Alan Parsons - how "Eye in the Sky" and "Sirius" changed my life

Carlos Amezcua of BEONDTV sits down with Alan Parsons at his Southern California ranch and talks about his work with The Beatles, Pink Floyd and how The Alan Parsons Project was born.
#alanparsons #BEONDTV #music #interview

[@aldo2708]

Quote from the APP website (FAQ) : " Eric Woolfson was the main songwriter and lyricist for the APP writing 95% of the music and 100% of the lyrics. He also sang lead vocal on many of the APP’s greatest hits including ‘Eye in the Sky’, ‘Time’ and ‘Don’t Answer Me’. He played keyboards on practically every APP track recorded. He was also the manager of the APP and handled all the business side. It was his decision to call it ‘The Alan Parsons Project’ - a choice he often described as both the best and worst in his career. The best because he got to enjoy the success of his work without any of the fame. The worst in that generally no one outside the music industry had a clue who he was! "

[@77barrymac]

"SIrius" and "Eye in the Sky" are, to him, one song. The Chicago Bulls just didn't want to play the whole song. Love that.

[@wilburrrrr742]

I've ALWAYS said that it's one song. If you play either one without the other, it's incomplete and defacing the art

[@mikereiss4216]

@@wilburrrrr742 That's a little bit extreme. They aren't even listed on the album as one song or a two part song. People can play it or view it however they want.

[@wilburrrrr742]

@@mikereiss4216 Okay, I'll play your game. What do you think about "Shoo Be Doo" and "Candy-O" by the Cars? Same relationship (in my opinion, anyway) It's a rip off when you have to play both songs on the jukebox and you still don't even get the smooth transition that you get on the album.

[@johariyip7441]

@@wilburrrrr742 Understood where you're coming from. That transition from Sirius to Eye In The Sky is what makes it so special and unique. From an artistic point of view, I agree with you entirely.

[@The_Digital_Arts_World]

I remember sitting in the arena in Chicago for several of the Bulls games around the fifth championship and while Sirius was a great way to start off the game, not hearing the rest of it kind of left most AP fans hanging there.

[@josemorenorahn]

I like that in this interview he acknowledges Eric's contribution, which was monumental, and everything the interviewer thinks Alan did it was really just Eric's. Great band, both of them great, but there wouldn't have been almost all of the incredible songs without Eric there, so it is nice to see Alan talking about that.

[@VideoArchiveGuy]

When the Project split, with Eric pursuing "Freudiana" and Alan releasing "Try Anything Once" it made it clear I preferred Eric's work, but I felt Alan's work improved with "On Air." Today, "The Secret" sounds every bit a Project album.

[@Maria-tl1lm]

Your are right. Eric, forever.

[@binkydonna]

Well...Alan Parsonsis always monumental. Lol! I have a big fat crush on him...I do t care how old he is. lol

[@oleheat]

They were one of the greatest collaborations in music history, IMHO. RIP, Eric Woolfson. 🫡

[@loisjohnson7272]

@@Maria-tl1lm i loved Eric too,,I miss him,,❤,Alan and Eric are two of the greatest musicians I’ve heard ❤

[@roadshow69]

Interviewer did a great job. It's good when the interviewer knows the music.

[@MrGodsking]

thank you Alan parsons you touched my life and my music

[@adamlepire5438]

Very modest fellow for someone so accomplished

[@nguzoloveinlofi3832]

If this guy is from the same generation as the Beatles and Pink Floyd- he looks great for his age…

[@jeanniemainzer8551]

A great head of hair!

[@TheFlashSpeedforce]

Mr. Parson is so disarmingly humble and honest about the extent of his contribution to their great successful compositions. Right there he earned even more of my respect. Great musician, but even finer human being. So refreshingly unexpected.

[@oldguyofarizona8602]

Could not agree more. I feel like I could sit down and have a beer with this guy. Of course, we would have nothing to talk about because he is a genius and I am not.

[@hai.1820]

I'm so sorry that people grow old.. he aged gracefully and so I hope we all do

[@jazzbutterworth]

And you know what? Don Henley could learn PLENTY from this fine man. Have I got a bone to pick with Don!

