Comfortably Numb: The Inside Story of Pink Floyd (Paperback)

~ (Author)
Key Phrases: great gig, finished album, former bandmates, Pink Floyd, Nick Mason, Roger Waters (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review

"The story of Pink Floyd is the story of the themes that raised and obsessed and tore at the band for almost four decades. That is, it's a story of madness, alienation, absence, hubris and a self-willed grace. There's really nothing else quite like it in popular music history." --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

Review

New York Press, 1/20/09
“You really do feel as if you’re being sucked into the drama. That’s a testament to Blake doing his job…It’s a journalistic take on the band, and its reads like a history book. It’s respectful and revealing, but not in a scandalous way.”

Blurt Magazine, 2/09
“Mark Blake has clearly done his share of research…Blake is at his best [when] providing those details that leap off the page while placing Pink Floyd squarely in the context of the times.”

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Product Details

• Paperback: 448 pages
• Publisher: Da Capo Press (November 24, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0306817527
• ISBN-13: 978-0306817526
• Product Dimensions: 8.7 x 5.4 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (23 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #13,472 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

30 of 31 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Best Pink Floyd Book Available, December 24, 2007

By	W. Meadows (Texas) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Pigs Might Fly: The Inside Story of "Pink Floyd" (Hardcover)

If you are into Pink Floyd you must read this book. This is by far the best book on this band. As most of you know, Pink Floyd is very guarded when it comes to their past and their personal lives. Floyd drummer Nick Mason's book Inside Out was supposed to be the definitive book about the band. It was learned that he allowed all of the Floyd members to edit out all of the dirt and honest truth he had written about each member. This left his book very lackluster.

I can't imagine how long it took Mark Blake to research this book let alone write it. He took quotes and articles from every major book ever written about the band. He got people from each members past to talk on record. A lot of them for the first time in print. Their are stories here that have never seen the light of day. The best part about this book is that he got some of Pink Floyd's inner circle to talk without disclosing their identities.

For the first time, problems in each members personal lives are disclosed in great detail. It's about time all Pink Floyd fans got the real stories behind the history of this amazing band.

This is a must have for any rock n roll buff.

19 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best Floyd book ever, January 15, 2008

By	Ciaran Flynn (Dublin, Ireland) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Pigs Might Fly: The Inside Story of "Pink Floyd" (Hardcover)

I have read a fair few Floyd books now including Nick Masons and i have to say this is by far and away the best and most comprehensive. It starts right back at the begining in the mid 60's right through to 2007, covering literally everything. It also covers their solo ventures during and after Floyd and also gives great info on how all the albums faired in the US and the UK (Solo's included). He must have been working on this book for years. I was very impressed that he mentioned Dave Gilmour turned up on Michael Parkinsons chat show in 1999 as a session guitarist for Paul McCartney who was having a full show dedicated to him. Dave Gilmour was never mentioned on the show and i only noticed myself that he was there playing. Very impressive research. I learn't a lot about the band and its members that i never knew and will have to read it again as its hard to remember everything. Its a great story and also quite sad (Syd's decline). Roger Waters comes out of it the worst, looks like he gave Gilmour a very hard time and the rest of the band also. His ego and tempermant being his main problem. And considering the abuse he has taken, Dave Gilmour comes out of it with dignity in tact.

If your a Floyd fanantic or a casual music listener with a passing interest in the band, its a must buy.

14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very thorough and well crafted!, December 25, 2007

By	C. Stathos (Myrtle Beach, SC) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Pigs Might Fly: The Inside Story of "Pink Floyd" (Hardcover)

This book is extremely well written and researched. The quality of writing is impeccable. Covering the history of Pink Floyd until the present, it is full of fascinating material and clarifies or fills in stories about the band which have circulated throughout the years. Any PF fan who enjoys learning all about the crafting of the music, the individual personalities and points of view, and how the miracle of Pink Floyd came about will surely be delighted.

I agree with everything that the previous reviewer had to say except for the comment about the Nick Mason book. I am not convinced that Nick's original intent was to go into depth about the band's various personality conflicts over the years. His book with its extensive collection of photographs was written from a loving perspective and with great humor. I value that book very much just as it is. It is a beautiful book with stunning artwork worthy of a true Pink Floyd product. I highly recommend both these wonderful books which compliment each other very nicely.