Pink Floyd at Pompeii
Live album follows the acclaimed cinematic return
By Liam Hughes
11 May 2025
The success of the live album follows the acclaimed cinematic return of Pink Floyd at Pompeii – MCMLXXII, the newly restored version of the groundbreaking 1972 film directed by Adrian Maben and distributed by Sony Music Vision, which broke into the top ten at the global, North American and many more box office charts upon its debut, and top 5 in the UK & Ireland, Italy, The Netherlands and Uruguay.
Digitally re-mastered in 4K from the original 35mm footage, with enhanced audio newly mixed by Steven Wilson, the film has been Screening in cinemas and IMAX® worldwide since 24 April and presents the definitive version of this pioneering film. It has been praised by critics and audiences alike, with 4* reviews in The Guardian, Daily Telegraph, FT, MOJO, UNCUT and NME, and the live album being awarded 5* by The Times. Due to phenomenal demand, additional screenings have been added in select territories worldwide over the coming week. Full details are available at www.pinkfloyd.film.
Pink Floyd At Pompeii pre-dates the release of The Dark Side Of The Moon. The film documents what Pink Floyd did before they became giants of the album charts on both sides of the Atlantic – where their music remains celebrated to this day. Set in the hauntingly beautiful ruins of the ancient Roman Amphitheatre in Pompeii, Italy, this unique and immersive film captures Pink Floyd performing an intimate concert without an audience. Filmed in October 1971, the performance marked the very first live concert to take place at Pompeii, and features the vital ‘Echoes,’ ‘A Saucerful of Secrets,’ and ‘One of These Days.’ The breathtaking visuals of the amphitheatre, captured both day and night, amplify the magic of the performance. Additionally, the film includes rare behind-the-scenes footage of the band beginning work on The Dark Side of the Moon at Abbey Road Studios.
The film has been meticulously hand restored, frame-by-frame, from the original 35mm cut negative – discovered in five dubiously labelled cans within Pink Floyd’s own archives. This momentous breakthrough unearthed the very film that rolled through the cameras during those sweltering days amidst the ruins of Pompeii over 50 years ago.
Led by Lana Topham, Director of Restoration for Pink Floyd, the team’s mission was to preserve the integrity and beauty of the original picture. The film was scanned in 4K using advanced techniques to ensure the finest, sharpest detail. Colors were enhanced, and every frame was meticulously reviewed and repaired, maintaining a natural and vivid appearance with minimal grain adjustments.
he film also features stunning sound quality with a new theatrical and home entertainment mix by Steven Wilson in 5.1 and Dolby Atmos that enhances the film’s depth and clarity, preserving the authenticity and spirit of the original 1972 release. Wilson’s aim was to remain faithful to how the band would have sounded on those scorching hot days in 1971.
Pink Floyd at Pompeii – MCMLXXII is presented by RM Productions and directed by Adrian Maben. It is executive produced by Reiner Moritz and Michelle Arnaud. Sony Music Vision is the distributor.
Album Tracklisting
Side A
Pompeii Intro
Echoes – Part 1
Careful With That Axe, Eugene
Side B
A Saucerful of Secrets
Set the Controls for the Heart of the Sun
Side C
One of These Days
Mademoiselle Nobs
Echoes – Part 2
Side D
Careful With that Axe, Eugene – Alternate take
A Saucerful of Secrets – Unedited