[@TheFlashSpeedforce]

@tterworth I don't get your reference to Don Henley here. Are you referring to the I.P. trial which just started this past Wednesday about some manuscripts of the "Hotel California" song? Is it something else entirely? Would you, please, elaborate?

[@jazzbutterworth]

@@TheFlashSpeedforce No I am refering to him being an egoistic donkey. Don Henley is not a nice person & hates anyone covering his songs. He will threaten Google to have covers of his music removed from KZbin. I've seen it happen.

[@richardevans2534]

Huge respect for this highly intelligent talented musician.

[@tomford8286]

The "sound" is clarity. Full sonic signature with details and a real dynamic range. Prudent use of compression and ambience. Awesome.

[@briandarnell1809]

Any album he engineered had his clarity and presence. Listen to Year of the Car for instance by Al Stewart. Head and shoulders above anything else being put out in that era.

[@DonBonin]

Well said. 😀

[@stevehazell1060]

I saw Alan Parsons and band in concert in Wisconsin. Knowing he was known for his impeccable studio work, and having seen bands like Dire Straits with a nearly CD-quality live sound, I was expecting great things. That night, the live mixing, levels, etc. was awful. Unfortunately, the high standards did not carry over to live performances. Not to take anything away from his ability in the studio, which was outstanding.

[@tomford8286]

@@stevehazell1060 I have seen him several times and never been disappointed. But there are a lot of variables when you take it live. Much more control in the studio.

[@fmphotooffice5513]

He is famous for being against compression for "loudness" sake. Take a peek at those top tier hifi speaker setups in the background.

[@sensecam]

Alan is such a talented man!

[@HylianWarrior01]

Alan still looks remarkable for his age!

[@loufuddrucker391]

Love eye in the sky

[@GuilhermeSilva-rp2it]

The turn of a friendly card - one of my two all time pop-rock favorite albums ...

[@centrist1008]

This is nothing short of fantastic.

[@BEONDTV]

Glad you like it! Check out our part 2 with Alan...

[@izzyrov5814]

Musical genius indeed. His music is extraordinary and unique.

[@CSavageSr]

Eric and Alan are both gifted. Perfect storm of 2 dudes who appreciate each other and music.

[@emmanuelwolf6568]

It's not a sound it's the soul .

[@alanbare8319]

"Sirius" and "Eye in the Sky" are inseparable.

[@kenalbert6653]

The masons think so . Same play book.

[@markusmath3421]

@@kenalbert6653 ....could you elaborate? lol

[@stephenmccollum1391]

Humble, talented, LEGEND

[@rbu2136]

My God how old is this guy? He looks incredible. My teen years of the 80s were filled listening to his music so much. Like crazy how much I loved their music. Takes of Mystery and imagination cassette got worn out and then CDs came out. I bought everything they put out. Thank you Alan!!! Sir! So very much thank you. It’s such joy to see what you look like. : )

[@colinargentblunstone]

74

[@lefkytheshin]

Now THIS is talent, boys and girls. Not that American Idol instant gratification nonsense.

[@wesgleeson]

Every day I'm thankful for having never owned a TV

[@hakankursunmusic]

Thank you!!!

[@joedsouza100]

Gives me goosebumps everytime I hear Mr.Parsons album...hearing it since more than a couple of decades...it just keeps coming back and back and back........

[@wildcatvxa2372]

Musical Genius

[@jumpey]

It was such an enjoyable moment to discover Sirius as the precursor to Eye In The Sky when I first brought home the record. I'll never forget the smile it brought to my face after hearing that smooth transition between both songs. So good!!!

[@richardwalker4518]

Its not only about the music, its also about the philosophy and intrigue behind the music, the voyage into ancient civilisations and unanswered questions. It's always with me in my travels, helping to steer the way I see things. It becomes a part of your life, inevitably

[@michaelshea5622]

Only once in eternity does an individual come along with such style that no one else could have imagined. Alan Parsons....In the end there can be only one.

[@joemac3118]

They didn't "Go out Looking For A Sound" is why they sounded sooo good and were a success!!! Always loved this group!👍

[@mankihonda983]

That sound was consummate professional sound engineer and talented musician putting all his accumulated talent into the music that has HIS name on it.

