On September 11, 1987, the iconic rock band Pink Floyd released their thirteenth studio album, "A Momentary Lapse of Reason." This album marked a significant milestone in the band's history, as it was their first release since the departure of original bassist and primary songwriter Roger Waters.
After Waters left the band in 1985 due to creative differences, the remaining members, David Gilmour, Nick Mason, and Richard Wright, decided to continue as Pink Floyd. Gilmour took the lead in writing and producing the album, which was met with mixed reviews from critics and fans alike.
Despite the initial skepticism, "A Momentary Lapse of Reason" proved to be a commercial success. The album featured a more polished and radio-friendly sound compared to the band's earlier works, incorporating elements of 1980s production techniques. It included popular tracks such as "Learning to Fly," "On the Turning Away," and "One Slip."
The album's cover art, designed by Storm Thorgerson, featured 700 hospital beds placed on a beach in Devon, England. This striking visual representation was a nod to the album's themes of absence and the passage of time.
To support the album, Pink Floyd embarked on a highly successful world tour, which lasted from 1987 to 1989. The tour featured a spectacular stage setup, complete with lasers, inflatables, and a massive circular screen displaying animated visuals. The band's performances during this tour were praised for their impeccable sound quality and visual extravaganza.
"A Momentary Lapse of Reason" marked a new chapter in Pink Floyd's history, proving that the band could still create compelling music and captivate audiences even without the presence of Roger Waters. The album has since been certified multi-platinum in several countries and remains a significant part of Pink Floyd's discography.