David Gilmour has rubbished a long-standing connection between The Dark Side of the Moon and The Wizard of Oz. Gilmour made it clear that Pink Floyd had not intended for the album to match up with the 1939 Hollywood classic, and that fans who were interpreting the album in that manner were talking nonsense.
Some fans believe that The Dark Side of the Moon can be synced up to The Wizard of Oz. Gilmour says that is not the case and stopped short of calling said fans idiots for trying to link the 1973 classic with the Judy Garland-starring movie. Speaking of the apparent link between the two projects, Gilmour said: “Of course not! That’s one of the most ludicrous things that’s come out, and it just runs and runs and runs.
“I mean, were obviously to blame for some of these stupid things ourselves, but that one, God knows where that one came from. Oh alright, I did try it once, actually. It didn’t seem to make any sense whatsoever. I wouldn’t bother. It’s better to listen to the words rather than to find out about little Dorothy and her red shoes!”
Despite Gilmour rubbishing the link between The Dark Side of the Moon and The Wizard of Oz, some fans still believe the album effectively matches up with the on-screen action. The Dark Side of the Rainbow project alleges to match the album with corresponding scenes from the film’s first 43 minutes.
The author Charles Savage believes that syncing the film up with the album can lead to profound results. He said: “The result is astonishing. It’s as if the movie were one long art-film music video for the album. Song lyrics and titles match the action and plot. The music swells and falls with character’s movements … expect to see enough firm coincidences to make you wonder whether the whole thing was planned.”
Those who believe the album matches up with the movie are told to start playing The Dark Side of the Moon at the third lion’s roar. Despite fans hearing a clear link between the two pieces, bassist Roger Waters shut down the suggestion as “bullshit”. It marks one of the few times he and Gilmour have agreed on something to do with Pink Floyd in recent years.
Even drummer Nick Mason shut down the rumour that The Dark Side of the Moon and The Wizard of Oz were somehow connected. He said: “It’s absolute nonsense. It has nothing to do with The Wizard of Oz. It was all based on The Sound of Music.” Gilmour has also made his disgust for the volume of The Dark Side of the Moon vinyl variants clear.
Speaking at the time of the album’s 30th anniversary, Gilmour was asked if it was a special moment. He did not think so. The guitarist said: “Dont be silly, records dont have birthdays! Its just a gramophone record. There’s so many bloody different versions of it out now.”
The Time and Breathe singer was then asked about what he made of the appetite listeners still had for The Dark Side of the Moon and its many versions. Gilmour replied: “I’m happier with the fans’ insatiable appetite for silly old rubbish than I am with the attitude of people closer to me foisting that stuff on people.”
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