Celebrating five decades since their debut album, The Piper At The Gates of Dawn, music licensing organization PPL has unveiled the most played Pink Floyd Songs on UK radio and TV from 2000 to 2017. This data highlights the enduring appeal of Pink Floyd songs and their continued presence in British broadcasting.
Topping the chart of Pink Floyd songs most frequently broadcast is the iconic Another Brick In The Wall (Part 2). This track, instantly recognizable and deeply embedded in popular culture, is followed by Money and the poignant ballad Wish You Were Here, securing their places as radio staples.
Released in August 1967, The Piper At The Gates of Dawn holds a special place in Pink Floyd’s history as the only complete album featuring the enigmatic Syd Barrett. His unique songwriting and vision were crucial in shaping the band’s early psychedelic sound. Interestingly, two songs from this era, See Emily Play and Arnold Layne, also feature prominently in the top 10 most played Pink Floyd songs, demonstrating the lasting impact of Barrett’s contributions even after his departure in 1968.
PPL’s data reveals the remarkable statistic that Pink Floyd has accumulated 32 million seconds of airplay in the UK during the 21st century alone. Their music has been broadcast across more than 500 different radio stations and TV channels, showcasing their broad and consistent popularity across various media outlets.
Reflecting on this milestone, Pink Floyd drummer Nick Mason remarked on their journey, stating, “It has been an extraordinary journey and looking back 50 years on, the title of the album feels particularly appropriate now. Along with lots of other bands we were, in many ways, pipers at the beginning of a new era.” His words emphasize the band’s pioneering role in music and their lasting influence. He fondly recalls the experimental 1960s, a period where a lifetime career in music seemed “unthinkable,” making their sustained success even more remarkable.
Tim Silver from PPL emphasized Pink Floyd’s innovative spirit, noting, “Pink Floyd have never been afraid to innovate and push the boundaries of what music and art can do.” He highlighted their evolution from psychedelic performances in the 60s to groundbreaking concept albums like The Dark Side Of The Moon and Wish You Were Here, and their massive stadium productions for The Wall and Division Bell tours. This constant evolution and willingness to experiment have undoubtedly contributed to their enduring relevance.
Here is the complete list of the top 20 most played Pink Floyd songs on UK radio and TV, as compiled by PPL:
- Another Brick In The Wall (Part 2) (1979)
- Money (1973)
- Wish You Were Here (1975)
- Comfortably Numb (1979)
- See Emily Play (1967)
- The Great Gig In The Sky (1973)
- Time (1973)
- Arnold Layne (1967)
- Us And Them (1973)
- Shine On Your Crazy Diamond (1975)
- Learning To Fly (1987)
- Have A Cigar (1975)
- Breathe (1973)
- One Of These Days (1971)
- Speak To Me / Breathe (1973)
- On The Turning Away (1987)
- Run Like Hell (1979)
- Sheep (1977)
- Louder Than Words (2014)
- High Hopes (1994)
This list of Pink Floyd songs not only celebrates their 50th anniversary but also serves as a testament to their timeless music that continues to captivate audiences and dominate the airwaves. For fans and new listeners alike, these top tracks offer a perfect starting point to explore the vast and influential catalog of Pink Floyd songs.
