The Dogs of War

Zoo Freaks, get ready for some far-out vibes as The Zoo Crew spins "The Dogs of War" by Pink Floyd from their 1987 album A Momentary Lapse of Reason. This track, a gritty commentary on war and greed, has some wild stories behind it. The song’s title draws from Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar, with the line “Cry ‘Havoc!’, and let slip the dogs of war,” setting a dramatic tone for its anti-war message. Lyrically, it paints a picture of politicians and powerbrokers orchestrating conflicts for profit, with lines like “Our currency is flesh and bone” hitting hard. In a 1987 interview, David Gilmour shared that the song was meant to reflect the darker side of human nature, though some fans on Reddit have called its lyrics a bit “pseudo-Waters,” mimicking Roger Waters’ style without his finesse. Still, the track’s raw energy, especially in live versions, keeps it a fan favorite.

The song’s standout feature is its blistering saxophone solo, played by Scott Page, who toured with Pink Floyd from 1987 to 1988. On a Sax on the Web Forum post, fans raved about Page’s “dirty tenor solo,” noting its screaming high notes and gritty low growls. Page used a wireless rig with three mics on his sax to capture every nuance, even his vocal wails, which added a rock ‘n’ roll edge. Live performances, like those captured in Atlanta in 1987, extended the song with a sax and guitar duel between Page and Gilmour, giving Zoo Freaks a psychedelic jam to lose themselves in. The track hit #16 on MTV’s Video Countdown in May 1988, proving its visual and sonic punch, though some fans on Last.fm argue it feels “underdeveloped” compared to classics like “Sorrow” from the same album.

Pink Floyd kicked off their journey in London in 1965, born from the psychedelic underground. Founded by Syd Barrett (guitar, vocals), Nick Mason (drums), Roger Waters (bass, vocals), and Richard Wright (keyboards, vocals), they started as a band experimenting with long, trippy compositions and mind-bending live shows. Their early singles, “Arnold Layne” and “See Emily Play,” caught attention for their quirky, surreal edge, and their debut album, The Piper at the Gates of Dawn (1967), cemented their place in the psychedelic scene. Barrett’s visionary songwriting drove their early sound, but his mental health struggles led to his departure in 1968. David Gilmour joined as guitarist and vocalist, steering the band toward the progressive rock mastery they’re known for, with albums like The Dark Side of the Moon and The Wall. By the time A Momentary Lapse of Reason dropped, Waters had left, and Gilmour led the charge, proving the band could evolve while staying true to their cosmic roots.

Zoo Freaks can dive deeper into Pink Floyd’s world through their official website, packed with news, tour archives, and merch. Connect with the band on Facebook, where they share updates and throwback posts, or follow their Instagram for stunning visuals and album art. On X, they drop quick updates and engage with fans. For more fan-driven vibes, check out the r/pinkfloyd subreddit, where Zoo Freaks can geek out over setlists and rare tracks, or join the Pink Floyd Fans Facebook group for discussions and memes. Sites like Brain Damage offer news and reviews, while Neptune Pink Floyd dives into lyrics and history, perfect for any hippie DJ or fan wanting to keep the Pink Floyd spirit alive.