[@pappinr]

You have a sound for sure...and it's a great sound! Your music is amazing!

[@kristinesanservino6125]

Love Alan Parsons. I'm old enough to remember this band in their hayday. My thought was always...this band is so far ahead of it's time. They are unique and wonderful.Yes.. Alan is a musical genius!

I ALWAYS listen to "SIrius" and "Eye in the Sky" as one song.

[@kenalbert6653]

The Masonic lodge recommended that they should be listened to one song. You see it too, yes?

[@warrenhawke2889]

Look at those B & W speakers. Incredible

[@djstyron]

Saw APP with my oldest brother February of this year, just amazing..

[@RoyTheInfidel]

Amazing band and equally amazing fine gentlemen, Eric Woolfson (RIP) and Alan Parsons. ❤❤❤

[@marthaworc7873]

Alan Parsons albums have a sound that is really a cut above everyone else. Sonically pristine or immaculate I would say. Dark side of the moon, for example, put out in 1973, sounds as clean or cleaner than any other album put out. I used "Dark Side" as a test album when I bought my every new stereo and when I put a new sound system in my car.

[@briandarnell1809]

Me too. I would bring Alan Parsons albums with me to test any new stereo gear.

[@billw3003]

I used "Nights In White Satin" by the Moody Blues...I also did producing "back when" and "Night" was my "measuring stick"! Good music is good music!

[@rafaelalcantara5741]

Another great one is Aja by Steely Dan.

[@larrytate5605]

I was lucky enough to attend an Alan Parsons Project concert around the time of this interview, it was impressive, classy, professional,....WOW,.....loved it.

[@BEONDTV]

Couldn't agree more! He's a class act

[@briandarnell1809]

Listen to Cask of Amontilado at high volume and you'll soon hear what a brilliant audio engineer he was even early in his career. So gifted and so humble.

[@lmsmuffin]

I loved Alan Parsons since the seventies before I knew who he was.

[@DonBonin]

Tales of mystery and imagination was/is one hell of a sonic roller coaster ride in the best of ways. Another masterpiece of sublime clarity was I Robot. The clinical quality and the movement of the music is deep and rich and uniquely satisfying to my ears. On DSOTM (50 years ago, BTW!) and onward thru his career, Alan showed the recording world what could be achieved with the technology at hand. A master!

[@brexxebender1204]

This is who I need ! Right here ! I need AP to produce my debut solo album

[@nemo227]

Every thing and everybody has a story. Some stories are well told and some are poorly told and some will remain untold. It's our good fortune to have youtube to share some good stories around the world.

[@ExclusiveLM]

My mum was sleeping a few houses away were we lived because she used to take naps. When suddenly we started to hear music playing. I ran to the window and heard them playing. I thought someone had really loud speakers and were playing the Beatles records. My mum eventually came to the window a said that must be the Hendersons with another loud party. Mum was actually thinking of getting dressed to go yell at the neighbors. We were clueless in knowing it was actually The Beatles playing live !!!!

[@thinktwice3211]

I love the pace of Eye in the Sky. Its on my desert island song list.

[@anitamrohs9700]

Alan Parsons hi is a brilliant Genies.👌 🎼🎸🎶🎧 I love the Music from Alan. 👍❤👍

[@allancove4483]

Great band! Great sound! Great pickers! Who could ask for more?

[@azapro911]

'Sirius' works extremely well on American sports broadcasts, especially as the walk-on music for Jordan era Bulls.

[@jeffj9322]

Remembering Eric Woolfson March 18, 1945. He was a Scottish songwriter, lyricist, vocalist, executive producer, pianist, and co-creator of the band The Alan Parsons Project, who sold over 50 million albums worldwide. Woolfson also pursued a career in musical theatre. Woolfson himself was the actual singer on many of the Project's biggest hits, such as "Time", "Don't Answer Me", "Prime Time" and the band's signature tune "Eye in the Sky". - en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eric_Woolfson

[@kenjimac2211]

"Maybe a Price to Pay" was Alan's best in my book. Particularly the prelude.

