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Pink Floyd: Behind the Wall
With a music career spanning nearly half a century, Pink Floyd is one of the most successful rock bands in history. With more than 250 million album sales to their name, Pink Floyd continues to remain hugely popular worldwide. Both Rolling Stones and VH1 have named Pink Floyd one of "The 100 Greatest Artists of All Time", and they continue to attract new generations of fans. They were inducted in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1996 and the UK Music Hall of Fame in 2005. Their 2011 "immersion" box sets for their classic Dark Side of the Moon and Wish You Were Here albums were met with unanimous critical acclaim and prolific press. The Wall Live concert tour featuring Roger Waters was the second highest grossing concert tour in North America in 2010 (over $89.5 million dollars) and the sixth highest in the world. In this, the first complete illustrated history of Pink Floyd from 1965 through today, author and journalist Hugh Fielder gets behind the wall and recounts the band's entire history, analyzes their recordings, and provides a complete discography. Readers will discover stories behind the band's formation, recordings, and tours, as well as the bitter disputes, both public and private. Complemented with more than 250 images, including live performance and candid off-stage photographs, as well as rare memorabilia like gig posters, concert tees, picture sleeves, backstage passes, buttons, and ticket stubs, this is the book that every Floyd fan will want on their shelf.
- GenresMusicNonfictionHistory
240 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2013
4 people are currently reading
54 people want to read
About the author
Hugh Fielder
21 books4 followersIn November 1964, Hugh Fielder was about to bunk off school in Cambridge to go and see the Rolling Stones at Ipswich Gaumont when he was advised to ask permission instead. To his surprise it was granted in return for an essay on the show. He spent most of it enthusing about American guest stars Inez & Charlie Foxx.
A career in rock journalism beckoned, but not before going to a polytechnic in London in 1966 where he spent three years following Cream, the Who and Jimi Hendrix around. He can remember it even though he was there, even the Doors and Jefferson Airplane at the Roundhouse.
He had traditional journalistic values knocked into him at magazines like Municipal Journal, Accountancy Age and Building Design before joining Sounds in 1975. He spent 15 years there, mostly as news editor, with a grandstand view of the emergence of punk, new wave, post punk, new romantics, indie rock, stadium rock and all points in between.
In the '90s he edited Top, the monthly in-store magazine at Tower Records (does anyone remember record stores?). Since the new millennium he has been freelance, working mainly for Classic Rock.
He has written books on the Beatles, Pink Floyd, Jimi Hendrix, Queen, Genesis, the Police, punk and Lady Gaga.
His career highlights include sharing a spliff with Bob Marley, a cup of tea with Keith Richards, a glass of mineral water with the Edge, a pint of beer with Robert Plant, a Jack Daniels with Slash and a frosty stare with Axl Rose. He has watched Mike Oldfield strip naked in front of him and Bobby Womack fall asleep in mid-interview. His two daughters accept that he will never grow up… although his wife still has hopes.
A career in rock journalism beckoned, but not before going to a polytechnic in London in 1966 where he spent three years following Cream, the Who and Jimi Hendrix around. He can remember it even though he was there, even the Doors and Jefferson Airplane at the Roundhouse.
He had traditional journalistic values knocked into him at magazines like Municipal Journal, Accountancy Age and Building Design before joining Sounds in 1975. He spent 15 years there, mostly as news editor, with a grandstand view of the emergence of punk, new wave, post punk, new romantics, indie rock, stadium rock and all points in between.
In the '90s he edited Top, the monthly in-store magazine at Tower Records (does anyone remember record stores?). Since the new millennium he has been freelance, working mainly for Classic Rock.
He has written books on the Beatles, Pink Floyd, Jimi Hendrix, Queen, Genesis, the Police, punk and Lady Gaga.
His career highlights include sharing a spliff with Bob Marley, a cup of tea with Keith Richards, a glass of mineral water with the Edge, a pint of beer with Robert Plant, a Jack Daniels with Slash and a frosty stare with Axl Rose. He has watched Mike Oldfield strip naked in front of him and Bobby Womack fall asleep in mid-interview. His two daughters accept that he will never grow up… although his wife still has hopes.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
October 24, 2023
Very nice book of one of the best bands in history.
I only regret to have read it in dutch and not in the original language.
I only regret to have read it in dutch and not in the original language.
