Nick Mason's great new book "Inside Out - A Personal History Of Pink Floyd" is selling well in various countries, and is now available in the US. To coincide with this, Nick underwent an exhaustive round of interviews and book signings, and here is our report on the fourth city that Nick visited - New York. And in the report, there's an exclusive update on the Wall on Broadway from a friend of Nick's who turned up - one Roger Waters, no less!

Roger, who has a home in New York's Hampton's area, is believed to have gone for a meal with Nick that evening, no doubt catching up with each other.

NICK MASON - NEW YORK CITY, BARNES & NOBLE
Report and pictures by BD's Elliot Tayman

Today NYC was blessed with a beautiful 80 degree (F) summer-like day. I arrived at B&N at 3PM sharp, entered the store and headed over to the information desk. There I was met by Lou from B&N who I had spoken to a few weeks ago. We chatted for a bit and then he advised me to get up to the 4th floor where the signing would take place at 7PM sharp. He also informed me there were about 20 people already on the line-up!

Once there, I took my place at the end of the line and immediately began to chat with my fellow fans. At 5PM green coloured wristbands were attached to the fans in line. There was a 300 person limit. Once the wristband was attached, we were now free to either take a seat or roam around. I and, nearly every other fan, chose to grab a seat and stay put. Over the next two hours the room filled to capacity. It was now sold out completely - all the seats were taken.

At 7PM Mason entered the large room to a standing ovation. He was followed closely by our local radio DJ Jim Kerr of Q104.3FM. Mason took his seat and a standing Jim Kerr made the introductions. Then Jim sat down and both proceeded to enter into what was a 15-minute discussion about the book, the band, and the history.

After this portion ended, Jim announced that Mason would now take questions from the audience. Jim was in charge of exactly who would be lucky enough to pose a question to Mason. He chose a person seated a few rows behind me. I had an aisle seat which was now to be very handy. Then he turned back to me, smiled, and said "And now a question from Elliot." Enter E.T.

I had my question ready. I stood and asked Mason about the possibility of The Wall concerts ever seeing the light-of-day in terms of a DVD release. He liked my question and explained that it's something the band would very much like to release and they've all talked about this in the past. However, at the moment he's anxious to release PULSE on DVD in 5.1 surround sound. I thanked him for his reply and Jim went on to another fan.

There were lots and lots of good questions from the well-behaved fans. The Q&A session lasted for some 10-12 minutes.

It was now time to start the book signings. Within five minutes I was up on the stage standing directly in front of him. First he signed his new book. Then I put the In The Flesh book on the table already opened to page 180 with my beautiful shot from 1980. I mentioned I had seen the band live on all the tours since my first in 1975. He thanked me for being a loyal and dedicated fan. I now moved a few feet to my left and began to sign his diary of the event.

Not too much later, all the people in my party, who were scattered throughout the room due to arriving at different intervals, had completed their missions of getting their books and memorabilia signed. We left the store. But the evening wasn't finished yet...

Now for the incredible shock! As we made our way to the corner in order to cross the street, I spotted a tall fella' with graying hair on the other side who was coming in our direction. I was the only person to see him and then boldly said to all, "That's Roger Waters over there!" He was with another gentleman. We never crossed the street and waited until he reached us. We stopped him for a few questions which he didn't seem to be bothered by.

I first told him I was in attendance at the church in Bridghampton last August. Then I asked about The Wall coming to Broadway. He said he's actively writing the stage script and hopes to open the play in a year or so. My friends also asked a few questions which he answered. Then a crowd began to form around him as other exiting fans from B&N spotted what was going on. Now he became uncomfortable and proceeded to break-away. It wasn't possible to take any photos - so sorry! We watched as Waters headed into B&N for an obvious meeting with Mason.

My friends and I then entered a local restaurant/bar where we enjoyed a few drinks, dinner, and some great conversation! Throughout the event I made lots of new friends. Certainly a day to remember...

Much thanks to Elliot Tayman for the report and the photo (more to follow shortly) and to Brenda Tucker at Chronicle Books for her assistance throughout.