Analyzing Pink Floyd's Studio Version of "The Great Gig In The Sky"!!!

Often when I analyze a piece of music from an artist, the version I eventually go with will be the one and done version. When I released my analysis of Pink Floyd's "The Great Gig In The Sky" in 2022, overwhelmingly I received an insane amount of messages for the live version I chose. Reviewing all of your notes, and the history behind the song and Clare Torry's story of how this came to be, I knew I needed a redo. So, here I am, analyzing for the second time this song.
Join professional opera singer Elizabeth Zharoff, as she listens to Pink Floyd's studio version of "The Great Gig In The Sky" for the first time.
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Performed by Pink Floyd, Clare Torry - Words and Music by Richard Wright, Clare Torry
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I definitely recommend watching the original video without interruptions. Here's the link: • The Great Gig In The Sky
Show Pink Floyd some love: / @pinkfloyd
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Elizabeth Zharoff is an international opera singer and voice coach, with 3 degrees in voice, opera, and music production. She's performed in 18 languages throughout major venues in Europe, America, and Asia. Currently based somewhere between Los Angeles and Tucson, Arizona, Elizabeth spends her days researching voice, singing, teaching, writing music, and recording TONS. She also plays Diablo and Dungeons & Dragons.
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We have a sister channel: THE SINGING HOLE. Join us there to examine how ordinary creatures create extraordinary sounds. / @thesinginghole
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Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing.
Non-profit, educational, or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use.
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#pinkfloyd #Reaction #TheCharismaticVoice
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[@xers999]

If crying, wailing and singing can be fused as one in a space, this is it. Clair Torre's haunting vocal in this track is one of the greatest vocal performances in music history.

[@christophertaylor9100]

She's practically screaming at some points, its so powerful

[@PIPIPISTA]

When I was a teen I sought it's a man so I tried to sing this if if can I can as well. I thing I was good but the people nearby didn't agreed.

[@deankay8894]

Clare Torry

[@dieseldabberdoug8285]

And yet she doesn't sing a single word.

[@MrWhiteamin]

Her pay , 10£ an hour.

[@Geezer-yf8hv]

I played this song, (on a boom box), at my brother’s funeral, we were band mates, and played and both loved Pink Floyd. Plus the spoken parts, “I’m not afraid of dying, everybody has to go sometime”, was so much like something he would say! Not everyone at the funeral was a Pink Floyd fan, or ever heard this song before, but it seemed to touch everyone’s Heart! I was bawling, and everyone else too. It is still hard to listen to, I got tearful just posting this comment!

[@rachaelmarrero8597]

Reading this made me tear up. Truly sorry for your loss 😔

[@KateBates22zabu]

I got evicted for playing this on repeat in 1975 every night, couldn't fall asleep without the Dark Side after suddenly losing my husband. I still think it sounds best high volume. I was v inconsiderate but in emotional distress

[@JohnClawson]

@@KateBates22zabu That must have been very difficult for you. I'm sorry you had to go through that.

Es un testimonio muy triste pero dulce. La realidad es compleja, es lo que transmite este álbum y el repertorio de Pink Floyd: Tristeza, dulzura, paradojas, sueños e ilusiones. Nada más sintomático para esta pieza que en algún momento llegó a llamarse "La secuencia de la mortalidad". Larga vida para esta bella obra musical , The Dark Side of the moon , Feliz 50 aniversario. Saludos desde Santiago de Chile.

[@azznbad1]

@Kate Bates oh no. Another one who used this album to battle insomnia. We need to market this somehow, because I went to bed for months with dark side of the moon in headphones in the early 90s.

[@mrz80]

Imagine you're Claire Torry. Alan Parsons brings you into a studio and the band just gives you an instrumental track and only the vaguest of instructions. You walk out a couple hours later with 30 quid in your pocket, sure you've botched the session, only to find out later you've laid out one of THE GREATEST rock vocals of ALL TIME. :D :D :D

[@roughrider6129]

And you did it in just 2 1/2 takes!

[@chriswaddle6995]

Alan Parsons?

[@mrz80]

@@chriswaddle6995 Parsons was the recording engineer on Dark Side of The Moon [Corrected - I originally erroneously said Parsons produced the record]

[@patrickpauley585]

Which is why she ultimately sued for a writing credit on this track and won.

[@tommysaulter9171]

Beth, when you realize Claire Torrey was hired as a studio musician, did this piece in 2 takes, and was paid 100£ for her contribution, it’s almost depressing. However, years later she was approached by David Gilmour, where it was agreed upon that she would receive due compensation and writing credits for this song… Better late than never. This was always my favorite song off of Dark Side of the Moon !!!

[@Cadinho93]

Clare Torry's vocals are to represent the 5 stages of grief mourning: Denial, Anger, Bargaining, Depression, Acceptance. She improvised the entire vocal portion and she basically just let it rip. Also, Claire Torry's vocal is astonishing, but the chord progressions that Rick Wright plays (and wrote) on piano are unique. He was the soul of Pink Floyd.

[@dormantat]

Clare Tory reportedly got paid 30 pounds for her part. It wasn’t until she sued and, in 2005, got an out-of-court settlement that gave her her dues.

[@zuproc]

Brings me back to my high school days😊

[@priscilabee583]

Really? I thought it was supposed to represent a climax

[@psbarrow]

If you have evidence that Torry chose to represent Kübler-Ross's five stages of grief, please cite it. Her own interview on the song indicates she didn't.

[@Beachgirl1]

Excellent post. David Gilmour and Roger Waters get all the accolades, but Pink Floyd wouldn’t have been the same without Wright. “Echoes” is another example of Wright’s genius.

