Pros/Cons? Pink Floyd Reborn as Studio Unit

Pink Floyd should take a page out of Steely Dan's playbook; become reborn as a strictly studio band without touring. Their music has always been studio-perfect and very clinical, especially "Dark Side" and anything after. Dave could adjust his singing to his comfort, Rick could sing, and Dave wouldn't have to worry about a huge tour. He has stated that one of the main obstacles of a Floyd reunion is the tours.
Of course this idea is a good one to me because I want to hear more from the Gilmour/Mason/Wright lineup, and because I've never seen Floyd live in person so I don't know what I'm missing anyway.

Besides, there's no need for Floyd to tour again; "The Wall" concerts were historically significant, their late 80s and mid 90s tours were so memorable as spectacles that there's no need to prove themselves again. Besides, if they went on a tour like the last two, designed the same, they would be accused of being out of ideas to make their tours different. The fans would be disappointed but remember: We should be considerate to their present capabilities. Then again, we shouldn't demand a new album in the first place I guess.

This would make the strain of creating an album so much easier on a band accustomed to the hassles of live touring. And with all the energy focused on the new music, the quality might even top "The Division Bell." Also, maybe there wouldn't be as many extra musicians because there would be more time to overdub things.
Lots of great bands have made great albums without touring; didn't the Beatles stopped touring after (what was it, 66? 67?), and several others. I hope I haven't missed some quote where a Floyd member has said "We wouldn't be happy as a studio unit."

Any thoughts?

I once heard this interview with Nick Mason where he talks about an idea that was thrown around during the Division Bell era about doing a more experimental/ambient studio project to be sort of a companion album to the Division Bell. This never happened, but if they ever did write and record again, it would be cool to see them go back to a more open and experimental approach. And not worrying about touring would allow them to do just that. I doubt it will ever happen, but it would be great if it did.

when there are pigs on the wing, this will most certainly happen!

I completely agree with you, Jawbone.

Unfortunately, the band seems to think that a tour would be required. Don't ask me why

it strange how nothing happened at all after the division bell. they go through all this trouble to get the band started again to make 2 albums? oh well, im always hoping for a new album/tour anyways

Um...I could have sworn they did like a...a tour or something after The Division Bell?

But yeah I see your point. Rick was quoted as saying "I'd be very surprised if we didn't do another album in the next two years."

He means went to the trouble of getting together, made two albums, and then have not made any other music.

Maybe he meant to say did do another album?

Nick and Rick should forget about lazy David, leave him in his villa. And do an album with Roger.

That would be interesting, but it's obviously impossible because David is co-owner of the Pink Floyd brand. Besides, I think Rick wouldn't work with Roger again.

It was just a figment of my imagination.

I don't know what you mean that they have nothing left to prove touring wise. Saying that they can't improve on what they did.

I don't know about anyone else...but I would love to see the Floyd in a more intimate setting, like their early days in the UFO club and such. Granted, they all have done solo gigs in small numbers.....but when is the last time Gilmour/Mason/Wright/Waters? played a theater together. I think it would give them a whole new dimension that all can appreciate.

I mean, the Stones did it recently. Successfully.


Just my thoughts.

~Fletch
***SPOONMOON***

It's a nice idea but there's more chance of them appearing in my front room, frankly.

Though this is one of the better "Will Floyd get back together?" threads, it's still not happening..ever..

Nope. He was talking about how good it felt to be working again. He's the exact quote: "But there will be another album, definitely. It's not that we've stopped. I'd be very surprised if we don't do another album and tour within the next few years."