[@cherokeelegs]

BRILLIANT 👏 👏 👏

[@edinelsonramirez5656]

One doesn't find a sound, the sound finds you.

[@daniel385]

Fantastic interview! Wish we had more.

[@randomasdfx7891]

Interesting to note that while he probably owns millions of dollars worth of the greatest analog equipment, he owns a Kemper profiling amp which is cutting edge technology today. Goes to show he is not afraid to embrace the future.

[@humblewisdom8976]

I never knew that Alan had helped with Dark Side Of The Moon until about a year ago. As soon as I heard that though it made perfect sense .

[@The_Digital_Arts_World]

Alan Parsons Project with Eric and all of the other very talented members was hands down, my favorite band in 1979 and 1980. They were in my world with Pink Floyd, Boston and others of that era. APP is still very much one of my favorites even near 70 years old. I personally liked the idea that all of their albums and songs had a common sound thread to them much like Pink Floyd. Every APP album was like a brand new band and a brand new song so that one never tired of the band. I can tell you, these guys rocked me and my girl friend’s world as we drove her VW Super Beetle or my Celtics GT around town. Thank God I replaced all of the cassette tapes with CDs and have all of their works on Macs, iPhone, and iPads. Their music brings back a wealth of memories that you could never put a price tag on.

[@marklestercabanas3814]

I love this music🎵

[@JediFight]

Unbelievable he was on that roof. Fantastic.

[@The_ZeroLine]

Amazing interview. Thank you.

[@BEONDTV]

Glad you enjoyed it! He was so kind to us when we visited. Such a great man and great music.

[@JB-do5qd]

Look at all that "Neve" in the background..... Lovely

[@Jojoseahorse]

Amazing how some people just get better looking with age

[@pakkmann]

feels like you could sit down in a set of comfy chairs and chat it out with Mr. Parsons for hours.

[@BEONDTV]

Right after this interview, Alan played a copy of his new album for us on his studio speakers. It was an incredible couple of hours with him...

[@clemclemson9259]

First Shot with that Kemper.... all you haters..LOL if its good enough for Alan its good enough for me - Excellent

[@takamadson]

Everybody talks about Sirius as the intro track for all those 1990's Jordan era Bulls teams. What I haven't seen is the recognition of the track when the VISITING team was introduced during this same era. The track that played was On The Run from Pink Floyd's 1973 album Dark Side of the Moon. One of the principal sound engineers on that legendary album was non other than................you guessed it, Alan Parsons. So he actually had a hand in and needs credit for BOTH teams being introduced.

[@BEONDTV]

Very cool!

[@ephraimwarrior6766]

i would love to have that studio gear behind him

[@niccipaetz592]

He is SO FINE! I just love this man, his music, his attitude and him in general. ok Alan, do you remember me? Germany

[@samsonau8205]

I went to the last APP concert of the N. American tour in 2019...the last concert I ever attended with my brother before he passed away during COVID. We grew up with that music. Edgar Allen Poe, Eve, Games, etc...too many songs to list.

[@bengunns9500]

His Cousin was Oliver Reed and i can see the likeness in the eyes etc

[@MichelePardini]

I always think of those poor NBA players who were thinking "this is it, it's end of our Playoff run" as soon as Sirius was played at the United Center, and the guy with #23 was showing up

[@jackiebarris8855]

Did you know Vivian Cardini? Love your music 🎶. Soul brother ...I sing along with your spirit heart ⬆️🌬️⬆️🤍🔵

[@ManxAndy]

Probably the most ignored genius in popular music, his contributions to others as engineer or producer has never been highlighted enough , nevermind his own work with Alan Parsons Project ….👍🇮🇲👌

[@farshadp6114]

What a legend, don't know why but he sounds a lot like Ritchie Blackmore when he talks.

[@krm3345]

For me he sounds like Gilmour

[@XXX_xxxxxxxx]

Alan is waaaay more down to earth than ritchie 🤘

[@krm3345]

@@XXX_xxxxxxxx yes it's true

[@farshadp6114]

@@XXX_xxxxxxxx not character wise, his voice and his English accent I guess

[@XXX_xxxxxxxx]

@@farshadp6114 I still love them both. Blackmore's Night 🌙 was an incredible side project.