[@stingfan16ify]

I actually prefer the studio version over any of the live versions. There is just a rawness and spontaneity to Clare Torry's performance that achieved magical results that hold up perfectly even a half-century later! This version you're analyzing is nothing short of amazing and, for me, has not been bettered since then.

[@stevengriffin1676]

You got it in that word: spontaneity. The moment and going with it. :)

[@melaniezette886]

I agree because it was the first version I heard. And when you hear pulse you see that the first singer did not try to mimic her. At the end of pulse you don't have the same feeling of abandon, peace after the fight. She gave an unity that can't be matched by multiple singers, that's the beauty of the track. Though alternatives are interesting and very challenging for the singer

[@Vero-wc7pw]

I totally agree! But a few days ago I listened to a covered version by Atom (sung by Vivianne Donner I think) and I must admit it was really not bad at all (which is not easy to say as a die hard (post Sid Barret) PF fan!

[@ducabeloeosimaginarios6449]

No other words needed!!! I totally agree with you!!!

[@trailerparkart2429]

Me too. The studio version NEVER fails to touch me in my soul

[@mrrobg61]

This album is why we who matured during the 70's will always believe we had the best music.

[@rudivonstaden]

Pink Floyd and Led Zeppelin. No need to continue, the argument is already won.

[@johnheyyuri231]

The late 60's and all the 70's would have been empty for me if there was no PF.

[@adriansmith6993]

Absolutely!

[@AliveintheDark]

I was in my teens when I heard this. I am now 34. When I first heard this I actually felt music and soul, I could not explain it but it opened my mind and heart.

[@airfriedquadsbw]

@@rudivonstaden Carlos Santan Dylan, Dead, Clapton, Young, Tull, The Who, Bowie, Gabriel.... I could go on and on Metallica, cheap trick, Elton, Joel,... 😄 the best music by far

[@ksgant]

As others have pointed out, Clare Torry improvised this on the spot when recording this after she was told to just make it raw emotion with no words. But what kills me is that after she was done, she apologized because she didn't think it was all that good. But of course, we have one of the greatest vocal performances ever. She contributed so much to the song, that later she was credited with Richard Wright as a co-writer of the song. Just incredible.

[@j_freed]

I guess after Pink Floyd made millions of dollars from the song, they did throw her a bone with some royalties 30 years after that fateful recording session. Nice seeing a good artist get some due patronage.

[@mattjones4285]

@@j_freed She sued them to get that, they didn't do it out of the kindness of their heart.

[@Tom_McMurtry]

She was 70% of a one of a kind masterpiece in the writing and presence of thag song.

[@isaiahneilguitaristofficia549]

@@j_freed I think she had to sue them for more than just the standard rate for doing a session. It was a smart move and well deserved, yes Rick Wright wrote the chord progression, however the singing MAKES this song… she deserves every penny she won from that lawsuit!

[@laurabrevitz3944]

​@Tom McMurtry Imagine the song as an instrumental - no vocals - and tell Pink what her vocals were worth. They were right to pay up, even if late and under duress.

[@dreggymon]

Richard Wright was the ultimate keyboard player, imo. Also, a very humble man from what I saw. Rest in peace, Rick. You are sorely missed.

[@garylester8621]

And Dickflute Waters fired him.

[@23rascel]

The day Pink Floyd truly died. Fuck cancer!

[@philburns5656]

Rick was very basic in terms of technical skills, but his sense of both, harmonies and sound, was second to none.

[@garylester8621]

@@philburns5656 Yes

[@ThinWhiteAxe]

I miss him so much.❤

[@nnyradio]

She walked by the guys in the band as she headed for the door as she had to be somewhere, they didn't say a word - speechless, totally blown away by her performance.

[@AvanToor]

She cried afterward, because she thought she'd done terribly. Got paid, no-one said a word and they were all looking at her with a strange look on their faces.

[@ItsATM67]

Perhaps they were dumbfounfed by her performance.

[@cafferacer]

I’m still blown away too

[@HouseCat19]

I cried during lmao

[@keithtidy186]

So glad she went back and told them she wanted royalties for that job, they originally just paid her a small lump sum for backing vocals!

[@rickmumford9837]

50 years and this album still holds its own. The vocals in this track are stunning.

[@petepotaczek5844]

More then holds its own, nobody will ever better it! The ultimate musicians standard.

[@peccatumDei]

I was a high school junior when this album was released, and today, it's difficult to describe to people just how amazing this was , compared to everything else on the radio.

[@ffjsb]

@@peccatumDei And this was all done on analog equipment YEARS before digital...

[@jinxbottleflip1942]

971 weeks still on the billboard charts

[@Spiritbro77]

@@ffjsb Indeed. With no auto-tune bullshit! They played their instruments and sang their songs and that was it. Of course, they used the recording tools they had at hand to make certain effects but it was all done analog. No computers to make it correct. They had to do it themselves.

[@dougim]

Thank you for doing this. It’s a tremendous album; it spent _ 736 nonconsecutive weeks_ on the Billboard 200 album charts from from 17 March 1973 to 16 July 1988. It means a whole lot to tens of millions of people. It’s a genuine work of art.

[@Aeolos67]

First album I ever won from a Radio Station contest!!! (in NYC.)

[@ScottyKirk1]

Only fell off because of the CD! People were buying multiple copies over the years when it was only records and tapes that that would wear out! (Mine included) It's just one of those albums I never tire of, even after probably hundreds and hundreds of listens. The recording process and the cutting edge synthesizer tech of the time proved to actually be truly futuristic.

[@timwanwick179]

This album will ETERNALLY remain relevant 😎

[@ontherun8]

I heard that on average it still sells some 450k copies/year ans in good / particular years up to 900k/yr. Those are impressive figures !

