In this morning's UK Times newspaper, the Saturday Review section has a major article by top music writer Mark Ellen about the band on the occasion of their 50th anniversary, and includes an interview with Roger Waters and Nick Mason.

The interview ties in with the news that a commemorative plaque - noting that "Nick Mason, Roger Waters and Richard Wright studied and formed the band here" - is to be installed outside the University of Westminster (formerly the Regent Street Polytechnic) on the pillar to the right of the Regent Street Cinema entrance door. Thus suggests Nick, with a smile, "We now appear to belong to the National Trust. It's nice to think of Pink Floyd being recognised alongside Dickens and Tennyson. We're historical figures now, a curious piece of English history."

The article gives a fascinating look, through the eyes of Roger and Nick, at the early days of the band - from its earliest point as the various musicians drifted in and out of the line-ups, through to the final line-up which lead to the EMI recording contract.

Elsewhere, Roger rails against the rise of digital music, particularly illegal downloads. "I blame the punters as well to some extent, a whole generation that’s grown up who believe that music should be free," he said. "I mean why not make everything free? Then you could walk into a shop and say ‘I like that television’ and you walk out with it. No! Somebody made that and you have to buy it! ‘Oh, I’ll just pick up few apples.’ No! Some farmer grew those and brought them here to be sold!" He also reveals some of the lyrics to the long lost Walk With Me Sydney - but calls the song "appalling" so don't expect it to be released any time soon!

The interviews are online in full on the Times website but to read them a digital subscription is required.

In its third decade, the Bridgehampton Chamber Music Festival in New York, USA, has just announced this year's extensive programme, and amongst the highlights are a performance of The Soldier's Tale, Stravinsky's theatrical piece about a wayward, fiddle-playing soldier and his dealings with the devil, narrated by Roger Waters, using English-language texts that Waters himself has adapted.

The Soldier's Tale, featuring Waters, is the Festival's annual Wm. Brian Little Concert (named after the late BCMF board member and this year dedicated to the memory of Walter Channing) and takes place on August 14th at 6:30pm under a tent on the stunning grounds of the Channing Sculpture Garden adjacent to the Channing Daughters Winery; wine and hors d'oeuvres are served before the hour-long program. It should be an evening not to be missed. Arguably the 20th century's greatest composer, Stravinsky wrote The Soldier's Tale as the catastrophe of WWI was coming to a close, while Roger Waters's updated text speaks to today's audiences.

Tickets go on sale on May 11th, costing $100 (General Admission) and $150 (Reserved Seating) and may be purchased on the festival's website, www.bcmf.org, or by calling 212-741-9403 before July 22nd; after July 23rd call 631-537-6368.

Published on April 1st, 2015, is a fascinating look new book, available directly from the publishers (www.pinguinproductions.be) or from the subject of the book - the wizards of design, Stageco.com. The large format, hardback book “Stageco: 30 Years - From Werchter To The World” has author Geert Vandenbon recounting the story of Stageco.

The highly-respected company's odyssey began with the early search for an outdoor stage during Rock Werchter’s early years, taking in their first assignments abroad with Genesis and Pink Floyd, the blooming of the touring business in the ‘90s and the changing world of rock’n’roll in the 21st century, arriving at the mega structures they build today for spectacles, tours and everything else.

Geert started writing the book five years ago. The end result looks incredible (as our exclusive sneak peeks to the left hint at) and we cannot wait to get our hands on a copy of this publication, which boasts some 336 pages of detailed text illustrated by around 500 photographs. The book is issued in Dutch and English editions.

Naturally, there is planty of coverage of their work with Pink Floyd and Roger Waters, working in conjunction with the likes of architect Mark Fisher on stunning designs and technical challenges met head on and with aplomb. Our sneak peeks give some good examples of the exclusive images within the book’s pages.

The book is only available from the publishers, www.pinguinproductions.be or from Stageco.com, priced at 39.50 euros including postage within Belgium, or 49.50 euros including postage to countries in Europe and North America.

One (or rather, three) for all the Syd Barrett fans out there, and also the general Pink Floyd CD collectors too. Released on April 8th in Japan was a set of three limited edition Barrett discs in special packaging.

The Madcap Laughs, Barrett, and Opel have all been released as mini LP replica editions, with the discs in high fidelity SHM-CD format (playable on all normal CD players) with a new remaster. The cardboard sleeve reproduces each album's original UK first pressing LP design, and each includes an obi replicating the one with each album's first Japanese pressing.

Each album comes with at least one bonus track, and a special booklet with lyrics and pictures. The Madcap Laughs comes with Rhamadam as the bonus track and includes a 24-page booklet, Barrett comes with Bob Dylan Blues and Dominoes as extras, and a 20-page booklet, and Opel has a 28-page booklet, and extra tracks Here I Go, Octopus and She Took A Long Cold Look.

All three are available to order direct (with worldwide shipping available) from Amazon Japan through these direct links:

• THE MADCAP LAUGHS
• BARRETT
• OPEL