Union Square, NYC - April 19th, 7:00pm: As part of a national tour to promote his phenomenal new book about his life and Pink Floyd, Nick Mason graciously answered questions, posed for some pictures and signed books and memorabilia for about 500 adoring fans at Barnes and Noble.
Hosted by veteran Classic Rock jock Jim Kerr, now with Q104 FM, Nick took about twenty minutes worth of questions about the book, the band, and commented on the endless speculation about any future plans members of the band may have.
The most striking aspect of the book is just how detailed it is. It reads like what you’d expect – Nick’s personal history and the story of the band from his perspective. While it’s an easy read, the book itself is more like a textbook or reference book. Nick did an enormous amount of research to add life and detail to his own recollections. Just the archival photos are amazing.
In response to a question, Nick also pointed out he sent out copies of the draft manuscript to his fellow bandmates to get their comments and input. Roger wrote quite a bit (big surprise) in green marker in the margins, and Dave made some contributions as well. When asked if Rick made much of a contribution, Nick replied, “No, actually…Rick was sent the material but he claims he doesn’t remember very much.”
Nick spent some time telling the story of how he had to put up his prized Ferrari as collateral when he and Dave were raising money to go back on tour in 1987. Apparently, with all the legal wrangling with Roger, very few sponsors were interested at first. Also, Nick made reference to having problems bringing Rick back into the band because of the terms of his 1981 separation agreement from the group.
Though still recovering from a stroke, Storm Thorgerson did all the cover art and graphics for the book. For those Floyd trivia freaks out there, Nick revealed the man pictured in the background on the book’s cover wearing Nick’s racing gear is Storm’s son.
In response to the endless questions about the future of Pink Floyd, Nick did an excellent job being vague, yet keeping the door open to some future time when they may “get together to do something at some point – definitely nothing on the immediate horizon.” He was pretty clear he never expects to see Roger and Dave get together again, for any reason, but that other members may do something together in the future.
Pictures of the event will be uploaded on Floydartifacts in about a week.
Reporting from New York City…
Flynn
