‘Pink Floyd at Pompeii’ and the Grounding of Legends

Pink Floyd’s relationship with visual media has always been unique. Early on, their live performances featured flashing lights and abstract images. These visuals complemented Syd Barrett’s guitar. However, the growing visibility contributed to Barrett’s mental decline and departure from the band in 1968.

Even with the addition of David Gilmour, the band didn’t embrace the spotlight. Instead, they spent the next few years experimenting with sound. Many associate their breakthrough with 1973’s The Dark Side of the Moon, but the shift actually began in 1971 with “Echoes.”

Pink Floyd at Pompeii, originally released in 1972, captures this period. The film, now remastered for IMAX, blends live concert footage with studio sessions. It shows the classic lineup of Pink Floyd coming together. The concert footage was filmed in the ruins of Pompeii’s amphitheater. Meanwhile, studio clips feature the band working on songs for The Dark Side of the Moon.

The Pompeii footage enhances the Floyd mystique. The camera slowly zooms in as they begin “Echoes.” The scene feels otherworldly—like a crash site for the band’s musical spaceship. The remastering makes every note of Gilmour’s guitar and Mason’s drumming feel vivid and sharp. Mason, often in the background, shines during “One of These Days.”

Director Adrian Maben’s style is straightforward. He favors slow pans, adding an air of mystery to the band’s performances. The visual quality, however, is impeccable. You can see the musicians in crisp detail, even spotting the eczema on Rick Wright’s face.

The documentary also includes footage from Abbey Road Studios, where the band works on The Dark Side of the Moon. Roger Waters is seen tweaking synthesizers, and early versions of tracks like “Brain Damage” take shape. This footage shows Waters taking more control over the band’s direction.

Though the band never sought rock stardom, they were always on the verge of brilliance. The Abbey Road sessions feature Wright’s piano, which would later shape “Us and Them.” The film captures the band’s quiet quest for their next breakthrough.

In today’s era of classic rock documentaries, Pink Floyd at Pompeii stands out. Like The Beatles: Get Back and Becoming Led Zeppelin, it shows the band in the process of becoming legends. Despite the surreal visuals, Pink Floyd was a group of musicians constantly evolving.

The film also serves as a reminder of the importance of presentation in art rock. Genesis’ early performances were considered dull until Peter Gabriel introduced his fox head. Similarly, David Bowie’s first attempt at Ziggy Stardust flopped. Pink Floyd at Pompeii shows a band on the cusp of greatness, ready for lift-off.

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