The new issue of the UK's Classic Rock magazine (cover date April 2021, issue number 286) is well worth tracking down. A detailed, twelve page article written by Pink Floyd biographer Mark Blake takes a close look at life for the band immediately after Syd Barrett left it.

Set The Controls For The Moon investigates how the band got back on their feet following Syd's departure, and shows how they reinvented themselves. Blake details how this came via strange, afternoon shows for school kids in the Netherlands, bizarre promo videos, unusual soundtrack albums, and shows which were rather avant-garde - as well as albums which showed the development of the band's sound. As ever, Blake's writing proves enlightening and entertaining, peppered with comments from the musicians themselves. Well worth a read!

Elsewhere in the magazine is a review of the new book, The Lyrics of Syd Barrett, a large feature on Kate Bush's (rather limited) live excursions, and an equally large interview with Vince Furnier. There's also features on Uriah Heep, Metallica, and The Pretty Things, plus plenty of other articles to keep you busy.

The magazine is now available from all good UK stores, and will be in selected outlets worldwide in due course as an import. Alternatively, you can buy individual issues (again, worldwide) from this direct link.