Inducted:
1996
Category:
Performer
Inducted By:
Billy Corgan
Architects of two major music movements – psychedelic rock and progressive rock – Pink Floyd were renowned for biting political, social and emotional commentary. With 1973’s Dark Side of the Moon and 1979’s The Wall, the band created two of the most ambitious (and best-selling) albums of all time – and underscored that personal torment could resonate on a massive level.
Induction
Impact
Signature Sound
Their innovative sonics originally blazed by band cofounder Syd Barrett evolved from catchy singles to melodic jams like “Echoes,” to post-Barrett concept albums, masterminded by primary lyricist Roger Waters in collaboration with David Gilmour, Richard Wright and Nick Mason.
The band’s trippy first U.K. Top Ten hit was composed by original vocalist Syd Barrett, and is considered a psychedelic pop classic.
From the Museum
Wall Treatment
The most elaborate concert tour staged at the time (‘80-’81), Pink Floyd’s The Wall tour featured huge inflatable puppets and a gradually built “brick” wall that would obscure the band.
The 1979 double LP was performed in its entirety 31 times in 4 cities over 16 months. In March 1981, the New York Times’ John Rockwell said, "The Wall show will be the touchstone against which all future rock spectacles must be measured.”
Pink Floyd are the mad scientists of this day and age.
Jimi Hendrix
1996 hall of fame essay
"The band has never accepted the words ‘can’t be done.’"
– Andy Mabbett
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Influence
Influences
Can
Ravi Shankar
Pink Floyd
sealed with a signature
This is the signature that appears on the inductee’s plaque at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame to officially commemorate their induction.
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