Pink Floyd’s legendary performance in Live at Pompeii is a mesmerizing spectacle unlike any other. Shot over four days in October 1971 and later released in theaters, the prog-rock extravaganza took place in the ancient Roman Amphitheatre, showcasing Pink Floyd in a minimal yet mesmerizing setup.
Recent revelations shed light on the astonishing cost of the band’s setup for the show – a whopping $250,000! Reverb.com recently audited the gear used by Pink Floyd for Live at Pompeii ahead of the concert’s 55th anniversary, highlighting the instruments, amps, and other equipment used by the band.
Drummer Nick Mason wielded a Ludwig Silver Sparkle kit and a 36″ symphonic gong, costing $1,500 in ’71 but valued at $10,850 today. Bassist Roger Waters utilized a pair of Fender P Basses, a Hiwatt Custom 100 DR103 head, and four WEM Starfinder cabs, totaling $1,350 in ’71 and $33,000 in today’s market.
Guitarist David Gilmour’s setup included a black Fender Stratocaster, a Dallas Arbiter Fuzz Face, a VOX Fuzz Wah pedal, and a DeArmond volume pedal. With additional gear in his amp setup, Gilmour’s cost was twice that of Waters’ at $3,000 in ’71, amounting to approximately $72,800 on today’s market for replication.
Interestingly, it was keyboardist Richard Wright whose setup incurred the highest cost, with his Farfisa and Hammond organs, amps, and a Steinway baby grand piano totaling $88,000 today, $65,000 of which were for the Steinway alone. Alan Parsons’ PA system was also crucial for capturing the concert’s sound, with a custom Allen & Heath quadraphonic console likely costing $85,000 in today’s terms, bringing the band’s grand total to $332,000 in today’s used market.
Despite the band’s tumultuous history following monumental albums like The Dark Side of the Moon, Pink Floyd’s legacy lives on through their timeless music and unforgettable performances. With the band’s catalog recently sold to Sony Music for approximately $400 million, their impact on the music industry remains immeasurable.
Peace Nero is a writer and blogger who loves to explore different topics of self-development. She shares her personal experiences in order to help people discover their true purpose in life.