Reflections on ‘The Wall’

This mighty double album was released 30 years ago last week and is, perhaps, the pinnacle of rock music, strike that it, it’s probably the best music ever produced. Nothing like it had ever been done before and nothing like it has been attempted since. So, I thought it would be a good time to now reflect on the album and for you to share with us what it meant to you then, now, where you were etc., what you remember when listening to the vinyl all those years ago.

For me, I was 15 years old into my final year of schooling and generally happy with my lot. I was not a big Floyd fan back then, but I can remember being very impressed with the whole concept of The Wall and how it combined superb musical composition, with storytelling, theatrical presentation and one of the most unique icons in the history of music, a gigantic white Wall. I can remember everyone buying it, everyone talking about it, everyone singing “All in all…….etc” but I don’t think I really appreciated the body of work, didn’t really understand the concept – I don’t think many of my peers did then either.

The most important thing for me musically at the time was my band ‘Traitor’, a school band I formed with 3 of my friends. Pink Floyd wasn’t really that important, we were going to be bigger than them, write our own concept album, play it on ‘Top of the Pops’ – we even played ‘Another Brick in the Wall part 2” (it has just the best bass line to play) so I can remember not being too impressed by the album, and if I was reviewing it then, would have probably given it 3 stars out of 5.

Now, as an older wiser 15 year old I can finally appreciate the album, finally appreciate what Waters’ was trying to achieve, finally appreciate the genius of the man and finally sit down listen to the album in full and be totally blown’ away.

I’ve retaken a rather wonderful musical journey over the past few days and would love to hear your opinion of the album, your own reflections on ‘The Wall’.