h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

... and also seeing as this is my chance to be the first to talk about this entry (I supect this is merely because the others are pending house rules review), I just wanted to say that the greatest live performances/recordings of Pink Floyd were the now-legendary John Peel sessions at the BBC's Rainbow Theater in the late 60s and early 70s, the recently released "Is There Anybody Out There?" notwithstanding. This might not be the appropriate forum for this sort of thing, but - as a die hard fan of old Pink Floyd - I just couldn't pass up the oppotunity to make this small plea, on behalf of lots of other fans I know are in agreement with me, to release some of these tapes of the shows, seeing as we're all here together, virtually, at some part of the BBC. It would be absolutely fabulous, to steal a television show title. I know I'd be most ecstatic and eternally grateful.

Okay, enough of the obvious - I'm sure the tapes would have been released officially years ago had the band wanted them to be. At any rate, rumors continue to trickle their way down to us fans through the usual channels, but it would be so nice (to steal another title, a bit more related to the topic at hand) if they really were released ... some day. Why not in 2001, is what I say ... great year for it.

The reluctance of the band to let these recordings be released is a bit strange. Rumor says (talkative fellow, this Rumor) that the label really wants to put the stuff out (because it, will, of course, sell like mad), but the band doesn't want to see it out there. It's almost amazing they put out that live Wall recording, even as much as Roger bitched about it when they presented the idea. He seemed to think it was a cash in and didn't want to go along with it at first (although he later apparently relented, he didn't have anything to do with the actual production or packaging). This band has had plenty of opportunity to cash in by releasing this type of recording (like the alleged tapes of the 1977 tour - I would like to see this released, or the video of the Wall show, as well as numerous BBC recordings), but hasn't. Perfectionists to the last, I guess...

One thing. As I understand it, there is no (complete) video of The Wall show.

Moo.

The band played four nights at Earl's Court in London and filmed the entire run for inclusion in the Wall film. The footage was rejected for the film because it was "too dark." But the film evolved away from the original concept and the footage wasn't needed anyway.

If this is the same footage that was used in the "Beyond the Wall" VH1 special, it looks good enough for home video release. (Film may be a different story). If not, well technology has come a long way in 20 years, and it's most likely salvageable.

There is also in existence a 3-camera, shot on video version of the Wall show that was taped at Nassau Coliseum in 1980. It is rather dark, but still quite watchable.

Highland *has* released the early 70's BBC tapes.

Footwear doesn't count.