Learning to Fly

Zoo Freaks, get ready to soar with some cosmic trivia about Pink Floyd's "Learning to Fly" from their 1987 album A Momentary Lapse of Reason. This track, the first single from the album, marked a pivotal moment for the band as it was their first major release without bassist and primary songwriter Roger Waters, who left in 1985. The song's inspiration came from guitarist David Gilmour's personal journey of overcoming his fear of flying by taking pilot lessons, a process he was undergoing during the album's recording. In Nicholas Schaffner’s book, Gilmour humorously noted that he’d often skip studio sessions, calling in to say, “Dave’s not coming in today ‘cause he’s learning to fly,” which sparked the song’s lyrical theme. Beyond the literal aviation references, the song is widely interpreted as a metaphor for Gilmour stepping up as the band’s leader, navigating the uncertainty of continuing Pink Floyd without Waters. As Gilmour shared in a 1992 Westwood One interview, “we were, as Pink Floyd, learning to fly again,” capturing the band’s reinvention.

The song’s creation was a collaborative effort, with keyboardist Jon Carin providing the distinctive rhythm track and chord progression from a 1986 demo, as noted in Ultimate Classic Rock. Lyricist Anthony Moore, producer Bob Ezrin, and Gilmour fleshed out the track, with Moore’s aviation-themed lyrics blending seamlessly with the metaphorical undertones. Drummer Nick Mason, also an avid pilot, added a unique touch by contributing spoken flight instructions heard in the song, a rare vocal appearance for him. The music video, directed by longtime collaborator Storm Thorgerson, was shot in Alberta, Canada, and features a striking visual of an Indigenous man, played by Canadian actor Lawrence Bayne, transforming into a hawk after leaping off a cliff, symbolizing freedom and transcendence. The video’s success on MTV earned Pink Floyd their only Video Music Award for Best Concept Video, as highlighted on Songfacts.

Social media posts from fans and the band offer more tidbits. On X, Pink Floyd’s official account shared in 2021 that a special 360 Reality Audio version of "Learning to Fly" was released for the remixed A Momentary Lapse of Reason, immersing listeners in the song’s layered soundscape. Fans on X have expressed personal connections, with one user recalling seeing the band perform on the 1987 tour, their first experience with a Pink Floyd album. The song hit number 1 on the Billboard Album Rock Tracks chart for three weeks in 1987, proving skeptics wrong about the band’s viability post-Waters, though it only reached number 70 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 and didn’t chart in the UK’s top 40, per Wikipedia.

Pink Floyd began in London in 1965, emerging as pioneers of psychedelic rock. Founded by Syd Barrett (guitar, vocals), Roger Waters (bass, vocals), Nick Mason (drums), and Richard Wright (keyboards, vocals), the band initially went through several name changes before settling on Pink Floyd, inspired by blues musicians Pink Anderson and Floyd Council. Barrett’s whimsical, Lewis Carroll-infused songwriting defined their early sound, leading to hits like “Arnold Layne” and “See Emily Play” and their debut album, The Piper at the Gates of Dawn (1967), a psychedelic masterpiece. David Gilmour joined as guitarist in 1967, and Barrett’s departure in 1968 due to mental health struggles shifted the band’s direction. Waters took on the role of primary lyricist, steering Pink Floyd toward ambitious concept albums like The Dark Side of the Moon (1973) and The Wall (1979), cementing their legacy as progressive rock icons. Their innovative use of sonic experimentation, philosophical lyrics, and elaborate live shows set them apart, as detailed on Britannica.

Stay connected with Pink Floyd through their official Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts for the latest news and updates. Fans can dive deeper into the Floyd universe through dedicated communities like Pink Floyd - A Fleeting Glimpse, a fan-run site offering news, forums, and exclusive content since 1998. Another great resource is PINK FLOYD ITALIA, a blog for Italian fans with translated news and insights. On Facebook, groups like Pink Floyd Fans Worldwide foster vibrant discussions and share rare memorabilia, uniting Zoo Freaks and Floyd enthusiasts globally.