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

[@Saqua2289]

I met Alan Parsons years ago. He was so kind and humble. He really talked to me. He very graciously signed an autograph. He is one of the coolest people I've ever met!

[@mattdogg86]

How did you meet him ? My dad would love to ! We just saw him live in concert

[@chuckavigliano7140]

I met him 2 x both were very fun, he is very humble and nice, got my picture euth him yea!!

[@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.

[@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! "

[@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 ❤

[@edinelsonramirez5656]

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

[@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

[@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

[@kiwi335d]

There is a huge difference between singing someone else’s song like happens on American Idol verses actually creating music from scratch, like Allan Parsons has. He is a great engineer and producer, but moreover, he is a terrific composer.

[@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!

[@paulnotdownunder3172]

Thanks to Luci

[@elgenetiamzon1062]

He was only 19 when he was working at Abbey Road during the Let it Be and Abbey Road album sessions.

[@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.

[@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.

[@HylianWarrior01]

Alan still looks remarkable for his age!

[@richardevans2534]

Huge respect for this highly intelligent talented musician.

[@adamlepire5438]

Very modest fellow for someone so accomplished

[@alanbare8319]

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

[@kenalbert6653]

The masons think so . Same play book.

[@markusmath3421]

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

[@badgastein2]

I presume you are referring to the Masonic ‘All Seeing Eye’ otherwise known as God - but your God according to your religion. Every English Lodge has a symbol for God in the centre of the Lodge ceiling. The Freemasons believe everything you do is observed and recorded and your conduct rewarded or punished after you die, by the Alll Seeing Eye.

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?

[@EasyTiger.01343]

I always take the dishes out of the sink before I pee in it! So, as I see it, we’re virtually the same. We’re both men of principle…

[@loufuddrucker391]

Love eye in the sky

[@gordonbusic6264]

The amount of people who don't know how much of a musical genius this man and Eric Wolfson is, is absolutely 100 percent criminal!!!

[@sky173]

That song changed my life in the early 80's. It really brought me into playing the piano and learn the significance of music.

[@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.

[@clapstix3495]

Alan Parsons transformed my appreciation for music and sound and production. He's amazing.

[@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

[@sensecam]

Alan is such a talented man!

[@JamesK-z1y]

Was never a big fan of " Eye in the Sky" but "Wouldn't want to be like you" and "Games people play" are fantastic tunes!

[@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 !!!!

[@GuilhermeSilva-rp2it]

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

[@mikebasil4832]

Eye In The Sky and Games People Play are two good song memories from my childhood. Thank you very much, Alan. 🌟

[@CSavageSr]

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

[@wardengentles53]

The most underrated artist EVER!!!

[@izzyrov5814]

Musical genius indeed. His music is extraordinary and unique.

[@joemac3118]

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

[@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!!!

[@stephenmccollum1391]

Humble, talented, LEGEND

[@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!

[@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!

[@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

[@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........

[@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

[@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.

[@DavidEVogel]

The Alan Parsons “Project” has always been an unique band. Alan changed lead singers frequently giving each release a fresh sound.

[@Pedroisanickname]

APP Tales of Mystery and Imagination are one of my all-time favorite albums. Even the cover is beautifully done.

[@wildcatvxa2372]

Musical Genius

[@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. ❤❤❤

[@lmsmuffin]

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

[@teryaragon4255]

The Legends . They are one of those

[@hakankursunmusic]

Thank you!!!

[@warrenhawke2889]

Look at those B & W speakers. Incredible

[@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.

[@kenjimac2211]

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

[@susanbeckham7236]

I love this humble man!

[@shatimbeecat1960]

One of my top favorite songs!! Amazing msm and his band are monumental 👏👏👏👏

[@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.

[@micheleflynn6705]

Thank you so much for all you have done. I think Gaudi was one of my all time favorites because I learned about the artist.

[@pappinr]

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

[@brexxebender1204]

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

[@ReubenKincaidJr]

Pure talent!

[@anitamrohs9700]

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

[@visualthings]

I think for anybody who didn't discover Alan Parson through the Chicago Bulls (or anybody who has discovered it by playing the album), this feels absolutely like one piece with an instrumental intro. The whole album is a masterpiece.

[@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.

[@anamrake]

I remember despising everything about the Bulls during the Jordan era except for one thing - the intro to their home game. They practically had the coolest intro among all NBA teams, and that got me introduced to APP and the genius behind it. Amazing, amazing sound, and yes, Sirius and Eye in the Sky are all one song.

[@thinktwice3211]

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

[@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.

[@centrist1008]

This is nothing short of fantastic.

[@BEONDTV]

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

[@emmanuelwolf6568]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@daniel385]

Fantastic interview! Wish we had more.

[@computarman]

I always loved APP and I think what he did with Al Stewart was brilliant especiallyy the album "Time Passages".

[@JediFight]

Unbelievable he was on that roof. Fantastic.

[@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 .

[@Jojoseahorse]

Amazing how some people just get better looking with age

[@cherokeelegs]

BRILLIANT 👏 👏 👏

[@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...

[@pauldhoff]

The two songs are always played together every time I heard in on the Radio.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@robertmoir5695]

I v e noticed that Alan Parsons knows how to add a spice to music Quite talented

[@marklestercabanas3814]

I love this music🎵

[@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!

[@nelsonpapucci5615]

Quality person

[@JB-do5qd]

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

[@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

[@josemiguelfernandezdemarti7799]

Great great Alan Parsons Eric Woolfson Andrew Powell Project!!

[@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 ….👍🇮🇲👌

[@stevepitts7998]

For Alan Parson fans - Check out the interview with Alan and Rick Beato (if you're a fan you probably already have)

[@KQwest98]

he is a legit magician also

[@StefanGBucher]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@Hy-Brasil]

this song (combination) pops up in the strangest places at the best times. even his name. There is an old episode of the Real Ghostbusters where the guys are quarantined in a hospital with a sort of ghost flue. Janine is tasked with bringing them comforts from home. What did she bring Winston? a cassette tape of Alan Parsons Project.

[@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

[@ephraimwarrior6766]

i would love to have that studio gear behind him

[@clemclemson9259]

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

[@jackiebarris8855]

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

[@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.

[@bengunns9500]

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

[@osvaldomeyer9316]

un maestrooooooooooooo teacherrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr