It’s almost the 50th anniversary date of Wish You Were Here and in honor, Sony Music hosted a private listening experience with visuals by Dilly Gent on Wednesday, December 3.
First released on September 12, 1975, Pink Floyd dedicated this concept album as a tribute to former member, Syd Barrett. The record tackles themes of separation, emotional dissonance, isolation and transience. It’s a discussion of the present. While, emphasizing the balance between freeing one’s internal self from the exterior world to truly experience all of what life has to offer.
Critics claim that Wish You Were Here, performed by David Gilmour, Roger Waters, Nick Mason and Rick is one of Pink Floyd’s most influential works. The album is broken up into multiple parts, beginning and concluding with “Shine On You Crazy Diamond.” Focusing on the harmony of guitar, synth and the drums, the album evokes a sense of atmospheric transcendence. Pink Floyd also provides commentary to the inner workings of the music industry. This is seen with the remaining tracks, “Welcome To The Machine,” “Have a Cigar” and “Wish You Were Here.”
The night started off with hors d’oeuvres and cocktails. Wine in hand, members of Sony Music team mingled about with industry workers, creative directors and journalists. There was a buzz in the air as the guests discussed current projects and their excitement for the upcoming screening.
When it was time for the listening experience to begin, the group filed into a small modern cinema. The playback began with just audio, slowly merging into a compilation of old animations, live footage and photographs, resurfaced by Sony Music’s archive. As the swell of the synthesizers slowly reached crescendo, guests appeared transfixed as space-like imagery overtook the screen. Vocals singing, “Now there’s a look in your eyes, like black holes in the sky” surged through the room. The lyrics visually portrayed as an eye transforming into a solar eclipse.
Throughout the album, an eye marks itself as a primary symbol. The band watching Syd Barrett’s mental health decline in real time, using their music as a form of emotional connection. Although the start of the playback focused on repetitions of diamonds shattering, it slowly developed to black and white clips of Pink Floyd performing live. Other visuals included a zoom in of Barrett’s face, (two overlapping photos of his bright eyes slowly becoming dull), and a decaying figure. Additionally, the video included hand-drawn animations of hands reaching and a leaf falling, transforming into a faceless figure.
Overall, the listening experienc was incredibly immersive, a unique way to honor the musical genius of Wish You Were Here. The 50th anniversary edition of the album is due to arrive on December 12 in a multitude of formats: 3LP, 2CD, Blu-ray and Deluxe Box Set. Fans will also be able to hear a digital release, featuring a new Dolby Atmos mix by James Guthrie. In addition, there are 25 bonus tracks which include studio rarities, and live recordings. More info regarding the Deluxe Edition of Wish You Were Here is available to read here.
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