Glenn Povey – Discussing Pink Floyd’s Animals!
1) How did you decide to author a book about the Pink Floyd album called “Animals”?
I had been thinking of a way to serialise my earlier book, The Complete Pink Floyd – which is now out of print, for quite some time. The announcement of the Animals reissue seemed to drive my interest and focus in making this the first installment. We’re obviously not looking at this in any chronological order and you can guess what the next one will be about!
2) How did you collect the information and photos for the book?
My research into Pink Floyd is ongoing, so there isn’t really a starting point for me. Whenever I’m starting a new project, I review all the existing material I own and look for any additional information that may have come to light since.
3) How long did it take you to write the book, and did you follow any authoring process?
In all, about 8 months. I wasn’t locked away in a room writing furiously for all that time but it was a good lockdown project to have in between doing other stuff. That time included all the image research and design process as well. Pink Floyd obviously delayed the release of the album by several months, so this has taken a lot longer than it would normally have taken to from the completion point last year to its impending publication.
4) Why did you decide to write a book about this album by Pink Floyd? Do you feel that this album is an underrated one?
Again, it was motivated by the re-release of the Animals album. Yes, it is an underrated album, partly because it is difficult for the casual listener to get a handle on. No hit singles! I call it Pink Floyd’s punk rock album, mainly because it is as fierce in its message as anything punk created at the time, albeit via a different genre.
5) Have you attempted to interview any Pink Floyd members or members of their camp?
I gave up on that idea long ago. The problem is, that each band member has (or had) conflicting ideas and opinions, whatever the subject. Memories tend to become distorted as well, so I prefer to use material from the same period or as close as I can to the subject as possible by quoting interviews written at the time.
6) Do you see any similarities between the concept of the album and the current social-political conditions of Great Britain?
For sure. I think it says a great deal about the mess not only this country is in but plenty of others around the world. It goes to show that not much has changed in the last 50-odd years. It’s quite depressing really when you think about it.
7) The album created a controversy among the band’s members. What is your opinion about it?
I think that has mostly to do with the dynamic within the band. Waters tends to think the lyrics are all important whereas Gilmour thinks the music is. Neither is right or wrong, and it goes to show what a powerful creative force they were when they could collaborate in a meaningful way. It’s all rather a pity that they came to blows – many a wasted opportunity and unfortunately, they will likely take that bitterness toward each other to the grave.
8) Do you plan to include any previously unpublished stories or documents in your next book about Pink Floyd?
I’m always looking for new material to include and I have managed to unearth a few items that should please fans.
9) What are your expectations for the album’s next reissue, which will be released on September 16, 2022?
Well, I’m not impressed by the fact it won’t include a recording of a live performance. That’s a big letdown to the fans and I’m sure they could have done something with an audio bootleg. As for the surround mixes, this is all a bit lost on me as I don’t have the right system!
10) What are your future musical plans?
I’m always planning the next book, so watch this space!
To pre-order: https://www.musicglue.com/pink-floyd-glenn-povey-a-visual-tour/