November 12, 2023
A comprehensive look at Pink Floyd, the band members, their music, the concepts, the artwork, the live performances and then the disagreements, solo albums and tours. Really interesting even to someone like me who isn’t a big fan.
February 7, 2014
I love this book - not only because I love Pink Floyd, which I do, but because Hugh Fielder provides a beautiful, detailed, articulate bio complete with numerous gorgeous photos. The book quality itself is excellent - heavy paper with sheen to enhance all the pictures, a large wide book in many ways. I don't give 5 stars freely. In my opinion this author is well informed, expresses the story wonderfully, captures the feeling of Pink Floyd entirely - the music, the lives of band members, and most of all - I can feel the love.
Hugh Fielder is from Cambridge, England where Pink Floyd has their roots. Hugh is a homeboy, he understands the culture behind their music. I learned much from reading 'Behind the Wall'. Some previous background info I had but here everything fits together in an uplifting and truthful story. Included are bits of interview statements from members of the band at key points (and many highlights exist in their illustrious careers) to allow the reader to know what the mood and feeling was at various moments. Congrats and kudos, to Hugh!
As well, this year 2014 marks the 50th anniversary of the British invasion with the Beatles! A good way to celebrate is reading about the history of Brit music, including this bio of one ultra cool band, Pink Floyd.
I think the words "mood" and "feelings" describe Pink Floyd, as well as "elevated thoughts" "cosmic" and "dreamy", "harmonious, melodic" "powerful, driven" and yes, "genius" transcending time and space. I can think of many descriptions, all extremely moving! The music holds up to this day with the brilliance of David Gilmour, Roger Waters, and Nick Mason who remain with us - certainly they continue to shine on...and I think Syd Barrett and Richard Wright are a continued inspiration to all as well. Crazy diamonds forever...
Thank you Pink Floyd and Hugh Fielder!
Hugh Fielder is from Cambridge, England where Pink Floyd has their roots. Hugh is a homeboy, he understands the culture behind their music. I learned much from reading 'Behind the Wall'. Some previous background info I had but here everything fits together in an uplifting and truthful story. Included are bits of interview statements from members of the band at key points (and many highlights exist in their illustrious careers) to allow the reader to know what the mood and feeling was at various moments. Congrats and kudos, to Hugh!
As well, this year 2014 marks the 50th anniversary of the British invasion with the Beatles! A good way to celebrate is reading about the history of Brit music, including this bio of one ultra cool band, Pink Floyd.
I think the words "mood" and "feelings" describe Pink Floyd, as well as "elevated thoughts" "cosmic" and "dreamy", "harmonious, melodic" "powerful, driven" and yes, "genius" transcending time and space. I can think of many descriptions, all extremely moving! The music holds up to this day with the brilliance of David Gilmour, Roger Waters, and Nick Mason who remain with us - certainly they continue to shine on...and I think Syd Barrett and Richard Wright are a continued inspiration to all as well. Crazy diamonds forever...
Thank you Pink Floyd and Hugh Fielder!
November 9, 2023
Pink Floyd have been an integral part of the soundtrack of my life, but while I grew up with the music, I never knew much of the history of the band.
Enter Pink Floyd: Behind the Wall, by Hugh Fielder.
This is a comprehensive look into Pink Floyd, from their early blues years through the psychedelic era to the behemoth they are today, with fascinating insights into the interactions between the band and the stories behind the hit albums.
Filled with behind the scenes photos, fliers, and stills from concerts and albums, accompanying an engaging narrative, this book has everything: the stories behind their iconic imagery and staging; the epic songs (and the not-so epic ones); the band's meteoric rise and the divisions/conflicts that led to the split in the group.
It was a fascinating read, and a must for Pink Floyd fans.
~ Many thanks to NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review~
Enter Pink Floyd: Behind the Wall, by Hugh Fielder.
This is a comprehensive look into Pink Floyd, from their early blues years through the psychedelic era to the behemoth they are today, with fascinating insights into the interactions between the band and the stories behind the hit albums.
Filled with behind the scenes photos, fliers, and stills from concerts and albums, accompanying an engaging narrative, this book has everything: the stories behind their iconic imagery and staging; the epic songs (and the not-so epic ones); the band's meteoric rise and the divisions/conflicts that led to the split in the group.
It was a fascinating read, and a must for Pink Floyd fans.
