Pink Floyd's Historic Pompeii Performance Makes Vinyl Debut
Pink Floyd’s iconic 1971 performance at the ancient Pompeii amphitheater is set to make its vinyl debut on May 2, 2025. This historic concert, originally captured in the 1972 film Pink Floyd: Live at Pompeii, has been meticulously remastered with a new audio remix by the acclaimed audio engineer Steven Wilson. The release marks the first time this legendary performance will be available on vinyl, appealing to audiophiles seeking high-fidelity sound and a tangible connection to the band’s rich legacy.
The restoration process leveraged the original 35mm film from Pink Floyd’s archives, with each frame undergoing careful manual restoration. Lana Topham, Pink Floyd’s restoration director, describes the result as “the first complete 90-minute version of the concert,” seamlessly blending original footage with additional documentary segments from Abbey Road Studios. This release not only preserves the visual authenticity of the performance but also enhances it with superior audio quality, thanks to Wilson’s work on Dolby Atmos, Dolby 5.1 Surround, and stereo mixes.
Technical enthusiasts will appreciate the vinyl edition, which features a stereo mix spread across four sides. The final side includes two exclusive bonus tracks: “Careful With that Axe, Eugene – Alternate Take” and “A Saucerful of Secrets – Unedited,” offering added value for collectors and fans alike. Additionally, the Blu-ray version provides both an 85-minute feature film and a 60-minute concert performance, though it does not include the bonus tracks available on vinyl.
The Pompeii performance captures Pink Floyd at a pivotal moment, just months before the release of their seminal album The Dark Side of the Moon. The setlist includes seminal tracks such as “Echoes,” “A Saucerful of Secrets,” and “Set The Controls For The Heart Of The Sun,” showcasing the band’s experimental phase that bridges their early psychedelic roots with the more structured compositions that would follow. The enhanced audio and visual restoration offer a fresh perspective on this transitional period, making the release a must-have for dedicated fans and audiophiles.
Priced at $41 for the two-vinyl set, Pink Floyd at Pompeii MCMLXXII is not only a celebration of the band’s enduring legacy but also a testament to the advancements in audio restoration technology. The release is expected to resonate deeply with those who cherish the technical and artistic prowess of Pink Floyd, providing an immersive listening experience that honors their profound impact on music history.