[@osvaldomeyer9316]

un maestrooooooooooooo teacherrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr

[@luisalbertoramirezpereyra1512]

Desde que tengo nocion de música soy amante de la mùsica de Alan Parsons Project juno a Eric Woolfson y por ende soy un floydiano tambien

[@markkilley2683]

He put out a lot of great tracks. There isn't much like it.

[@RandymanB]

Our high school girls hockey team uses the intro when they come out on the ice before games, very intimidating to the opponent!

[@tomfinn739]

"everybody separates them" Nope. I never have. Eye In The Sky is the first APP album I learned. I didn't stop. Even now I have a problem listening to an APP "song" because that's now how the music lives in me.

[@escaton74]

I could swear I've seen him in the recently resurfaced footage of the roof concert

[@Jgeneraledger23]

Love that he lives in L.A., thought Bay Area for some reason. L.A. Rules! (Everybody else drools)

[@owencrutcher493]

Carlos Amescua!!! I was wondering what happened to him. He used to be an original newscaster with the KTLA 5 Morning News here in LA with Barbara Beck. He disappeared a few years ago. I guess he moved on. This is so cool!

[@BEONDTV]

Yeah he's one of our stars and co-founders here at BEONDTV. Still doing it!

[@Newfoundmike]

👍👍🎯

[@dr.emilschaffhausen4683]

Eye in the Sky would go on to become a popular new song in early 2000s by popular country group.

[@markwelsh9068]

Why the clickbait title? Where was the "how it changed my life" bit?

[@ExSkyCyclePilot]

The Alan Parsons Project is in the same progressive rock league as the Moody Blues, Yes, and Pink Floyd. That about says it all.

[@PeterKKraus]

Tales of Mystery and Imagination and I Robot are the best. There are few decent tunes after them but...

[@MarcelaAdan-nw5yy]

Igenier Alan Parzon...Máster de Bethes

[@jacquitomlins2759]

Without the songs i.e. Eric Woolfson, there would not be anything to produce. It should be the Woolfson Parsons Project … kudos to both.

[@jchinckley]

Apparently, Eric decided on that name himself. Although it came with regret later. I really wish we had more music from both of them. Eric alone is good, but too orchestral and almost boring. Alan by himself isn't all that great either. (Of course, this is just my opinion...) _But when they get together they produce masterpieces. _ Another unsung, poorly credited force in their music was Ian Bairnson who was the lyricist of the On Air album, and a(the?) guitarist for APP for a very long time. He was also a big part of the creative force behind The Time Machine. After The Time Machine, I haven't much liked (or disliked) the output. It's just someone hoping that they will create a great album with Alan. Alan is good, great even, but apparently not a miracle worker.

[@michaelholmes4183]

Does Alan Parsons ever age!!!

[@impalaman9707]

He was the Brian Wilson of the 1970s

[@Uatu-the-Watcher]

I consider them one piece as well. :-)

[@StefanGBucher]

Wait, so the Simpsons joke about the Alan Parsons Project being some sort of hovercraft wasn’t just a throwaway gag?!?!?!

[@gerardobecerra8744]

"Sirius" el mejor intro del mundo

[@techiebuzz2318]

wonderful artist, if I am the interviewer I would ask how did you get involved with the occult

[@CSavageSr]

your sound is you

[@thesisypheanjournal1271]

Oh my gosh! I wonder if his dad is something that they were referring to in the Simpsons when homer was describing music and said the Alan Parsons Project was “some kind of hovercraft, I think.”

[@sailingschooners8668]

Simplicity of the songs and chord progressions...

[@binkydonna]

I dont think you had a sound. I think youre something of a genius. I think Im a little i love with you. Lol!!

[@MrAnderson7372]

It sounds like MK ultra spider web programming.

[@PeterKKraus]

He sure likes B&W Nautilus Speakers.

[@BEONDTV]

We can see why. They sure sounded amazing when he played us his latest album at extremely high volume... ;)

[@Dan-nt2yb]

As a bald guy I’d sell my soul to the devil for his hair.