Ep.27 - Set the Controls: Lee Harris and the Early Days of Pink Floyd

05/13/25 • 79 min

Fingal's Cave - A Podcast for all dedicated Pink Floyd Fans

Lee Harris, the founder and guitarist of the successful band ‘Nick Mason's Saucerful of Secret’ was our first interview guest almost two years ago. We had an exciting conversation back then and we knew we wanted to invite him back to our podcast.
Now, 25 episodes later, the time has finally come, Lee Harris is back!
Together with Phil Salathé, in this episode we talk about Lee's youth, his own career as co-manager and guitarist of the band ‘Ian Dury and the Blockheads’ and the musical development of Pink Floyd between the years 1967 and 1972, an era they cover with the 'Saucers'.
Lee also gives us a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at the band, describing the conditions under which the songs were chosen and why Echoes came so late in the setlist.
Look forward to a lively conversation between two full-blooded musicians and some great and nerdy insights...
(On a personal note, to our knowledge Pink Floyd performed 'The Alan's Psychedelic Breakfast' four times during the UK leg of their British Winter Tour in 1970.)

Previous Episode

Ep.26 - Over the Moon: Pink Floyd Live 1974-1975

To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the start of the North America tour in 1975, we present a new and exciting episode of the Fingal's Cave podcast.
In more than 2 hours we discuss Pink Floyd's so-called transition period between 1974 and 1975, often derided as the band's creative low point.
But even though there were many late decisions, sound problems, mishaps and - to be frank - a certain amount of laziness, these three tours, which started in Colmar (France) on 22nd June and ended in Knebworth (UK) on 5th July, offered plenty to talk about.
From one of the finest Dark Side of the Moon shows in Bristol to a total disaster in Knebworth, Pink Floyd went through a rollercoaster ride in these 380 days, defining their own future by road-testing new material and setting the stage (no pun intended) with stunning new visuals, including the birth of Mr. Screen.
After several weeks of preparation, we are proud to bring you an in-depth chat that even the dedicated Pink Floyd fan will learn something from, we promise!
Our yt-channel: https://www.youtube.com/@Fingals_Cave_Podcast
Most important shows:
1974-06-22 Colmar (tour start)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8AFkERLrJQU
1974-11-19 Stoke on Trent (British Winter Tour 74 bootleg)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7F2-bSdNHTY
1974-12-14 Bristol (Best Dark Side Set)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nlFm7s-Gypc
1975-04-26 Los Angeles (Millard recording)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4clpGEnZz0o
1975-06-09 Landover (Best ‘75 Dark Side Set)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e8iLvc72N1w
1975-06-17 Uniondale (Great show)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qPzaR1PcUDI
1975-06-28 Hamilton (Superb recording)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jAR5x2LGHO0
Videos:
1975-04-27 Los Angeles (8mm)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0NYLy9NqlAY
1975-06-09 Landover (8mm)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pH1mGiSmbRk
1975-06-26 Montreal (8mm)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nb7lxh_9eOk
1975-06-28 Hamilton (8mm)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fSXZMFq_Msk
1975-07-05 Knebworth (video)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Oi5BCXeV4A