~ Many thanks to NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review~
March 28, 2023
Es una historia muy completa y detallada de la banda. La verdad es que he acabado bastante satisfecho pero por ponerle una pega diría que se centra demasiado para mi gusto en aspectos relacionados con la producción y esperaba un análisis más profundo de letras, mensajes y filosofía detrás de las canciones. Aun así, como ya he dicho ha cumplido con mis expectativas.
August 7, 2022
A decent look at the career of Pink Floyd and the solo work of the band members. Not much new for fans but plenty of photos and promo images. However the author obviously felt that Obscured by Clouds wasn't worthy of being written about. Next to nothing about this great album. Very odd decision from Hugh Fielder, hence the lower rating.
February 10, 2016
Na het lezen van Pink Floyd: Behind the Wall hou ik nog meer van Pink Floyd. Deze verhelderende bandbiografie verschaft de lezer anekdotische weetjes die hem naar een koptelefoon doen grijpen om dat ene nummer nog maar een keer aandachtiger te beluisteren. Maar Fielder kadert de verschillende albums ook heel knap in een overzichtelijke bandgeschiedenis en, ruimer, in de cultuurhistorische context waarin de band zich ontwikkelde.
Bovendien bevat het boek een schat aan fotomateriaal. Daardoor knijp ik graag een oogje dicht voor het feit dat de vertaling een beetje braaf en zelfs wat schools overkomt in haar benadering van deze materie (we're talking Pink Floyd here!).
Things to do before you die: lees Pink Floyd: Behind the Wall, leg je oor te luisteren en zink weg bij Echoes.
Bovendien bevat het boek een schat aan fotomateriaal. Daardoor knijp ik graag een oogje dicht voor het feit dat de vertaling een beetje braaf en zelfs wat schools overkomt in haar benadering van deze materie (we're talking Pink Floyd here!).
Things to do before you die: lees Pink Floyd: Behind the Wall, leg je oor te luisteren en zink weg bij Echoes.
February 9, 2015
Un emozionante viaggio all'interno della storia, delle personalità e dei momenti significativi di uno dei gruppi Rock più famosi di sempre, nonché uno dei miei gruppi più amati, i Pink Floyd.
Si imparano molte cose, si conoscono molte curiosità e si sfatano miti che si avevano in precedenza. Un'ottima risorsa per conoscere la vita di una band tra successi e cause legali che mi ha fatto affezionare e capire molto di più la loro musica.
Si imparano molte cose, si conoscono molte curiosità e si sfatano miti che si avevano in precedenza. Un'ottima risorsa per conoscere la vita di una band tra successi e cause legali che mi ha fatto affezionare e capire molto di più la loro musica.
October 24, 2023
A collector's book about Pink Floyd, one of the most influential bands in the world who created the wonderful Dark Side of the Moon (celebrating fifty years anniversary in 2023) and The Wall. Everyone knows a Pink Floyd song, whether they realise it or not.
Famous for original stage shows that included lights, film and unusual sonic sounds, Floyd wrote concept albums full of philosophical ideas and social commentary. Songs are often extended and can last more than twenty minutes in length and have dark themes such as death, war, loneliness, communication and mental illness. Evocative, haunting, intelligent and brilliant, Pink Floyd shows are an elaborate and moving experience.
The band began in the 1960s in the era of psychedelic rock and developed into a powerful creative force, and this book follows the development from the members' childhood through to the present day. It includes the tours, recordings and thoughts of the band members with colour pictures throughout, including posters, photographs and artwork. The best part is, of course, how Pink Floyd songs were created but the divisions and clash of personalities makes the story a little more spicy. The book concludes with an attempt to explain the popularity of Dark Side of the Moon, the most successful concept album ever made being in the Billboard album chart for nearly fifteen years.
This is definitely a fans' book with the information, facts and figures readily available elsewhere. Similarly, the quotes from the band members are taken from magazine interviews and other publications. Added to this is an extensive discography to complete the collation.
A version of this book came out in 2013, but the band has continued to release more albums, both as individual musicians and new compilations or live recordings. So this book is as up to date as it can be. Informative, comprehensive and colourful, recommended for Floyd fans or those interested in music.
Famous for original stage shows that included lights, film and unusual sonic sounds, Floyd wrote concept albums full of philosophical ideas and social commentary. Songs are often extended and can last more than twenty minutes in length and have dark themes such as death, war, loneliness, communication and mental illness. Evocative, haunting, intelligent and brilliant, Pink Floyd shows are an elaborate and moving experience.
