One Of These Days (Live 1971)

Zoo Freaks, get ready to vibe with the cosmic sounds of Pink Floyd as the Zoo Crew spins "One Of These Days (Live 1971)" from the iconic Meddle album. This instrumental banger, recorded live at Pompeii, is a sonic trip with a single, menacing spoken line by drummer Nick Mason: "One of these days, I'm going to cut you into little pieces." According to David Gilmour, the track's signature double-tracked bass guitars, played by him and Roger Waters, have a unique sound because one bass had old strings—thanks to a roadie who skipped out to see his girlfriend instead of grabbing fresh ones. The band used a Binson Echorec delay unit to create the hypnotic quarter-note triplet echoes, giving the song its pulsating, otherworldly groove. Fun fact: the track quotes the Doctor Who theme, a nod spotted by fans in live performances, and it inspired Brian Eno’s "Third Uncle" and Depeche Mode’s "Clean." It was a staple in Pink Floyd’s 1971–1973 and 1987–1994 tours, and the Pompeii version was retitled with the full spoken threat for extra intensity.

The song’s live debut happened on June 12, 1971, at the Palais des Sports in Lyon, France, as shared by @pinkfloyd on X. Nick Mason’s voice wasn’t digitally treated—digital effects didn’t exist in ’71! Instead, it was run through a ring modulator and slowed down for that growly edge. Some say the line was a playful jab at BBC DJ Jimmy Young, whose rambling style annoyed the band; they even spliced his broadcasts into gibberish at early ’70s gigs as a cheeky allegory for "cutting him into little pieces." The track also got a visual life in Ian Emes’ animated film French Windows, back-projected during Pink Floyd shows and later included on the Pulse DVD. John Peel once called it a "poignant appraisal of the contemporary social situation," though Waters’ tongue was likely in cheek. The song’s raw energy shines in the restored Pink Floyd at Pompeii – MCMLXXII film, with a clip of Mason’s drum-heavy performance shared by @pinkfloyd on April 11, 2025, ahead of the film’s April 17, 2025, theatrical premiere.

Pink Floyd kicked off in London in 1965, born from the psychedelic underground. Founded by Roger "Syd" Barrett (guitar, vocals), Roger Waters (bass, vocals), Nick Mason (drums), and Richard Wright (keyboards), they met while studying at London Polytechnic and Camberwell College of Arts. Barrett named the band after bluesmen Pink Anderson and Floyd Council, and their debut, The Piper at the Gates of Dawn (1967), became a psychedelic classic with hits like "Arnold Layne" and "See Emily Play." Barrett’s wild creativity defined their early sound, but his mental health struggles and LSD use led to his departure in 1968. David Gilmour, a Cambridge friend, stepped in, and Waters took the reins as the primary lyricist, steering the band toward concept albums like The Dark Side of the Moon (1973), Wish You Were Here (1975), and The Wall (1979). Their sonic experiments, philosophical lyrics, and lavish live shows—think quadraphonic sound and visuals—made them progressive rock titans. Waters left in 1985, but Gilmour, Mason, and Wright kept the band going with albums like A Momentary Lapse of Reason (1987) and The Division Bell (1994).

Stay connected with Pink Floyd through their official website, Facebook, Instagram, and X. Fans can dive deeper at sites like Pink Floyd Online, a comprehensive fan hub, or A Fleeting Glimpse for news and updates. Join the community on Facebook groups like Pink Floyd Fans or the Grantchester Meadows Discord, linked via Reddit’s r/pinkfloyd. For more Floydian love, check out One Of These Days and Pigs On The Wing, fan blogs run by a French devotee since 1980. Keep spinning those records, Zoo Freaks, and let Pink Floyd’s cosmic vibes carry you away!