It would be far-fetched not to say that Pink Floyd is one of the most influential bands in the history of world music. It was in the mid 60's when five young men from the United Kingdom began to develop the band that would raise progressive rock to its highest level. A genre with high doses of psychedelia and instrumental experimentation also developed by other great groups such as King Crimson, Jethro Tull or Genesis.
We know that Syd Barrett (in the early days), Roger Waters, David Gilmour and Richard Wright led the creative process of the project par excellence. And it is they who are credited with the main compositions of the now legendary The Piper at The Gates of Dawn (1967), The Dark Side of the Moon (1973), Wish You Were Here (1975) and The Wall (1979).
But what is Nick Mason's role within the popular band, is his role solely tied to the drums, and where does the name of his latest musical venture come from?
We learn more about the legendary drummer and his project Nick Mason's Saucerful Of Secrets, one of the main attractions of the sixth edition of Noches del Botánico.
If there is one thing that defines Nick Mason, it is his unique drumming. That calmness and subtlety of execution, unique in the world, that provide the raison d'être of Pink Floyd's rhythmic base. But beyond his technique as an instrumentalist, Mason's outstanding role in the field of composition must be emphasised. His contribution in the creation of renowned works such as 'Time', 'Saucerful Of Secrets' or 'Echoes', places him as a key piece in the band's successes.
It could be said that Pink Floyd has its origins in the world of architecture. Mason, Roger Waters and Richard Wright met at university while studying architecture. The drummer has also admitted on more than one occasion to having a great fondness for cars, even owning an important collection of vintage cars.
It is no coincidence that the name of their new musical venture carries the title of one of the British band's most iconic and unique creations. A Saucerful Of Secrets (1968) was Pink Floyd's second full-length album and the last with Syd Barrett's active participation before he was expelled due to his problems with drug addiction.
A publication with an important emotional charge, whose name Nick Mason recovers in 2018 to give shape to the super-band Nick Mason's Saucerful Of Secrets . We talk about super-band because the ensemble at its inception integrates, no more and no less, musicians of the stature of Gary Kemp (ex-Spandau Ballet), Lee Harris, Dom Beken and bassist Guy Pratt, who joined Pink Floyd in 1987 after the departure of Roger Waters.
In this performance, Mason and co. bring live those songs that predate the British band's big breakthrough after the release of the iconic The Dark Side of The Moon in 1973.
On July 10, Nick Mason's Saucerful Of Secrets will bring the true essence of Pink Floyd to the Jardín Botánico of the Complutense University of Madrid, in one of those concerts that make the sixth edition of the festival become legendary. A line-up with iconic rock figures such as Patti Smith, George Thorogood & The Destroyers, Steve Vai, among many others, to enjoy in the most unique and careful environment of Madrid's summer.
Tickets available at www.nochesdelbotanico.com and www.entradas.com
