The Wall is the eleventh studio album by the English rock band Pink Floyd, released on 30 November 1979 by Harvest/EMI and Columbia/CBS Records. It is a rock opera about Pink, a jaded rock star who constructs a psychological "wall" of social isolation. The album was a commercial success, topping the US charts for 15 weeks and reaching number three in the UK. It initially received mixed reviews from critics, many of whom found it overblown and pretentious, but later received accolades as one of the greatest albums of all time.
Original copies had black or red text reading "Pink Floyd The Wall" stickered on top.
The album's concept was born out of an altercation with audience members at the Montreal Olympic Stadium, pictured in 2006.
The death of Pink's father during the Battle of Anzio (pictured) forms the backdrop of the story.
Waters' relationship with Richard Wright (pictured in 2006) collapsed during production, leading to Wright's firing.
Pink Floyd are an English rock band formed in London in 1965. Gaining an early following as one of the first British psychedelic groups, they were distinguished by their extended compositions, sonic experiments, philosophical lyrics and elaborate live shows. They became a leading band of the progressive rock genre, cited by some as the greatest progressive rock band of all time.
Pink Floyd in January 1968. Clockwise from bottom: David Gilmour, Nick Mason, Syd Barrett, Roger Waters and Richard Wright.
The psychedelic artwork for A Saucerful of Secrets was the first of many Pink Floyd covers designed by Hipgnosis.
Waters performing with Pink Floyd at Leeds University in 1970
Pink Floyd in 1971, following Barrett's departure. From left to right: Waters, Mason, Gilmour, Wright.
