Prog rockers score seventh No 1 album with recording of Italian gig, extending their chart run following final studio album The Endless River in 2014
In a remarkable resurgence, Pink Floyd has ascended to the pinnacle of the UK album charts with Pink Floyd at Pompeii – MCMLXXII, a newly remastered edition of their iconic 1972 concert film and live recording. This achievement marks the band’s seventh UK No. 1 album and their first since 2014’s The Endless River .
Originally filmed in October 1971, Live at Pompeii captures Pink Floyd performing without an audience in the ancient Roman amphitheatre of Pompeii, Italy. The film, directed by Adrian Maben, was conceived as an unconventional concert experience, blending the band’s live performances with the haunting backdrop of the deserted ruins .
The 2025 reissue, titled Pink Floyd at Pompeii – MCMLXXII, has been meticulously restored in 4K from the original 35mm negatives, which were rediscovered in the band’s archives. Lana Topham led the restoration process, bringing new life to the visuals. Complementing the visual enhancement, renowned prog rock musician Steven Wilson provided a fresh audio mix, available in both 5.1 surround sound and Dolby Atmos formats .
The album features powerful renditions of early Pink Floyd classics, including “Echoes,” “A Saucerful of Secrets,” and “Set the Controls for the Heart of the Sun.” Additionally, the film intersperses candid footage of the band at Abbey Road Studios during the early recording sessions for The Dark Side of the Moon, offering a glimpse into their creative process .
Critics have lauded the reissue for its immersive experience. The Financial Times described it as “a heavy artefact of rock archaeology,” praising its atmospheric visuals and sound that capture Pink Floyd at a pivotal moment in their evolution from underground innovators to mainstream icons .
The success of Pink Floyd at Pompeii – MCMLXXII underscores the enduring appeal of the band’s experimental legacy and the timelessness of their music. This release not only offers longtime fans a revitalized experience but also introduces new audiences to a seminal moment in rock history.
