Animals Tour
A dystopian spectacle of industrial decay and floating pigs that defined late-seventies rock.
The Animals Tour stands as a defining chapter in Pink Floyd's live history, serving as the massive global vehicle for their concept album *Animals*. Following the monumental success of *The Wall* era's theatricality, this tour returned to a more industrial and political aesthetic, translating the album's biting social commentary into a visceral stage experience. It is remembered not just for the music, but for its controversial and iconic visual centerpiece that became synonymous with the band's identity during the late 1970s.
- Associated Album
- Animals
- Primary Era
- Late 1970s
- Key Visual Element
- Inflatable Pig
- Musical Style
- Progressive Rock / Hard Rock
- Notable Location
- Dunstable Services, UK
- Band Status
- Active (Pre-Roger Waters departure)
Lore & Background
The most enduring symbol of this tour was the massive inflatable pig, which served as the physical embodiment of the ruling class. While often seen floating high in the sky or tethered to the stage structure, its presence loomed over the audience like a judgmental eye watching the 'Sheep' below. The imagery suggested that those in power were detached from reality, literally elevated above the struggles of the common people, yet vulnerable to the chaotic elements of the world they controlled.
In Their Own Story
The air inside the stadium tastes of ozone and stale beer as the lights cut out, leaving only the silhouette of a massive, pink shape bobbing against the night sky. Below, thousands of faces look up in silent awe, illuminated by the cold blue glow of stage monitors. A low hum vibrates through the floorboards, building into a dissonant chord that feels less like music and more like a warning siren. The pig drifts higher, catching a sudden gust of wind, its eyes reflecting the chaos below as the band launches into a sound that tears through the silence, marking the beginning of a long, dark night.
Reader's Guide
The tour was characterized by a raw, industrial aesthetic that contrasted sharply with the elaborate sets of previous eras. The stage often featured towering scaffolding and stark lighting rigs designed to mimic a bleak urban skyline or a factory floor. The centerpiece was undoubtedly the giant inflatable pig, which varied in size and placement throughout the run. Sometimes it floated freely above the crowd, tethered by cables, while other times it sat on the stage or was suspended from the roof of arenas like Wembley. Musically, the setlist focused heavily on *Animals*, with extended instrumental sections allowing for improvisation. The band also performed selected tracks from their earlier catalog, including hits that had defined their career up to that point. Technical innovations included advanced lighting control systems and the logistics of managing a massive inflatable object in varying weather conditions, particularly during outdoor festivals where wind was a constant challenge.
Did You Know?
- The inflatable pig was originally intended to be painted with political slogans but was left plain to avoid censorship issues in various countries.
- During one famous incident at the Reading Festival, the pig deflated and landed in the crowd before being re-inflated mid-show.
- The tour marked a period of increasing tension within the band, foreshadowing the eventual departure of Roger Waters.
- Some venues refused to allow the pig due to local regulations or concerns about public reaction.