The band began in the 1960s in the era of psychedelic rock and developed into a powerful creative force, and this book follows the development from the members' childhood through to the present day. It includes the tours, recordings and thoughts of the band members with colour pictures throughout, including posters, photographs and artwork. The best part is, of course, how Pink Floyd songs were created but the divisions and clash of personalities makes the story a little more spicy. The book concludes with an attempt to explain the popularity of Dark Side of the Moon, the most successful concept album ever made being in the Billboard album chart for nearly fifteen years.
This is definitely a fans' book with the information, facts and figures readily available elsewhere. Similarly, the quotes from the band members are taken from magazine interviews and other publications. Added to this is an extensive discography to complete the collation.
A version of this book came out in 2013, but the band has continued to release more albums, both as individual musicians and new compilations or live recordings. So this book is as up to date as it can be. Informative, comprehensive and colourful, recommended for Floyd fans or those interested in music.
June 10, 2025
Pink Floyd - an institution that got torn apart - in the 80's - by the larger than life ego's and different artistic visions. Roger Waters is a genius, David Gilmour is equally great what they did together in Floyd ... well that is just awesomeness out of this world - the music , the show, the lights and lasers all in the mix to create the extraordinary!
The story is starting in 60's and the author goes through every era of this "institution", dedicating lot of pages to pay homage to the creative genius of Syd Barrett who was essential in defining the unmistakable Floyd style.
Also - if there was any need for it - it spelled out clear , from the perspective of Waters and Gilmour all the emotional load that was put into there iconic tune of "Shine on you crazy Diamond" ( that is about and dedicated to Roger "Syd" Barrett.
So if want to know more about how "Piper at the gates of dawn" , "Dark side of the moon" , "Atom heart mother" or "The Wall" came to this world and defined and redefined the progressive rock scene this is a definitely the book for you.
Written accurately, researched and documented with footage going back to the 70's ( yes these guys have been around for that long, and Roger Waters was touring last year in 2024!!!)...
If you are interesting in rock music and the "Institution" of Pink Floyd - now this book is for you than... ( and you got the soundtrack to this read already available:
"Come on you raver, you seer of visions,
Come on you painter, you piper, you prisoner, and shine!" ... Shine on you Crazy Diamond , Pink Floyd).
Enjoy.
The story is starting in 60's and the author goes through every era of this "institution", dedicating lot of pages to pay homage to the creative genius of Syd Barrett who was essential in defining the unmistakable Floyd style.
Also - if there was any need for it - it spelled out clear , from the perspective of Waters and Gilmour all the emotional load that was put into there iconic tune of "Shine on you crazy Diamond" ( that is about and dedicated to Roger "Syd" Barrett.
So if want to know more about how "Piper at the gates of dawn" , "Dark side of the moon" , "Atom heart mother" or "The Wall" came to this world and defined and redefined the progressive rock scene this is a definitely the book for you.
Written accurately, researched and documented with footage going back to the 70's ( yes these guys have been around for that long, and Roger Waters was touring last year in 2024!!!)...
If you are interesting in rock music and the "Institution" of Pink Floyd - now this book is for you than... ( and you got the soundtrack to this read already available:
"Come on you raver, you seer of visions,
Come on you painter, you piper, you prisoner, and shine!" ... Shine on you Crazy Diamond , Pink Floyd).
Enjoy.
November 29, 2023
This is a beautiful book that clearly and concisely tells the history of Pink Floyd - from each members' childhood to forming the band, different variations of the band and some of the later infighting within. I had not realized that Syd Barrett was only involved very early on - I had thought he was involved in the making of many albums. Clearly, his music played a huge influence on the band and he has left a legacy. I appreciated learning more about what happened to Syd and his mental illness. The photos are plentiful and incredible and gave me a feeling that I was there through the decades. I have been a huge fan of Pink Floyd since High School and remember listening to The Wall over and over. I also saw the film version and really loved it so glad to see this was mentioned in the book as well. I vividly remember listening to the Dark Side of the Moon in headphones and how sounds switched from one ear to the next -- and the song "Brain Damage" in particular freaking me out so much I had to pull the headphones off. This book also references the "myth" about this album syncing with the Wizard of Oz film (among others!). This book is a great comprehensive history of the band and I recommend it.
Thank you to Netgalley and Quarto Publishing Group – Chartwell Books for an ARC and I left this review voluntarily.