[@danielterhorst9995]

Love your enthusiasm.. will you consider doing.. Ozzy Osborne "diary of a madman " and or.. "so tired ".. also.. did you know.. a lot of the background talking vocals are actually a couple of the Beatles.. George Harrison in particular.. and I believe Ian hunter of mot the Hoople... who just happened to be at the same studio that day

[@DanDunbar-w4u]

Probably the most beautiful, captivating, haunting, melodic, and technically proficient vocal performance ever recorded. And it was improvised.

[@george93308]

Thank you Elizabeth for giving Clare the respect she is due. A true masterpiece.

[@walter2990]

Amen!

[@usagi2988]

My Christmas wish this year will be for you to carve out 45 minutes to open a bottle of red wine, turn down the lights, and listen to this album from start to finish (no interruptions). It's an entire story that really benefits from a complete read/listen. On a personal note, the guitar solo in "Time" is just about the greatest thing ever committed to a recording... it is essentially an instrumental "retelling" of the sung lyrics of the song itself and I cry Every. Single. Time I hear it (despite having heard it countless times at this point).

[@jeremywanner4526]

And a bit of cannabis

[@howardbrown911]

Amen to this!!! It is one thing to appreciate the music but, another to find the the thought of it as a whole.

[@AlessandroGenTLe]

Same here with Time. It kills me all the time.

[@mcullennz]

I love the guitar solos in High Hopes and On the Turning Away. They are 2 of favourite pink floyd songs

[@SmokedTails]

My man. I feel every word of this and wish to reiterate it.

[@xeviuus]

Claire’s version hasn’t been duplicated as far as I know by any other signers. She sang with such force and emotions that driven by her youth and creativity that anyone trying to emulate that effort hasn’t been successful convincing us who listen to her first time on that scratchy LP. It was amazing then and it still gives me chills. Bravo Claire!

[@audreyplunkett6111]

The fact that Clare Tory did this in dang near one take and left thinking that she had done terribly. I get chills every single time I hear this song. This album has my whole heart. Huge fan of Sam Brown but this version is epic 🤍

[@user-yk4gd1fl4z]

it was comped from 3 or 4 takes...not that it matters.

[@alanholck9845]

@@user-yk4gd1fl4z There are different interviews with her Richard Wright, & Alan Parsons that differ on exact number of takes; it was more than 1 and less than 5, but exact number will likely never be known. Whatever the number was, it is a very impressive performance.

[@christophertupper8811]

Clare Torrey was also offered a can of Heineken lager, along with the 30 quid. At the time Heineken was running an extremely popular and iconic TV commercial in the UK using the punchline "Heineken reaches parts of you, that other beers never can" The punchline comes after the actor in the TV commercial performs an outrageous task ...Clare Torrey relates (mumbles quicky) this at the end of her eponymous and wonderfully matter of fact interview. She infers that she too had a Heineken moment.

[@danielweston8077]

@@alanholck9845 kzbin.info/www/bejne/o3q6aKuQiNGNpa8

[@MAYNARD927]

This is one of those albums that even though there are individual songs, you really need to listen to the whole album all the way through start to finish.

[@Atodaso]

💯

[@Geezer-yf8hv]

True!!! Especially after “Time”, which focused on the futility of our lives, and just being “one day closer to death”! This was an enormous release after that!

[@Gunners_Mate_Guns]

That's exactly as the band intended it. Each song on its own is wonderful, but the album is actually a single extended song best listened to from the opening heartbeat of "Speak to Me" all the way through the heartbeat ending with Gerry Driscoll's closing words "There is no dark side of the moon. As a matter of fact, it's *all* dark."

[@TodorKatsarski]

That's what I was going to say. Elizabeth should listen to the whole album end to end, even if it's not for a KZbin video.

[@walter2990]

Way back, I was 18yo and had my 1st "party" apartment when this album was released, I was just drawn to just what the male voice was saying in the beginning, so I played it over and over to be able to "hear" what his words were. (I didn’t have a great stereo system.) As I replayed it over, I wrote down the words I was hearing onto a sheet of paper. I was happy that I finally figured it out, and didn’t think much about it. Some friends came over and one of my girl friends saw and read the lyric notes that I'd written down, and she became very concerned that those notes were what I was feeling at that point in my life. She started asking me if I was doing OK, and did I need to talk. Once I realized that she was seriously concerned with my well being..., at that moment I found out what a True Friend could do for a person's well being! Once I assured her that it wasn't MY thoughts, but the lyrics of a song, I had to leave the room because I started to get weepy because I knew at that moment that I had a True Friend. Because I moved away shortly after, I haven't seen her in 49 years. I hope that she's had a great life!

[@frederickhamilton2648]

One of the greatest vocal performances ever recorded, incredible that it was improvised with so little forethought and planning yet delivers such incredible emotion and energy.

[@tonygallo983]

Also done in 1 take, she was given a directive, she did it, she wasn't happy with it...

[@gardsethre1274]

@@tonygallo983 It was npt done in one take. The record is a mix of 2.5 takes. Incredible performance anyways.

[@jamessweet5341]

It's as though the band took a lovely voiced woman and supercharged her with the emotion they wanted. Her voice took over and wrote that emotion across our world.

[@dhaddine5472]

@@tonygallo983 First take was full of “oh baby” kinda stuff and the band stepped in and told her that’s not what they were going for. The 2nd take was mainly what you hear on the album. The last 0.5 take … she got partway through it and stopped saying that she wasn’t going to top the previous one.

[@paulmahon1613]

@@tonygallo983 You're wrong. That is a myth. She worked with Alan Parsons who put this together bit by bit. Her doing it in one take is an urban legend.

[@danroth3514]

The more I listen to Led Zeppelin, The Who and The Beatles, the more I appreciate the genius of Pink Floyd.

