Pink Floyd fans can look forward to hearing previously unreleased material from their heroes, with the welcome news that a 27-disc box set is to be released in November. The Early Years 1965-1972 will include a mammoth 12 hours of audio and more than 100 tracks in total, with the intriguing “Vegetable Man” sure to provide particular interest to avid followers of the legendary rock band member’s careers.
Pivotal time in the group’s development
Although “Vegetable Man” has never previously been released, it is believed to have been recorded at a pivotal time in the group’s development.
The track is thought to be linked with the mental breakdown of original frontman Syd Barrett, providing a form of musical accompaniment to his state of mind at the time.
Troubled frontman Barrett
The psychedelic song was written by the troubled lead singer and guitarist himself and dates back to 1967, the year before he left the group due to drug issues when David Gilmour took over as their new guitarist. Although viewed by some as dark and somewhat disturbing, their manager, Peter Jenner has described it as among “Syd’s finest work.” The star was seldom seen in the public eye after his exit from the band and died in the summer of 2006.
Unreleased tracks feature
Around 20 unreleased tracks are expected to feature as fans are to be afforded a fresh perspective on Pink Floyd’s Music in their early years during the sixties and early seventies.
The varied material to be made available was salvaged from early television recordings, out-takes and demos, besides sessions recorded at the BBC.
Pre- EMI days
Fans around the world will be especially familiar with the group’s classic album The Dark Side of the Moon, which has sold a staggering 45 million copies to date globally.
But they may be less au fait with the earlier sound that the new box set will provide access to. Cambridge Station is a volume that may intrigue many Floyd followers for example, when Barrett was a major part of the line-up in their pre- EMI days.
Famed live performers
Famed for their live performances over the years, the fresh material also provides footage from a 1967 concert in Stockholm and later film from 1971, when the band performed a colourful set involving choreographer Roland Petit and the Marseille ballet company.
