The second episode in the BBC's excellent new look at "The Seven Ages Of Rock" airs this weekend, and is the episode which features Pink Floyd heavily. With rare, vintage clips (one or two of which haven't even made it into the "unofficial collector's" realm) and new interviews with all the band members, it really is one to watch!
The show airs on BBC2 TV on Saturday evening at 21:05hrs (British Summertime - GMT+1hr), and gets a swift repeat on BBC1 TV on Sunday evening at 23:00hrs. BBC TV can be received by viewers across the majority of Europe via satellite; within the UK of course you can view it via regular analogue (using an aerial), or using a variety of digital platforms - Freeview, Virgin Media, or Sky Digital.
For those who want a flavour of the show, we have clips of the show for you, plus some more information on some of the Floydness you will see...
'White Light White Heat: Art Rock' takes a look at what the programme makers call the second age of rock - "a musical earthquake that was to shake every rock act to follow" - and begins with a nice selection of shots of The Wall being performed at London's Earl's Court.
The cosy world of pop music - Lulu, Engelbert Humperdinck, and the like - is shown being given a startling wake-up call by Arnold Layne. The regular promo for this (albeit colourised) is intercut with a scarcely seen alternate version, and leads to a number of all new interview segments with a freshly bearded Richard Wright, David Gilmour, Roger Waters, Nick Mason, and Peter Jenner.
Highlights of the Floyd part of the show include David performing part of Brain Damage (seated with electric guitar), as well as Roger waxing lyrically about The Wall. There's some great archive footage of the Floyd onstage, circa 73-74, although the music is from the recorded version of Dark Side. There's also some great footage of them getting off a plane (mid 70's it appears) that hasn't been seen before. All of them talk about Syd, and also featured are the promo for Jugband Blues, and a specially created promo for See Emily Play.
CLIP FROM THE EPISODE
Wish You Were Here: David Gilmour and Roger Waters remember the creation of one of Pink Floyd's most iconic tracks. (click here for the full 2m 30s clip - launches in a seperate window)
The episode also includes new interviews with Genesis (Tony Banks describing the first time he saw Peter Gabriel come onstage in a dress and a fox's head is fantastic), David Bowie, and Roxy Music. There's quite a bit of coverage of the Velvet Underground, too.
CLIP FROM THE EPISODE
Shine On You Crazy Diamond: Pink Floyd tell the story of when, after a seven year absence, Syd appeared at Abbey Road studios. (click here for the full 3m clip - launches in a seperate window)
More information and clips from ALL the episodes can be found on the accompanying website, www.bbc.co.uk/music/sevenages.
Brilliant stuff, absolutely not to be missed. The series as a whole is essential viewing for anyone with an interest in music, with the care and attention in the choice of material and editing making each episode absorbing and illuminating. A series that music fans will embrace and talk about for many years...
Oh, and for PF completists, the third episode (a fascinating look at punk rock) includes John Lydon (Johnny Rotten, Sex Pistols) talking about his "I hate Pink Floyd" t-shirt!
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