On Sep. 2, 1972, Pink Floyd’s performance at an ancient amphitheatre in Pompeii, Italy, was released as a concert film, Pink Floyd: Live at Pompeii, directed by Adrian Maben. Now, more than 53 years later, on April 24, 2025, the film was rereleased as a remastered and remixed 4K version by Steven Wilson with improved audio under the title Pink Floyd at Pompeii–MCMLXXII; this release is the longest of the performance versions, clocking in at 90 minutes.
Filmed in October 1971, after Syd Barrett’s departure from the band and before the release of The Dark Side of the Moon, the band’s lineup consisted of David Gilmour, Roger Waters, Nick Mason, and Richard Wright. With a setlist of songs ranging from the eerie and hypnotic-like sound of “Sets the Controls for the Heart of the Sun” to the harsh cacophony of noises in “A Saucerful of Secrets” to the bluesy playfulness of “Mademoiselle Nobs,” (the live performance of the song “Seamus,” complete with the howls of a dog) the film portrays the bands vast and unique musical talents.
With their performance taking place in a Roman amphitheatre in the absence of an audience, the emptiness transforms the traditional concert experience into something far more surreal. Without spectators, their performances of songs like “Echoes” seem to amplify a lonely and bizarre atmosphere, creating a haunting sound. Also, the newly remastered audio further enhances the chill-inducing quality of the performances, with every echo, strum, and drumbeat intensified to create an even more captivating watch. I felt as if I was there watching them perform live.
And visually, with the 4K restoration of the film, Maben’s original creation is enhanced and made more meaningful. Illuminated by spotlights and the flickering sun, the ruins feel more vast and unsettling, adding to the performance’s eccentricity. Moreover, with the camera often lingering on individual members in close ups of Waters’ intense focus, of Gilmours’ fingers sliding across the frets of his guitar, Wright’s subtle but precise movements, and the sweat glistening on Mason’s face as he beats down on the drums, more clarity and that intimate feel of a private concert can be felt than in earlier versions. This attention given to the members emphasizes their dedication, attentiveness, and passion for their craft, giving me a deeper, more personal appreciation for each of them that I’ve never felt before.
This remastering also restores the interludes between the performance, from mealtime conversations and studio footage of the band during the making of the legendary album The Dark Side of the Moon in London. A highlight includes Wright at the piano, with a solo shot of him playing “Us and Them,” a song that would later come out and be one of the most renowned tracks on The Dark Side of the Moon. These moments in between also add an entertaining and casual feeling to balance out the intensity of the performances, with drummer Nick Mason providing comedic relief with his dry humor (and a love for pie) during their lunchtime talks. These brief looks into their relationships and lives outside of the music show the easy and natural chemistry between the members (before the tensions that would surface later in the decade).
For fans both old and new, or those who aren’t fans at all, Pink Floyd at Pompeii–MCMLXXII serves as a look into a transitional and transformative time in rock history. Right off the departure of frontman Syd Barrett and on the brink of their most iconic work, Pink Floyd captured something odd, but beautiful, in Pompeii. Over 50 years later, that strange and timeless energy remains undiminished and just as legendary. I highly recommend you see it in theatres while you still can, even if you’re not a fan of the band, it’s an incredible live performance. Additionally, the audio mixings of this live performance come out on May 2 and will be available to listen to on all music streaming services.