On the Turning Away (Live 1987)

Zoo Freaks, get ready to vibe with the cosmic sounds of Pink Floyd as The Zoo Crew spins "On the Turning Away (Live 1987)" from the A Momentary Lapse of Reason Tour 1987. This track, a highlight from the 1987 album, captures the band at a pivotal moment. The live version, featured on the Delicate Sound of Thunder album, was recorded during a three-night run at The Omni in Atlanta, Georgia, in November 1987. The music video, directed by Lawrence Jordan, showcases the band’s epic performance, with a slower tempo and extended solos by David Gilmour, giving it a thoughtful, almost gospel-like feel thanks to the backing choir. Fans on platforms like TDPRI rave about this version, with one calling it their favorite Pink Floyd song, citing its orchestral grandeur and Gilmour’s searing guitar work.

Trivia about "On the Turning Away" reveals its unique place in Pink Floyd’s catalog. Released as a single in December 1987, it hit number one on the Billboard Album Rock Tracks chart in early 1988 and was paired with a live version of "Run Like Hell" on the B-side, as noted in a post by @pinkfloyd. The song, co-written by David Gilmour and Anthony Moore, is often seen as a protest anthem, with lyrics reworked by Gilmour for the final verse to add emotional depth. Its complex rhythm, constantly shifting time signatures, and Celtic undertones make it one of the band’s most intricate compositions, according to Wikipedia. Bassist Guy Pratt, who played on the tour, highlighted its musical sophistication, while fans on Prog Archives praise its uplifting, gospel-inspired vibe, though some note it feels more like a Gilmour solo piece due to his dominant creative control.

A memorable story from the 1987 tour comes from a fan on TDPRI, who met David Gilmour at a record store in Boston. While at Tower Records, the fan helped Gilmour find a Tracy Chapman CD and mentioned loving the new Pink Floyd album. Gilmour, in a generous move, left four tickets at the will-call window for the fan and their friends to see the band at Foxboro Stadium. This tour, the first without Roger Waters, was a bold statement, grossing around $135 million worldwide, making it the highest-grossing tour of the 1980s, as reported by Wikipedia. The Venice concert, performed on a floating platform, drew 200,000 fans but sparked controversy over potential damage to the city’s foundations, leading to the city council’s resignation after the event.

Pink Floyd began in London in 1965, emerging from the vibrant psychedelic scene. Founded by Syd Barrett (guitar, vocals), Nick Mason (drums), Roger Waters (bass, vocals), and Richard Wright (keyboards, vocals), the band initially gained traction with Barrett’s whimsical songwriting and experimental sound, as detailed on Wikipedia. Their early singles like "Arnold Layne" and debut album The Piper at the Gates of Dawn (1967) established them as pioneers of British psychedelia. After Barrett’s departure in 1968 due to mental health struggles, David Gilmour joined, and Waters took a leading role, steering the band toward conceptual masterpieces like The Dark Side of the Moon (1973) and The Wall (1979). Their elaborate live shows, featuring innovative visuals and quadraphonic sound, cemented their legacy as progressive rock icons.

Stay connected with Pink Floyd through their Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts for the latest updates. Fans can dive deeper at sites like Neptune Pink Floyd, which offers tour histories and memorabilia, or A Fleeting Glimpse, packed with tour photos and setlists. Join discussions in Pink Floyd Fans or Pink Floyd – The Official Group on Facebook, where Zoo Freaks can share their love for the band’s timeless sound.