On the Turning Away

The Zoo Crew is spinning the powerful track "On the Turning Away" by Pink Floyd from their 1987 album A Momentary Lapse of Reason, and the Zoo Freaks are surely feeling its vibes. This song, often described as a protest anthem, carries a message about humanity’s tendency to ignore suffering and the need for compassion. David Gilmour, the band’s frontman at the time, shared in a 1987 interview with Only Music that the song addresses “the political situations in the world,” criticizing right-wing governments for prioritizing self-interest over the needs of the downtrodden. The lyrics, primarily penned by lyricist Anthony Moore, were exactly what Gilmour wanted to express, with Gilmour himself rewriting the final verse to perfect its emotional weight. Interestingly, Roger Waters, who had left the band before the album’s creation, reportedly praised this track, suggesting it was one of the few from the album he felt could fit on a “proper” Pink Floyd record, calling the album a “fair forgery” of their sound.

The song’s live performances were a highlight of Pink Floyd’s 1987–89 A Momentary Lapse of Reason world tours, with recordings featured on the 1988 live album Delicate Sound of Thunder and the 2008 Live in Gdańsk. Its complex rhythm, alternating time signatures, and Celtic-inspired sound made it a standout, often hailed as one of the band’s most intricate compositions. Fans on platforms like Reddit’s r/pinkfloyd have called the live version on Delicate Sound of Thunder one of Pink Floyd’s best, with its soaring guitar solos and emotive delivery. The music video, directed by Lawrence Jordan, used concert footage from the band’s three-night run at The Omni in Atlanta in November 1987, capturing the song’s intense energy. On X, the band noted that when the single was released in December 1987, it came in formats like a limited pink vinyl 7” with a live version of “Run Like Hell” on the B-side, and a unique cardboard promo was used in UK record stores to alert fans.

Pink Floyd began in London in 1965, emerging as a cornerstone of the British psychedelic scene. Founded by Syd Barrett (guitar, vocals), Roger Waters (bass, vocals), Richard Wright (keyboards, vocals), and Nick Mason (drums), the band initially gained traction with Barrett’s whimsical songwriting, producing hits like “Arnold Layne” and “See Emily Play” and their debut album, The Piper at the Gates of Dawn (1967). David Gilmour joined in 1967 as guitarist and vocalist, and Barrett’s departure in 1968 due to mental health struggles shifted the band’s direction. Under Waters’ growing influence, they crafted groundbreaking concept albums like The Dark Side of the Moon (1973) and The Wall (1979), blending philosophical lyrics, sonic experimentation, and elaborate live shows. Their innovative approach made them pioneers of progressive rock, with over 250 million records sold worldwide.

Despite internal conflicts, including Waters’ departure in 1985, Pink Floyd continued under Gilmour’s leadership, producing A Momentary Lapse of Reason and later The Division Bell (1994). The band reunited briefly in 2005 for Live 8, and their legacy endures through projects like the 2022 single “Hey, Hey, Rise Up!” in response to the Ukraine crisis. Fans can connect with Pink Floyd on their official website, Facebook, Instagram, and X. Dedicated fan communities thrive on sites like Pink Floyd – A Fleeting Glimpse and Neptune Pink Floyd, while Facebook groups like the Pink Floyd Fans group and the Grantchester Meadows Discord offer spaces for Zoo Freaks to share their love for the band’s timeless music.