Pink Floyd Guest Performers: The Unique Voicings of 'The Dark Side of the Moon'

Pink Floyd is renowned for their eccentric and enchanting music, blending intricate sounds and themes with ethereal vocals. However, there are moments in their discography where the band chose to leave the vocals to guest performers, adding a unique flavor to their work. In this article, we explore some of these instances, focusing particularly on the song The Dark Side of the Moon and the iconic performance by Clare Torry, as well as the contributions of Roy Harper and Seamus the Dog.

Clare Torry - 'The Great Gig in the Sky'

One of the most remarkable collaborations in the group's history is the track The Great Gig in the Sky from the The Dark Side of the Moon album. This song, composed by Rick Wright, is notable for its lack of lyrics. The legendary story of how Clare Torry came to sing in this groundbreaking piece is fascinating.

The Great Gig in the Sky was performed without any prior rehearsal. Recording in the control room, Torry was instructed to just give it a try. During the recording session, the band was initially unsure but when she finished her first take, everyone present was astounded. Torry's raw, emotional and ethereal performance was a revelation, leading to immediate applause from the entire team. This powerful and wordless vocal performance became an iconic part of the album and is a testament to her unique talent.

Roy Harper - Have a Cigar

Have a Cigar is a distinctive track that was initially recorded at Abbey Road Studios. The story behind the vocals for this song is intriguing. According to Nick Mason's book, the lead vocalist Roger Waters was frustrated with the recording process and was unable to achieve a vocal take satisfactory to his standards. Frustration led him to his friend, Roy Harper, who was recording at another studio nearby. Harper agreed to provide the vocals, and the result is a song that blends the band's style with Roy Harper's rough and mature voice. This vocal performance serves the song well, taking on the perspective of a predatory character from the record industry, using this to poignant effect.

Seamus the Dog and Nobs the Dog - 'Mademoiselle Nobs'

Also noteworthy are the contributions of animals to the Pink Floyd discography. In the legendary film Pink Floyd: Live at Pompeii, a song originally sung by Dave Gilmour (titled Seamus) was performed again, but this time by a dog named Nobs. This track features two versions of the song, one sung by the dog Seamus and one by his canine counterpart, Nobs. Both dogs deliver a compelling and hilarious performance, embodying the eccentric charm that is the hallmark of Pink Floyd.

The unique feature of this performance is that Nobs the dog was not just an accompaniment to a single person; he took the lead in his version, making this a truly one-of-a-kind contribution to the band's legacy. This quirky addition to the film and album is a delightful example of Pink Floyd's willingness to break boundaries and leave a lasting impression even in unconventional ways.

In conclusion, the contribution of guest vocalists, such as Clare Torry, Roy Harper, and the dogs Nobs and Seamus, has greatly enhanced the diversity and depth of Pink Floyd's music. These collaborations have made the band's work more dynamic and memorable, contributing to their enduring status in the music industry.