Pink Floyd’s Nick Mason doubts the band would succeed in today
He also thinks The Beatles may struggle.
Pink Floyd drummer Nick Mason believes the band would struggle to succeed if they were starting out today.
The musician doubts the current climate in the music industry would allow the progressive and psychedelic rockers to reach the same dizzying heights of the fame they enjoyed in the 70s and 80s.
Speaking at the launch of a campaign aimed at fighting the closure of Britain’s live music venues, Mason told the Press Association: “Things are a lot more complex than they were 40 years ago when we kicked off.
“It’s really important we try to keep these places where young bands can play and work open.”
Asked if he thought Pink Floyd could succeed if starting out today, he said: “No I don’t”
“That’s to do with a whole bunch of different things. I think you need to be in the right place at the right time, however good you are.
“I think The Beatles 10 years earlier or 10 years later might have had trouble, we certainly would have.”
Music Matters, launched at Selfridges on Wednesday night, is aimed at raising awareness of the threats live venues across the UK face.
The retailer is holding a series of music events and collaborations across its stores in Manchester, Birmingham and London for nine weeks from the end of July in a bid to raise funds to help keep venues open.
At their Oxford Street store they have built a pop-up venue, dubbed the Ultralounge, which will host a programme of new music and artist nights called Selfridges Presents.
Other more established performers include electronic outfit Unkle, singer-songwriter Raye and Hot Chip’s Joe Goddard.
Mercury Prize winning grime artist Skepta and US rapper A$AP Rocky will open and close the programme with fashion events.
Linda Hewson, Selfridges’ creative director, said they want Music Matters to “celebrate and honour the power of live music”.
“It’s so important that we support our cities’ independent music venues where such unique and formative experiences take place.”
A donation will be made by Selfridges to the Music Venue Trust for each ticket purchased to the events.
:: Tickets for the Ultralounge’s season of music are on sale now.
