Sorrow

Zoo Freaks, get ready to dive into the cosmic vibes of Pink Floyd's "Sorrow," the haunting closer from their 1987 album A Momentary Lapse of Reason. This track, penned entirely by David Gilmour, is a standout for its lyrical depth and sprawling guitar work. Gilmour revealed in interviews that "Sorrow" was born from a poem he wrote before composing the music, a rare creative process for him. He drew inspiration for the opening lines from John Steinbeck’s The Grapes of Wrath, weaving a sense of desolation into the song’s fabric. Drummer Nick Mason shared a wild tidbit: Gilmour crafted nearly the entire song over a single weekend on his houseboat studio, the Astoria, moored on the Thames. When Mason returned, the track needed only minor tweaks, showcasing Gilmour’s intense burst of creativity. The iconic guitar solo at the song’s end was also recorded on the Astoria, with Gilmour’s Fender Stratocaster running through a small Gallien-Krueger amplifier, creating that raw, emotive sound Zoo Freaks crave.

Another cool story comes from the song’s live performances. During the A Momentary Lapse of Reason tour, "Sorrow" stretched into epic jams, with versions on the 1988 live album Delicate Sound of Thunder and the 1995 album Pulse clocking in at over nine and ten minutes, respectively, thanks to Gilmour’s extended solos. Fans on Reddit’s Pink Floyd community often rave about the live version from the 1990 Knebworth concert, where the song’s massive intro and relaxed vibe hit a new peak. The 2019 remix of "Sorrow," part of The Later Years box set, brought fresh magic by enhancing Richard Wright’s keyboard textures and adding new drum tracks by Mason, balancing the contributions of the core trio. Posts on X from fans like @rocknrollofall highlight the 1994 Earls Court performance during The Division Bell tour, noting the thunderous keyboard intro as a spine-chilling moment.

Now, let’s rewind to how Pink Floyd kicked off their legendary journey. Formed in London in 1965, the band emerged from the psychedelic underground, blending extended compositions with sonic experimentation. The original lineup featured Syd Barrett on guitar and vocals, Nick Mason on drums, Roger Waters on bass, and Richard Wright on keyboards. Barrett’s whimsical songwriting drove early hits like “Arnold Layne” and their debut album, The Piper at the Gates of Dawn (1967). But Barrett’s mental health struggles led to his departure in 1968, and David Gilmour stepped in, shifting the band toward progressive rock. Under Waters’ lyrical leadership, albums like The Dark Side of the Moon (1973) and The Wall (1979) cemented their global fame. Despite Waters’ exit in 1985, Gilmour, Mason, and a reinstated Wright carried on, with A Momentary Lapse of Reason marking their bold post-Waters era. By 2013, Pink Floyd had sold over 250 million records, making them one of the best-selling acts ever.

For Zoo Freaks wanting to connect with the band, check out Pink Floyd’s official website for news, discography, and tour archives. Their Facebook page shares updates and nostalgic posts, while Instagram offers stunning visuals from their album art and live shows. On X, the band and fans like @pinkfloyd and @PinkFloydTMR post about milestones, like the 1987 release of A Momentary Lapse. Dive into fan communities at r/pinkfloyd on Reddit, where over 210,000 members debate albums and share memes, or join the Grantchester Meadows Discord for real-time chats. Fan sites like Pink Floyd Archives and Brain Damage offer deep dives into the band’s history, gear, and rare releases. So, Zoo Crew, keep spinning those records and let “Sorrow” carry you to the stars!