[@seandan7873]

Brilliantly said

[@grateful86]

100% agree I think, although not as historically popular, Floyd is slightly, the better of the 3, musically

[@blade4174]

explain?

[@FFadeaway]

@@grateful86 love me some Floyd but it's definitely subjective . Don't forget Zep wrote Achilles Last Stand. To me, that was always their Echoes. Top tier musicianship, you just can't tell me Nick Mason is a better drummer than John Bonham. It just comes down to taste at the end of the day. Pink Floyd just wrote more profound music imo, shit that sticks to your soul

[@grateful86]

@@FFadeaway agree

[@whiplashthunderhead4258]

Nearly 45 years of consistent exposure to the album Literally, thousands of times listening to this track It's as easy today to hear it today, with the same WOW FACTOR it gave 40+ years ago Glad you enjoyed ❤

[@TheCharismaticVoice]

Couldn't agree more!

[@stevenparker4684]

The engineering genius of Alan Parsons is a big part of this albums success. He is a great artist's, songwriter, and performer in his own right. Any track from the Alan Parsons Project is worth a listen 🎶

[@pattyandersen5516]

The Alan Parsons Project is great too.

[@jeffreyneas9510]

Agreed, big Alan Parsons fan.

[@robertljazz2796]

Can't Take it With You!!!!! Listen to that by APP!!!!!!!

[@miccooper8324]

A brilliant visionary, extraordinary talent and exceptional producer. The ability and articulation presented to the artist,as well as the engineer, are what make the magnificent. Alan Parsons is truly one.

[@Jwnorton]

Standing on Higher Ground or Turn of a Friendly Card are good choices too. Maybe Prime Time.

[@alanparsonsfan]

The Mount Everest of female vocal performance. As if her stunning performance wasn't enough--that she came up with this in 5 minutes is an almost frightening level of talent. Claire Torry, the GOAT.

[@joaoaugustolandim]

That's the only song that, no matter how many times I listen to, I get emotional and get chills. Both studio and live version.

[@Gunners_Mate_Guns]

Ditto I remember my very first time listening to this album all the way through when I was in junior high school, listening to the vinyl on an old console stereo unit with big headphones. "The Great Gig in the Sky" closes the first side of the vinyl, and I was so stunned after having listened to it that I had to steady myself for over a minute before I could muster the will to turn the vinyl and listen to the other side. Clare's singing on this was a singular achievement, one that will be remembered centuries from now.

[@walter2990]

​@Gunners_Mate_Guns I'm so glad that you "got it"! I felt it too.

[@CowmanUK]

I cannot hear this song and not cry. Pink Floyd and Clare Tory do that to me. Every time. And I'm glad they do. It's one hell of an emotional release, and sometimes we need that. I'll never stop listening to this song, or this album.

[@feedingravens]

I says about Tom Waits in all his horribleness of loneliness and desperation "its like someone ramming a dagger in your guts and all you can say is "More, deeper!"" Somehow Alicia Keys' Empire State of Mind" gets my emotions, even though I could not tell you why. It is a good song, but not one on the emotional side. Regarding the "intellectual" emotion, there was Mike & The Mechanics' (I wish I would have told him in the ) "Living Years". When that came out, my father was still halfway OK. Then last year I stumbled over James Blunt's "Monsters". Not that I would be a fan of him. He wrote that song when his father, who had donated a kidney long ago, had kidney failure and urgently needed a new one or he would die. It is the song from a son that tells his dad "It's all OK, you have done your job and done it well, now it's time for our generation to chase the monsters away". Hearing that song when your father is in a nursing home, his brain is mush, the cancer is slowly eating him up - OMG.

[@zztuber]

My problem as well

[@RobHealey]

Me too, typing with tears running down my cheeks.

[@cmr7854]

I have been listening to Pink Floyd for 50 years. When I am by myself, tears well up in my eyes so that it obscures my vision a little, and I still feel the urge to cry when I listen to this song.

[@markhenderson6389]

I've easily heard this track over a hundred times. Hearing it still gives me goosebumps.

[@abranscom]

Dark Side of the Moon is a one of a kind masterpiece. Every element is perfect, from Clare Torry's brilliant improve to Gilmore's distinct style to Nick Mason's perfectly matched percussions. Everything all the way down to Alan Parsons' fantastic studio engineering. These are all reasons why Dark Side of the Moon literally charted for many decades. This album is album rock's ultimate album. It needs to be heard in its entirety, from start to finish.

[@vilgot1171]

Stop the dickriding fr

[@topangus123]

With a bong hit or two…

[@frankphillips7436]

It has been noted that Dark Side only came off the charts when CDs became commonplace. The theory is that fans always wanted a pristine copy so they bought a new one if their record got scratched or their cassette eaten. I know this was true for me.

[@avenuePad]

Not to mention Roger Waters' songwriting and lyrics.

[@lawrenceliebman9079]

@@topangus123 We used to get extremely high and play this when it first came out. (Yes, I'm that old.)

[@markorchard2272]

GREAT, GREAT channel. I'm 57 and in the last 18 months I have almost totally lost the power of speech due to a very rare neurological condition. I was told to watch this by someone studying Jazz singing (we were discussing PF). Because of my illness I resisted out of fear. But I'm glad I did. I love your analysis/reactions!!

[@jamiejamie5655]

I've never seen her go so long without a pause. Definitely deserved for one of the best vocal performances of all time.

[@dynad00d15]

One of the few songs that gives me goosebumps, emotional response. Such a classic, beautiful and unforgettable experience.

[@bklyncyclist]

I have a quad surround version of this mixed by Alan Parsons over at Abbey Road. In this her voice is isolated front and center and the instruments are placed further back. It is incredible to hear after hearing it in stereo all these years. You feel like you are in the studio with her and the band. Just when you think you think you've heard it all...

