On the Turning Away (Live 1987)

Zoo Freaks, get ready to vibe with the cosmic sounds of Pink Floyd as the Zoo Crew spins the powerful live rendition of "On the Turning Away" from 1987. This track, a staple of the band’s 1987–89 world tours supporting their album A Momentary Lapse of Reason, was recorded live at The Omni in Atlanta, Georgia, over three nights in November 1987. Directed by Lawrence Jordan, the music video captures the raw energy of the performance, showcasing David Gilmour’s soaring vocals and iconic guitar solos, complemented by Richard Wright’s atmospheric keyboard intro and Nick Mason’s steady drumming. Unlike the fast-cut music videos of the era, this one lingers on the band and their guest musicians, including backing vocalists, creating an immersive experience that reflects the crowd’s enthusiasm for Pink Floyd’s return after a mid-1980s hiatus.

Digging into the song’s story, David Gilmour, in a 1987 interview with Only Music, described "On the Turning Away" as a protest song addressing political apathy, specifically critiquing right-wing conservative governments for prioritizing self-interest over societal needs. Co-written with lyricist Anthony Moore, the track’s lyrics were crafted overnight to match Gilmour’s music, with Gilmour noting the words were exactly what he wanted to convey. Fans on platforms like Songfacts have interpreted the song’s themes diversely, with some linking it to societal issues like homelessness and others seeing personal struggles like addiction, though Gilmour’s stated intent leans toward political commentary. The song’s complexity shines through its shifting time signatures, making it one of Pink Floyd’s rhythmically intricate pieces, often described as having a Celtic or gospel-like quality due to the choir backing.

The song’s release as a single in December 1987 was a collector’s delight, featuring a live version of "Run Like Hell" from The Wall on the B-side, with a limited pink vinyl 7" edition and a UK cardboard promo dangler to alert fans, as shared in posts by @pinkfloyd on X. It hit number one on Billboard’s Album Rock Tracks chart in 1988, though it reached only 55 on the UK Singles Chart. Bassist Guy Pratt, who joined the band for this era, praised the song’s structure, while fans on forums like TDPRI have called the live version on Delicate Sound of Thunder a standout, with some even learning the bass parts on the spot after hearing it. Roger Waters, who had left the band by this time, reportedly considered it one of the few tracks from the album that felt like “proper” Pink Floyd, despite his overall criticism of the record as a “facile” forgery.

Now, let’s rewind to how Pink Floyd came to be. Formed in London in 1965, the band emerged from the city’s underground music scene, initially led by Syd Barrett, whose psychedelic vision shaped their early sound. Barrett, alongside Roger Waters, Nick Mason, and Richard Wright, met while studying in London—Waters, Mason, and Wright at the London Polytechnic, and Barrett at Camberwell College of Arts. Their early gigs at venues like the UFO Club built a cult following, with Barrett’s whimsical lyrics and improvisational style earning praise, as noted by biographer Nicholas Schaffner. The band’s debut album, The Piper at the Gates of Dawn (1967), featuring hits like "Arnold Layne" and "See Emily Play," cemented their place in the British psychedelic scene. After Barrett’s departure in 1968 due to mental health struggles, David Gilmour joined, and Waters took on a larger creative role, steering the band toward conceptual masterpieces like The Dark Side of the Moon (1973) and The Wall (1979).

Today, Zoo Freaks can stay connected with Pink Floyd through their official website, Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts, where updates on releases and events keep the legacy alive. Fans can also dive into dedicated spaces like A Fleeting Glimpse, a comprehensive fan site endorsed by band associates, or join communities such as the Pink Floyd Fans Facebook group to share their passion. For more fan-driven content, check out Floydian Slip, a syndicated radio show and website with discography details. So, keep spinning those records, Zoo Crew, and let Pink Floyd’s timeless sound take you to the dark side of the moon and beyond!