Inside Out: A Personal History of Pink Floyd, a combination of narrative and archival photos, was released to Vietnamese readers in June. The 468-page memoir, comprising 13 chapters, recounts Pink Floyd's entire journey from its formation, the psychedelic rock era led by Syd Barrett, the golden age of the 1970s, to later rifts and reunions. The book reflects the perspective of an insider, drummer Mason, the only member who was with the band throughout its career. Therefore, the band's journey is recounted consistently and cohesively.

Cover of "Inside Out: A Personal History of Pink Floyd". Photo: Alpha Books

Cover of "Inside Out: A Personal History of Pink Floyd". Photo: Alpha Books

The book reveals hidden aspects and internal conflicts during the band's active years. The lawsuit between Roger Waters and David Gilmour over the rights to the band's name was one of the conflicts reflecting the peak of the rift. However, at Live 8 in 2005, they put aside their animosity to reunite on stage.

The lighting effects Pink Floyd used during performances at All Saint and throughout the fall of 1966. Photo: "Inside Out: A Personal History of Pink Floyd"

The lighting effects Pink Floyd used during performances at All Saint and throughout the fall of 1966. Photo: "Inside Out: A Personal History of Pink Floyd"

In the book, Mason always reserves a special place for Syd Barrett. To Mason, Barrett was a gifted leader, the “creative center,” always dedicated. Barrett never considered the other members merely a “backing band.” From around 1965, Barrett started using drugs, including LSD. Initially, this fueled his creativity, but later, his mental health declined severely, forcing him to leave the band in 1968.

Recounting the tragedy of the “captain,” Mason suggests, “Syd may have been having a lot of problems, may have been going crazy. But maybe we were the ones who caused the problem by trying to pursue success and forcing Syd to follow. Maybe Syd was the one surrounded by crazy people.”

Despite his departure, Barrett remained an irreplaceable part of Pink Floyd. Later, the band wrote the album Wish You Were Here as a tribute to him. Just as the band was finishing the title track Shine On You Crazy Diamond, Barrett unexpectedly appeared, unrecognizable: overweight, having shaved his head and eyebrows.

Pink Floyd reunites at Live 8, performing "Wish You Were Here". Video: YouTube Pink Floyd

The book also provides information about the cultural and musical context of the band's era. Mason not only recounts performances and recordings but also details the development of psychedelic and progressive rock, and the influence of cultural and political movements on the band's creative process. For example, the album The Final Cut stemmed from Waters's feelings about his father's death in World War 2.

Time Out magazine describes the book as "free-spirited, witty, and very easy to read." This contrasts with the self-important or dramatized storytelling often found in rock memoirs. Mason recounts important events and chaotic moments with composure. He is self-deprecating, referring to his role as the "ship's cook," just going to the studio and playing drums while the band's "creative war" was taking place. This writing style helps readers understand that behind the multi-million selling albums are people and stories that are “down-to-earth.”

A photo of Pink Floyd with all five members in 1/1968. Mason notes that Barrett's position at the back "may have been accidental, or intentional," foreshadowing his later departure from the band. Photo: "Inside Out: A Personal History of Pink Floyd"

A photo of Pink Floyd with all five members in 1/1968. Mason notes that Barrett's position at the back "may have been accidental, or intentional," foreshadowing his later departure from the band. Photo: "Inside Out: A Personal History of Pink Floyd"

Pink Floyd is a legendary British rock band formed in 1965. The main members included Syd Barrett (lead guitar, vocals), Roger Waters (bass, vocals), Nick Mason (drums), and Richard Wright (keyboards, vocals). When Barrett left the band in 1968 due to health issues, David Gilmour (guitar, vocals) joined as his replacement. Later, Waters and Wright also left the band.

The band pursued a progressive rock style. They are famous for classic albums like The Dark Side of the Moon, Wish You Were Here, Animals, and The Wall, which have sold over 250 million copies (as of 2013), making them one of the most influential music artists. Throughout their career, the band received numerous prestigious awards, including a Grammy for "Best Rock Instrumental Performance," and were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Khanh Linh