[@bklyncyclist]

@@nelsonclub7722 I thought I replied. But yes, it is available on the web, just search. You'll of course need the equipment to play it.

[@erroneousbatch]

Kinell! I wrote about the disappointing mixes... above... just now.

[@Liz.Green789]

This is one of my favorite pieces of music. I am so happy you enjoyed it this much. What a great gift she gave us with this gorgeous vocal.

[@Sp33gan]

The live version was great and was a wonderful moment to witness in concert, but nothing beats Clare Torry's original creation. She makes you FEEL the gamut of emotions she is running through. The fact that the live version from years afterwards required three singers to even attempt to reproduce speaks volumes as to just how astonishingly good Clare's contribution really is. Personally, I'm gratified that you've covered this redo as no one could possibly do proper justice to the original. Thank you, Elizabeth.

[@Forest_Fifer]

Search for Brit Floyd's version with Eva Avila. One voice, no one else required, amazing

[@grahamnunn8998]

God, why did no one film this? All we have from this session is Waters piddling about on a VCS and 10 minutes of them eating!

[@stevem-h3562]

It wasnt just the one bloody track that needed three singers, you doofus. You think all three of them stood on stage for three hours for just one song, FFS? You forgot about Time, Money, Us & Them, Comfortably Numb, Brick In The Wall Part 2, Sorrow, Keep Talking and the rest of the Pulse set?

[@Dan-nj8du]

WHen words fail, there's always Clare Torry.

[@gwzirkle]

One of the most gorgeous songs ever recorded. While her voice isn't used to sing lyrics, she transcends mere words to elevate us all into a state where we're able to comprehend her meaning. Sometimes, words can get in the way.

[@steveswafen2528]

Thanks for articulating what I was thinking & feeling. Have a wonderful day/evening.

[@phillsummers3754]

"Sometimes words get in the way" Perfect 👍

[@gwzirkle]

@@steveswafen2528 Thank you. I say this very same thing to Claire Torry and Pink Floyd whenever I hear this astonishingly beautiful miracle of a song. Well, everything but the have a wonderful day/evening part. lol

[@oahuhawaii2141]

Folks now say her sounds represent the multiple stages of death, and include feelings of shock, denial, fear, pain, guilt, anger, confusion, bargaining, loneliness, despair, reflection, and acceptance. Some experts say there are up to 7 stages. Here's an interview with Clare Torry about her work on "The Great Gig in the Sky" studio track: kzbin.info/www/bejne/o3q6aKuQiNGNpa8 .

[@steveswafen2528]

@@oahuhawaii2141 Cheers for the info & the link, gonna go check it out 👍

[@kovie9162]

Truly one of the high points of recorded rock music. I hope that the undisclosed sum she was awarded was very generous. It's one for the ages and she wrote it all herself in real time AND executed it perfectly. That's not just talent, that's genius.

[@BeijingBuzzz-China-Travel]

To get it first time, that's genius, agree. Though RW wrote the core, and it would have been good just with keyboards, CT made it so much more special.

[@kovie9162]

@@BeijingBuzzz-China-Travel He wrote the chord progression but she came up with the vocals, all the more amazing because she did it in real time, after being asked to capture the five stages leading to death, which couldn't have been easy. She wasn't just singing. She was acting.

[@Pagandawn13]

The emotion in her sound! It's a once in a lifetime thing. The live version will never be the same! What she was feeling that day, what she was hearing while recording. Whatever...never the same thing twice. That's why this hits it! Love love love it! And yes, she should have been paid way well! Thank you for this!

[@Flagg795]

Thank goodness. I am so glad you are doing the studio. There is a great interview with her describing the recording process worth your time as well…. Pink Floyd is just other worldly in every sense.

[@donrichards271]

link to interview kzbin.info/www/bejne/o3q6aKuQiNGNpa8

[@Dark_Walker_]

Our friend Elizabeth has a FANTASTIC voice. I, for one, would love to hear her cover of "Great Gig in the Sky." Please Please with sugar on top!

[@carolcarol3938]

This moves me EVERY time I hear it ....EVEN for the hundredth/hundredth time. A true piece of art.

[@georgemcduffey2622]

The story of the recording reminds me of Picasso in his elder years. He'd go to the ocean during low-tide and draw pictures in the sand, gifting them to world as the water consumed them. This recording is a gift to the world. Clare Torry didn't know we'd all get the chance to tear up to this song, which probably reduced any inhibition. The subject matter of inevitable death as the price for life; The first 2/3 of the song show the frustration of mortality, the final third the beauty in acceptance. If there're very few vocal performances that truly inspire awe: This is one of them.

[@nustar1]

YES YES YES! This is the One! Your expression when you hear her wailing was priceless. About 7min. As a normy audio lover ( non-musician) I heard this on a tape boombox as a Teenager in the 90's and was hooked. Endless Respect. I'm so glad you listened to your subscribers and listened to this version. Beautiful Communion of Fan and Artist! I feel like the world is a better place. True Holy Justice! Thank you.

[@matlocklane687]

Even after 50 years Clare's voice communicates directly with my emotional core.

[@paulb4604]

To me this is the absolute pinnacle of the greatest album in rock history. I've heard it hundreds of times and I get chills every time I hear Claire belt it out. Truly inspired.

[@chrisdangelo4986]

That is the sound of grief. I have lost so many people in the last few years and this song helped me release the agony of the loss.

[@welcomemachine6580]

When I first heard this song as a young teenager, way back in the 70's I simply thought it was cool as hell. 50 years later, it can almost bring me to tears simply from the anticipation of you experiencing this masterpiece for the first time.

