Pink Floyd drummer Nick Mason reveals why he ranks 'Wish You Were Here' above 'Dark Side of the Moon,' detailing the album's challenging creation, its personal themes, and the new 50th-anniversary box set.
Pink Floyd drummer Nick Mason controversially ranks 'Wish You Were Here' above 'Dark Side of the Moon,' praising its atmosphere and individual songs. He discusses the difficult, 'relaxed desperation' that marked the creation of 'Wish You Were Here' for its 50th anniversary, highlighting 'major false starts' and a less collaborative recording process as the band members matured. Mason recounts early experimental ideas like 'The Household Objects Project,' which influenced some tracks, and the band's eventual decision to develop songs through live performances. The article also covers unusual collaborations, the album's deeply personal themes of 'distance and absence'—reflecting on the music business and Syd Barrett's mental state—and the ironic critiques of the industry despite their own success. Mason emphasizes the album's musicality, particularly Rick Wright's contributions, and the challenging production of its iconic artwork, including the 'man on fire' cover. The new box set offers remixed tracks, demos, and live recordings, providing a fresh perspective on this classic album.
