By Brian Ives
Pink Floyd hasn’t released a new album since 1994’s The Division Bell, and most fans had assumed that the band had been retired. But now it seems that they are working on their first new album in two decades.
While the band hasn’t mentioned anything themselves, David Gilmour’s wife, author/lyricist Polly Samson tweeted earlier today (July 5) “Btw Pink Floyd album out in October is called “The Endless River”. Based on 1994 sessions is Rick Wright’s swansong and very beautiful.” Sampson co-wrote some of the lyrics on Division Bell. Her account, however, isn’t verified, but is linked from her official website.
Related: Not Fade Away: Pink Floyd’s ‘Dark Side Of The Moon’ Turns 40
Wright was the band’s founding keyboardist, and was fired by Roger Waters in 1981. He rejoined the band during their reunion in the late ’80s after Waters had quit the band, playing as a sideman on 1987’s A Momentary Lapse of Reason, and rejoining as a full member on The Division Bell. He died of cancer in 2008.
Btw Pink Floyd album out in October is called "The Endless River". Based on 1994 sessions is Rick Wright's swansong and very beautiful.
—
Polly Samson (@PollySamson) July 05, 2014
Meanwhile, backing singer Durga McBroom-Hudson posted a photo to Facebook that showed her, along with singers Fabio Stanisci and Jupiter Telling, being directed in the studio by Gilmour. The caption: “During a session recording the NEW PINK FLOYD ALBUM!!”
(Via Durga McBroom-Hudson’s Facebook)
Related: Not Fade Away: Pink Floyd’s ‘The Final Cut’ Turns 30
A post from a Pink Floyd fansite quotes another McBroom post (which has since been deleted) saying, “The recording did start during The Division Bell sessions (and yes, it was the side project originally titled “The Big Spliff” that Nick Mason spoke about). Which is why there are Richard Wright tracks on it. But David and Nick have gone in and done a lot more since then. It was originally to be a completely instrumental recording, but I came in last December and sang on a few tracks. David then expanded on my backing vocals and has done a lead on at least one of them. That’s the song you see being worked on in the photo.”
As of posting, Gilmour’s rep has not responded to an inquiry about the news.
Pink Floyd just released a 20th anniversary edition of The Division Bell on July 1. Coincidentally, the band’s former leader, Roger Waters, is also planing his first album in 20 years; he won’t be involved in Floyd’s new record, as he left the band after 1983’s The Final Cut.