[@JacoWium]

So it wasn't only me getting a little misty-eyed - good to know! That's what love for music can do..

[@Geezer-yf8hv]

It brings me to tears realizing I will be there soon! Not fearing it, but embracing it! “Everybody’s got to go sometime”!

[@dunsar61]

I want this played at my funeral...Dark Side was a huge musical influence for me and still is today

[@melaniezette886]

Same experience, it has so more depth when you are older. How could so young guys be so phylosophical...

[@clivenewman4810]

​@@dunsar61I'm having "Free bird" played at mine.

[@007Yasir]

I’m glad you did this the 2nd time, the lady’s voice Clare Torre is incredible here.

[@spaulagain]

The way she portrays the stages of facing grief/death with denial and agony, to letting go and acceptance is absolutely incredible. Will go down in history as the most incredible portrayal of human emotion without saying a single word.

[@megamancards]

I can't listen to this song and not tear up a little. It's just a perfect expression of the human experience of letting go.

[@glitchxero4687]

That's an absolutely iconic vocal performance. I love that she had no idea it was in the final version until she saw the album in the store, though having to sue to get what she deserved for it (well more than 30£, for sure) sucks. At least she got it. I can't imagine this song without her performance, it _is_ the song, imo. It conveys so much emotion without any words. Brilliantly done. Loved your analysis as always.

[@soulie1971]

Listen to the whole album, because it is a masterpiece! This song is about death, stages anger, pain, sorrow and acceptance. She expresses it so clearly. Thank you 😍

[@soulie1971]

And if you want to see her performing this song w. PF live, there is a video here, The great Gig in the Sky Live at Knebworth 1990! She is one with music 🥹💗

[@corneliuscrewe677]

It would take her ten years with all the repeating of the same parts over and over and the one part music to ten parts talking...

[@soulie1971]

@@corneliuscrewe677 😂😂😂

[@Gunners_Mate_Guns]

Well over 40 years after I first heard this song, it still makes the hairs stand up on my arms any time I listen to it. Clare Torry's vocals on this are a singular achievement.

[@chipgilchrist2217]

" She's amazingly good at storytelling without any words whatsoever" Yup. Nailed it!

[@michaeldion4855]

My Mom once shared with me in confidence that she was fairly certain that I was conceived while this track was playing on the stereo in the background. 🥰 I've loved this performance all of my life. In a way, it IS my life. 🙏

[@johndef5075]

😅❤

[@tankgurl6589]

I've probably listened to this song a million times. Still get goosebumps EVERY TIME! Absolutely stunning. Thank you so much for reacting to the original, Clare absolutely smashed it out of the park ❤

[@melaniezette886]

I still have the vinyl, it almost has holes in the grooves 😊. It's a treasure to me, a part of my teenage years

[@stevenp2956]

The greatest thing about these vocals is that every take was improvised . One of the greatest vocals in music history.

[@choclaholic1]

I was one of those who requested that you do this version of Great Gig in the Sky. Thank you so very much for doing this and also doing the live version (from the Pulse tour). Pink Floyd has done so many amazing and moving compositions, but this one is particularly unique as none of the others is led by a female vocalist. Also, the live versions include multiple female leads. So glad you enjoyed it and hope to see your coming reviews. All the best to you and your family.

[@redreuben5260]

Fuck this, I’ve heard this song 10 million times and still I have tears. Love you Lilly.

[@True_Rarity]

As a huge Pink Floyd fan this song was a masterpiece. It gets the message across better than any written lyric could, and I don’t think they could’ve made a more powerful song other than this vocal solo.

[@madpedalboards]

I have listened to this song 100s of times - I have never heard another vocal performance touch me SO utterly deeply. It makes me feel like I am experiencing my own birth, life and death. Still brings me to tears every time.

[@kmack8634]

I have listened to and owned this album when it first came out ❤❤❤ Thousands of times listening and i still hear things new everything on it master class pure art with humility

[@johnheyyuri231]

Listening for the first time, I closed my eyes and listened to the whole album until this piece came on...then I opened them to see my friend doing the exact same open-mouthed disbelieving.

[@welshskies]

This version of the Great Gig has never been matched, Clare Torry and Rick Wright just nail it. I vaguely recall that Rick's background was in jazz and I think this shows through in this track. I saw PF live in the "Animals" tour and it is still one of the highlights of my life. Richard Wright was sidelined and treated badly by Roger Waters and eventually sacked from the band when he was having marital problems and probably suffering from clinical depression. Richard Wright's input was critical to the making of PF's two greatest albums, DSOTM and WYWH. The Great Gig is a Torry / Wright masterpiece. Thank you Clare and Richard.

[@barrymuller5131]

Her version of this solo always brings tears to my eyes for some reason. It seems like all this emotion is coming out at once. I think someone could out of depression if they just let go and tried this in privacy.

[@mistercrankypants]

As for the "for some reason," having heard this my whole life (was born in 68, first heard it when I was perhaps 10 listening to my dad's records while he was away in the mental institution) I can offer at least my lifelong perspective on that reason. As a young kid it blew me away because I had simply never heard a woman just go crazy with her voice like that. Maybe Aretha Franklin, but honestly I had no great appreciation of vocals at that early age in terms of rare raw talent. It was just so expressive, and untethered sometimes hinging on madness, later sadness, and later soothing. Skip to adulthood, I was moved to tears, I could then realize the beauty, the humanity, and be blown away by the sheer emotion. Now I'm older- looking back on life, and I feel the vibe of the actual song- the mortality aspect of not being afraid of dying, and it just hits.. hard. It's such a beautiful concept for a song- and then there's also the song's context within the album itself. There's a good reason, many actually.

