taken by Jill Furmanovsky, Peter Christopherson, Aubrey Powell, and Storm Thorgerson. For full details – and ordering details – please see below. On the same day, 24th March, the CD and LP of The Dark Side Of The Moon – Live At Wembley Empire Pool, London, 1974 will be released separately from the box set. It was originally recorded in November 1974 as part of the band’s winter tour and this is the first time it will be available as a stand-alone album, with artwork featuring an original 1973 line-drawn cover by George Hardie. The book Pink Floyd – The Dark Side Of The Moon: 50th Anniversary (which we talked about here on 14th October 2022) will also be published separately by Thames & Hudson on 24th March 24 to coincide with the box set release (which includes it). Curated by photographer Jill Furmanovsky and art directed by Hipgnosis co-founder Aubrey Powell, this LP-sized volume showcases rare and previously unseen photographs taken during The Dark Side Of The Moon tours of 1972-1975 and was created with the involvement of the band members. The 50th Anniversary release will also be celebrated as Pink Floyd have invited a new generation of animators to enter a competition to create music videos for any of the 10 songs on the iconic 1973 album. Pink Floyd has a rich history of collaborating with animators from the beginnings of the band (Ian Emes, Gerald Scarfe etc.), and in some cases the visuals that accompany the songs have become synonymous with the music itself. The 50th Anniversary will be no exception.