Pink Floyd fans are in for another treat after the launch earlier this week of what promises to be a spectacular exhibition at the Victoria and Albert Museum in the nation’s capital. Following on from the welcome news of a new box set featuring many previously unreleased tracks from their early years being made available, their devoted followers can now attend a special London Show dedicated to the band.
Seeking to emulate success of Bowie show
The slightly tongue in cheek “The Pink Floyd Exhibition: Their Mortal Remains” will no doubt hope to emulate previous hit shows hosted at the iconic venue, such as the hugely popular exhibit that played homage to David Bowie in recent years.
Attendees are promised a glitzy light show and access to rare concert footage of Pink Floyd, in addition to an opportunity to view handwritten lyrics by the global phenomenon.
Not quite the reunion fans hoped for
Whilst not quite satisfying Floyd fans’ desire to see a reunion of the group, the same team that were behind their amazing stage shows from the past have provided their skills for the new presentation. The links to the past don’t end there as Aubrey “Po” Powell – the creative director behind several Floyd album covers – is the co-curator.
Mason attended the launch
Original drummer, Nick Mason (a sprightly 72-years young) was at the launch in Knightsbridge to provide his blessing for the notable event.
In typical flamboyant style, a giant inflatable pig flew overhead at the museum to mark the occasion, echoing a similar image on the cover of Pink Floyd’s 1977 album entitled “Animals”.
Mason was asked by Reuters how he thought that the band would fair in the modern musical environment if they were starting up now and surprised many by suggesting that “I don't think we'd even get on The 'X Factor'.
”
Spectacular show promised
V&A curator, Victoria Broakes told reporters that although they had not sat all of the surviving Floyd members down in a room together, they had all provided their approval of the show. She enthused by adding that they could all be brought “together in a fashion at the V&A” though, impressing on potential attendees “the very strong visual aspect” of the band that shone through their work.
As a member of the team that also worked on Bowie’s show at the V&A in 2013, Ms Broakes is well-qualified to comment on the potential success of her latest venture which includes in excess of 350 distinct exhibits.
The show formally opens at the V&A in May next year and is expected to continue until October 2017. As such it will mark 50 years since Floyd’s first single “Arnold Layne” back in 1967.
