When was Pink Floyd formed?

Pink Floyd was formed in London in 1965. The founding lineup consisted of Syd Barrett, Nick Mason, Roger Waters, and Richard Wright, who came together from earlier student bands and musical projects.

The group’s name developed from Barrett’s combination of the first names of blues musicians Pink Anderson and Floyd Council. Before settling on Pink Floyd, the musicians performed under names including Sigma 6, the Abdabs, and the Tea Set.

The band initially played rhythm and blues and psychedelic material in London’s emerging underground scene. Barrett became its early creative leader, while Waters, Mason, and Wright supplied the instrumental foundation. David Gilmour joined at the end of 1967, as Barrett’s involvement declined.

A common mix-up is confusing the band’s formation with its first album. The Piper at the Gates of Dawn was released in 1967, two years after the group formed. Pink Floyd’s best-known progressive-rock era developed later, particularly with albums such as The Dark Side of the Moon and Wish You Were Here.