[@keldren3174]

Some months ago I go to a tribute show for Pink Floyd and in this song I cried too. I think its was because I was told that the band that made the tribute was really great and I was full on hype and I really love Pink Floyd soo its was like the closer moment I could be in a real concert. Even i have a tattoo of The Dark Side of The Moon hahaha

[@1Imonk]

Thank you for giving Clare her full due here. This wordless hymn of the loss of self in letting go attachment to the world, life, and all always moves me.

[@emes1845]

The band didn't really know what they wanted but they knew what they DIDN'T want and Claire delivered! Unprecedented in rock music 😱! I LOVE this SOOOO MUCH 🥰🍄✨🌈☮️🎉😎!!!!!!

[@stevemonkey78]

There has been many other singers do it but no one has nailed it in the same way. She still has it.

[@willem-janageling3907]

So much looking forward to this. Because this is something else. Puts the live version into shadow.

[@GranpaMike]

The Pulse Concert was amazing, no doubt. But this is and always will be my favorite version of this song. Clare Torry was beyond brilliant in what she did. Her vocals are transcendent. Thank you so much, Clare, and thank you Elizabeth for coming back to this song.

[@madmex2k]

I cry every time I listen to this. Its emotional, it somehow allows me to release my anger, frustrations, sadness, loneliness, heartaches, all of it, it comes flooding out. As I was listening this time I realized I never have heard her sing a word, but I feel I know what she is saying just as well as if she spoke it to me. Thanks for reviewing this version. I always feel as if the studio version should be reviewed if not immediately after the live cut, at least at some point in private to really get the gist of any song reviewed. If not, you are only getting 'half the story' of the song.

[@travisbosco8469]

This song, and the entire album, are truly sublime.

[@CathyKeating]

Another one to add to my "As I Lay Dying" playlist. I've been listening to this vocal performance (and the rest of this album) for about 50 years. And tonight, it just brought me to tears. Amazing. Thank you, Clare Torry.

[@gregorycoan8871]

I have heard this song my entire life and it still brings chills

[@jeffmalloy8200]

Thanks for doing this Elizabeth! I thought you'd like it. Clare did a wonderful job helping Pink Floyd create this work of art. I'm glad she was recognized for her contribution.

[@apebull123]

one of the things you realize after hearing twenty versions of this live by other singers is just how amazing the original is

[@tomasGerardoRomeo]

"They simply said, 'Who shall we get to sing this?' And I said, 'Well, I know a great singer.' I just knew her through one album of hit cover versions she'd done - you know, the cover albums that proliferated in the early 1970s. They were always done in a day. And I was very impressed with her. There was a bit of direction given: they said, 'Sorry, we've got no words, no melody line, just a chord sequence - just see what you can do with it.' She was only there for a couple of hours. As I remember, she did two or three tracks, from which we assembled the best bits for a master version. But somewhere in the archives are the bits we didn't use, and I'm sure it would make for an interesting remix version one day." - Alan Parsons.[3]

[@soultrampamplification8425]

I'm always gobsmacked whenever I try to image those guys in a studio putting this album together.

[@nicolaspietrangelo5573]

The closest thing to alchemy in history of music, probably.

[@coldshot1723]

On the DVD "The Making of The Dark Side of the Moon", they said Claire came out of the studio almost in tears, thinking she had ruined their piece of music and all of the guys in the band were just standing there with the jaws dropped in amazement. My ex-wife hated this song (and Pink Floyd ... one reason she is an "ex" ...) but her daughter, a vocal performance major, admired Claire and this song. I've always thought of it as the 5 stages of grief, ending in acceptance. Beautiful piece of art.

[@ulissesdamascouto8119]

😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@naysay02]

@@ulissesdamascouto8119haha appreciated the classy shade!

[@patcecil1685]

I;ve listened to this album now over 40 years, and it just never gets old. It is an astonishing piece of work with a sublime mix of elements, sound, writing, production abd emblematic of the whole , is thus stunning performance.Just pure magic

[@zerraticz]

This is going to be amazing! Probably my favorite Pink Floyd song of all time! Can't wait to hear your thoughts!

[@area51l]

My dad got me into Pink Floyd when I was a kid, but he passed away suddenly when I was 14. This song was with me through the grieving process - I can't even count the number of times I listened to it in my room and just sobbed. If I get to choose a song to listen to when I pass away one day, I want it to be Great Gig. I think the lack of lyrics - well, there are a couple of spoken lines throughout, but the message is clearly delivered through Clare's voice alone - really adds to the impact of the piece as a whole. Anyone, no matter what language you speak, could feel the emotion behind her singing.

[@sam-q9x6n]

One of my top 2 favorite songs of. Clare’s voice in this song has me close my eyes and soar into a peaceful space. Thank you

[@waffleking6871]

I am so glad you're doing this version. Clare Torry's solo is legendary. It's about time I cranked this album up with noise cancellation on.

[@angelkar5132]

I can't imagine someone to dislike the fact that you delayed a new artist/song to come back to this for the original version and I believe your reaction shows that. I think this song is a category on its own and despite the large number of covers, it was never really replicated. Also, I think it's almost addictive and indeed time goes so much faster when listening to it.

[@agegroot5666]

One of the many jewels pink floyd created and the most special one thanks to her contribution, she's improvising and the live singers are reproducing it, Sam Brown did a good job and that Brazilian singer even better. It seems Clare's contribution was done in a couple of hours.....It's pure Magic.

[@dpall38]

This is a prime example of saying nothing but telling you everything with emotion. A true masterpiece.

[@solomonkane223]

I still believe to this day that despite the fact that they told her no lyrics, use your voice as an instrument... this song has so much heart & emotion in it... it has to be one of the (if not the) greatest female vocal recordings every made. I also believe it should only be played in conjunction with "Time" as if they are 2 parts of one song.