Thank you to Netgalley and Quarto Publishing Group – Chartwell Books for an ARC and I left this review voluntarily.
January 17, 2024
Achter "The Wall" van Pink Floyd schuilt een meesterwerk dat diep in de ziel van de luisteraar graaft. Met zijn meeslepende verhaal, door Roger Waters doordrenkt met persoonlijke emoties, neemt het album ons mee op een introspectieve reis. De muur die de protagonist, Pink, bouwt als bescherming tegen het leven, symboliseert universele menselijke ervaringen van pijn, isolatie en zelfontdekking.
De muziek zelf is een magistraal samenspel van gitaren, synths en krachtige vocalen, die naadloos de grens tussen rock en conceptueel meesterwerk vervagen. Nummers als "Comfortably Numb" en "Another Brick in the Wall" blijven tijdloze hymnes van rebellie en zelfreflectie.
Het menselijke aspect van "The Wall" wordt nog versterkt door de krachtige teksten en de herkenbare worstelingen van Pink, wat het album toegankelijk maakt voor luisteraars van verschillende achtergronden. Het roept empathie op en dwingt ons na te denken over onze eigen emotionele barrières.
Kortom, Pink Floyd's "The Wall" is niet alleen een muzikaal meesterwerk, maar ook een poëtische reis door de menselijke ziel, diepgaand en tijdloos in zijn impact.
De muziek zelf is een magistraal samenspel van gitaren, synths en krachtige vocalen, die naadloos de grens tussen rock en conceptueel meesterwerk vervagen. Nummers als "Comfortably Numb" en "Another Brick in the Wall" blijven tijdloze hymnes van rebellie en zelfreflectie.
Het menselijke aspect van "The Wall" wordt nog versterkt door de krachtige teksten en de herkenbare worstelingen van Pink, wat het album toegankelijk maakt voor luisteraars van verschillende achtergronden. Het roept empathie op en dwingt ons na te denken over onze eigen emotionele barrières.
Kortom, Pink Floyd's "The Wall" is niet alleen een muzikaal meesterwerk, maar ook een poëtische reis door de menselijke ziel, diepgaand en tijdloos in zijn impact.
September 23, 2023
I inhaled this book during one Saturday. It's the perfect read for fans of Pink Floyd, the individual band members, or simply music enthusiasts of all kinds.
Being a huge fan of the band, Behind The Wall was a fascinating read on what was happening in the background of Pink Floyd works, from their debut to the present day. It's full of photographs and stories that outline their relationships, challenges and motivation behind creating some of the most well-known and acclaimed music on the planet. Highly recommended with a matching soundtrack in the background!
✨Disclaimer ✨
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Being a huge fan of the band, Behind The Wall was a fascinating read on what was happening in the background of Pink Floyd works, from their debut to the present day. It's full of photographs and stories that outline their relationships, challenges and motivation behind creating some of the most well-known and acclaimed music on the planet. Highly recommended with a matching soundtrack in the background!
✨Disclaimer ✨
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
December 14, 2023
I would like to I would like to thank Netgalley and the author for giving me the opportunity to review an advance copy of this book.
The content is a wonderful, colorful overview of the band. It's not a biography as much as history of the band with great photos and artwork. For the true fan, it will remind you of the shame that great groups seem to self destruct after a while for 'creative reasons' and Pink Floyd didn't overcome its on demise. I love their music and creativity and any true fan will surely really appreciate the retrospective!
The content is a wonderful, colorful overview of the band. It's not a biography as much as history of the band with great photos and artwork. For the true fan, it will remind you of the shame that great groups seem to self destruct after a while for 'creative reasons' and Pink Floyd didn't overcome its on demise. I love their music and creativity and any true fan will surely really appreciate the retrospective!
December 21, 2023
Growing up in the 80s, Pink Floyd was the sound in the background of my life. I knew the music but not the band. I found this book really interesting. Learning about the members upbringing & the previous iteration of the band. It was eye opening for sure.
March 10, 2020
Not too bad. Nothing new for fans, but a nice and good summary. Reading with “echoes” on the background is the best way to enjoy this book.
November 6, 2022
Als muziekliefhebber zeer vermakelijk om een beetje meer over Pink Floyd te weten te komen.
July 13, 2017
Nothing really new here but a nice, comprehensive biography of the band. A nice read for longtime fans but probably better suited to folks unfamiliar with the group's history. It'd be a nice entry point for folks new to the band.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews