David Gilmour on the Apollo 11 moon landing
Posted by madhack on Jul 1, 2009
As part of a series commemorating the 40th anniversary of Apollo 11's landing on the moon, The Guardian is running a piece penned by David Gilmour himself. Although brief, David talks about his feelings during those events, what influence they may have had on the band's music, and the "Moonhead" jam the band performed to footage of Armstrong and Aldrin's moon walks at a BBC TV studio
The video/jam, although not new even to the Internet, is a lot of fun for anyone who still feels a sense of wonder at human exploration and the outside universe in general.
(a version with no video but better audio is also available)
Roger Waters on West Bank and a concert if wall comes down
Posted by madhack on Jun 3, 2009
Numerous news outlets are carrying AP coverage of comments Roger Waters made while visiting the the West Bank and Jerusalem, promising to play a show at the site of the Israeli wall there should it come down, an idea that hearkens back to the Live in Berlin performance of 1990.
Waters, of course, has never been shy about expressing his opinions on matters of politics, government policy, and human rights issues. Predictably, Israeli government spokesman Mark Regev does not agree with Waters's assessment of the wall as an "exercise of colonialism," stating, "We don't need no education about suicide bombers coming into Israel and murdering innocent people, and how the security barrier has prevented that by more than 95 percent."
Also unsurprising is the range of coverage from various other outlets, with Iranian international media referring to it as an "illegal apartheid wall", while Ynetnews notes Roger's concern that Israeli policies may be reducing their standing in the world, as well as international sympathy.
Waters was in Jenin as part of Cinema Jenin, a project he is co-sponsoring to reopen the only cinema in the city.
David Gilmour to appear at Crisis Hidden Gig charity concert
Posted by madhack on May 8, 2009
David Gilmour will be appearing with Malian blues duo Amadou & Mariam on May 25 at a Crisis Hidden Gig, in support of the Crisis charity for the homeless. The gig's exact location will be revealed 24 hours in advance, but it will be taking place "in an intimate converted church in central London." For those fortunate enough to be in the area, tickets are available at the Crisis site or here.
EMI in talks with Floyd for video games?
Posted by madhack on May 7, 2009
According to The Daily Telegraph, EMI is in discussions with Pink Floyd to bring their music to successful music-based games such as Guitar Hero and Rock Band. Interesting to hear this from a reputable source, even with no sources cited in the article, and given the band's remaining popularity with younger generations, it seems this would probably be lucrative.
Pink Floyd sue EMI
Posted by madhack on Apr 21, 2009
According to Rolling Stone's Rock & Roll Daily blog, the Floyd is suing EMI over miscalculated royaltiesapparently adding another artist to the ranks of those recently rankled by the label. Author Daniel Kreps hypothesizes that millions of dollars of royalties may be involved, but neither the band nor EMI are commenting.
Youth Music Theatre UK auction of signed box set
Posted by madhack on Dec 20, 2008
Youth Music Theatre UK is holding an auction for several items whose proceeds support YMT UK themselves. Among these items is a copy of the Oh By the Way box set donated and signed by Nick Mason.
YMT UK runs projects to help youth develop, rehearse, and stage musical theatre productions, as well as outreach programs for young people who might not have other options for participating in theatre.
Live Earth India officially cancelled
Posted by madhack on Nov 29, 2008
Live Earth's founders and the chairman of the International Panel on Climate Change have released a statement regarding the cancellation of Live Earth India, which was to take place in Mumbai.
"Live Earth" in doubt
Posted by madhack on Nov 28, 2008
The Live Earth show scheduled to take place in Mumbai on December 7 is now in doubt, according to some Indian news sources. Indian Express is reporting that a decision will be made by December 4, while Daily News Analysis India carries an unconfirmed report that the show has been called off. Obviously, this is in response to the Mumbai terror attacks that began Wednesday.
Roger Waters had been confirmed as playing at the show.
Gerald Scarfe to be recognized
Posted by madhack on Oct 14, 2008
Gerald Scarfe, famous for his political art as well as for the animation in The Wall, will be honored today with a CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire) by the Queen of England. While he's probably known by most people for his work with Floyd, he's done much more, and has made a great deal of his work available at his website.
Richard Wright gone at age 65
Posted by madhack on Sep 15, 2008
As many, many news outlets are reporting, Richard Wright, a member of Pink Floyd since 1965, has passed away after a battle with cancer. Rick's vocals, both lead and background, and his unique and instantly-recognizable organs and keyboards were a linchpin of the band's well-known and distinctive sound. Our condolences, as well as those of fans around the world, go to his surviving family and friends.
David Gilmour has posted his own feelings on the loss of Rick at his site; he is able to eulogize his old friend far better than we ever could.
Older news itemsNewer news items