[@glenbrunton4782]

Vocals with no words by guest Clare Torry. Ecstatic!

[@gritter2112]

I was one of those who wanted this, so thank you. I feel like this has more continuity of tone and emotion than the live version. The emotion of this is supposed to go from I’m not afraid to die (talking part) to when it comes to it fear, then an anger that there is no more time, to eventually acceptance and making peace with it. I feel her version gives you all those different emotions but with the same voice. I think it’s more impactful because you can insert yourself in this persons journey through the transition to death.

[@Oldhogleg]

I'm so glad you heard the studio version too. This song always beings a sweet tear to my eye, and I've been hearing it since the early 70's. It never gets old.

[@derrickstarrmusic]

I just love the subtle introduction with the two snare hits, so understated for what’s about to happen.

[@timwanwick179]

Heard this song 1000 times ... Still moves me to tears ... So emotional, beautiful, spiritual and RAW ... LOVE your analysis of the singer's breath control and how the song is " built" --- Very intelligent review 🙋🙌😏

[@lornebelongia4780]

It never fails, every stinking time those vocals come in, it's chills over goosebumps all over😊

[@ToastSoon4808]

Best album ever. Heard it the firet time circa 1974, still hve the vinyl, the cd ..and earphones. At 65 still tear up missing my younth, friends some of which passed away young....cancer, car accidents and battle. Listeni g to this particular cut it just encapsuules the heart ache, rage,, mourning.....where have our lives gone.?

[@megadeth440]

An absolute masterpiece. A word is never spoken yet you know exactly, word for word, what was being said. If you're not familiar, this song is about death and the different stages of death. shock, denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance. You hear Clare go through each of these steps. Utterly Brilliant.

[@martinconnelly1473]

Masterpiece is the correct word, other versions are mere copies and as such they can never reproduce the emotional feel of the original.

[@OysteinSvendsen]

Finally! Yes! This is "the real deal" studio version of Clare Torry with The Great Gig In The Sky! I've listened to all other available live versions from Pink Floyd back from the 70's/80's/90's etc.. of this song. They are miles apart (and I mean ALL of them) and don't have a tiny chance to match Clare with this version! Thank You Elizabeth!

[@TheTenaciousdk]

Try this kzbin.info/www/bejne/f5-yoYJ-m7inapI

[@YFZ52]

That take Claire did for the studio version was a once in a lifetime. You don't replicate this raw emotion twice. You can try to mimic it, but will never replicate it.

[@OysteinSvendsen]

@@TheTenaciousdk I know, I have listened to this cover before :) ( kzbin.info/www/bejne/f5-yoYJ-m7inapI ) Bianca has an amazing voice. She does an incredible cover of the song, maybe one of the best one out there, but Clare Torry did the first original one, and she has an unique quality in her voice and style, gave an incredible emotional artistic perfomance set in time and place that never fully can be replicated (I know Clare also did a live version with PF in the 90's).

[@bill6287]

Wow, you were just awesome, you really did Claire Tory Justice,, it is so good to have a musician that knows music as good as you to do such a wonderful analysis of some of the most incredible music that Is unique and inspiring as this, thank you very much

[@SpaceGhostTJ]

Honestly, you really need to listen to the entire album without stopping. Not for the channel, but for yourself. Just let it wash over you... something magic happens.

[@krzysztofziolek8623]

Preferably with a stop after Great Gig... Just to simulate changing LP or to cool-down after Great Gig. Remember next one is Money. I hate this machanical sounda a few seconds after this emotional and acoustical masterpiece

[@ThinWhiteAxe]

Yes, exactly

[@SuperNevile]

@@krzysztofziolek8623 Back in the day you would be so absorbed that you would allow the needle to centre, lift and return to the arm. Then drink a cool beer, walk over and turn over the LP. As far as I was concerned "Money" could wait after a meditation on death. I think that is what was originally intended.

[@randomchord]

I was so disappointed when she did the live version for her original review. Some of the surprise may be missing when she listens now but I am ecstatic that she’s listening to the real deal finally. I bought the album when I was 14 , 44 years ago, and have been a huge fan ever since. 😁😁😁😎

[@bartstarr100]

Same here. The concert version? Out of context even? The Same with any Floyd song performed after Waters left. Pass.

[@onlyfromadistance7326]

Her viewers know best. She should respect our "authoratay"!!!

[@mathewjones8886]

@@bartstarr100 He could easily have stayed and continue to make music, he just would have had to be less of a c*nt. Unfortunately the last 35 years have shown he's incapable of being anything but one. He's just re-imagined Comfortably Numb without guitar solos just to be a prick and it's absolute shite.

[@RB747domme]

@@onlyfromadistance7326 authorataaaa...

[@russward2612]

I too have been a fan since my teen years, I'm in my late fifties now as well. It's been a great ride with these guys providing much of the soundtrack of my life.

[@ArcofNeptune]

Amazing video, Elizabeth! Thanks so much for making this. I've always found the sequence at 15:09 onwards sounds to me like prayer🙏. The most anguished prayer where one is at one's lowest and asks God to please take the pain away😢. And then I heard you say at 16:05 'If it is mournful, it's being given up to someone else instead of being kept for yourself' - yes, exactly that!🙏🕊❤

[@seancosgrove9879]

I was hoping you would review this masterpiece!!! And your reaction was exactly as I hoped!!! It literally blew you away. But as much as Clare's voice is so magical and beautiful, it's important to note the brilliance of Richard Wright's playing on the piano and David Gilmours slide guitar along with Nick Mason's percussion. It's the sum of each part that makes this piece of music a pure masterpiece. Really enjoy your reviews!!!