Alan Parsons: From The Dark Side of the Moon to The Alan Parsons Project

[@daroob]

As a former mixer of Alan‘s live project, I can say he is the only boss I ever had that, at the end of a tour, asked how the band could have made things better for ME. A production genius and humble gentleman - he was an absolute pleasure to work for/with.

[@joy-jr7dg]

That's wonderful 😊

[@Blinkerson55]

Another great interview!

[@tedwilsonjr]

As a former (if that's possible) engineer myself, I know as you probably do, that humility is an important ingredient of a successful engineering career, so your story, as delightful as it is, doesn't surprise me at all. It's too bad that more of us aren't band leaders.

[@lofomuses]

​@@jghawk100 but didn't Alan Parson's musical partner (Eric Woolfson) write most of the music? And I don't say this as a slight to Alan Parsons. He has been my musical hero since my college days in the late 70s. If he is still doing workshops next year when I retire, it's my first retirement celebration project.

[@EF-69]

​@@lofomusesyes, Eric was the primary writer for the 'project' works. He was also the most heard vocalist. He would put down vocal demos & often it was decided to just use him. There's a variety of writers on the 'solo' material. Alan has credited Eric many times.

[@rwalker796]

Beato has become a music historian. Bravo!!!!

[@TracyWitham]

Thank you for this insight. He's able to get to the gist if the music by getting to the gist of the persons' motives in creating it... If he never explicitly writes a history, his interviews of musicians whose work from the 1960s till now has been most influential will be crucial for those who do. This is such a wonderful podcast!

[@hundopmusic]

Totally true

[@obiwanduglobi6359]

We have to be thankful for the pleasure watching those legendary interviews. They'll last 'till the end of time.

[@racializedkanadian]

He seems to be more about music that 'charts' ...... He ignores a LOT. So no need to hyperbolize. But with that said I appreciate what he does do, very much.

[@tubester4567]

wow imagine being the producer for multiple classic albums from Beatles to Dark Side Of The Moon. Incredible

[@hernanguerrero167]

I met Alan Parsons when he was once in Argentina. He was staying at the hotel I worked. The producer that brought him just told him I was a fan of his work, and he just came and shook hands and started talking and thanking me I liked his music... nice and humble guy that I was really shocked.

[@edskins420]

I just met him in Arizona at my restaurant the day before i had tickets to his show!! The kindest man ever and they say "Never meet your hero's!!!"

[@demonslayer5613]

This guy looks fantastic for being 75 years old

[@joy-jr7dg]

Phenomenal

[@siliyemoodislam]

Because he lives in the best part of the California. Close to ocean on hilltop facing the ocean.

[@robertsnyder7735]

It's the same thought I had. I looked up his age, and I was surprised he's 5 years older than myself.

[@claudiomartinez7188]

He looks better and younger than 5 years ago.

[@Blake4625kHz]

Bro’s hair is BROWN✨😅

[@murrieteacher]

Thank you Rick, I sat through the interview, sometimes with tears of joy, sometimes with tears of sadness. I am 78 years old, I have been a musician since the age of four. With my hands now impeded with arthritis, my instruments have been put away. I am lucky that both my sons have embraced music of all genres and are both music teachers and put together school jazz, rock or classical bands. Perhaps the most repeated statement throughout the interview was "I didn't know that" followed by "ahhhh". I think Alan is the forgotten hero of music. I am now going to turn on the amp, clean the stylus, and pull out a few albums. Thank to both of you.

[@coraltown1]

Sorry to hear of your arthritis. I'm 71 and very recently bought this .. VOLTAREN, Topical 1% Arthritis Gel .. it helped. Thought I would mention, just in case. All the best.

[@rafadocabelao3163]

🙏✨🤘

[@minstrelofMir]

im the other way around,my hands didant open as a kid dew to a genetic disorder,and arthrities from age7,,but starting a band age12 on bass opened my left hand,,i am age60 next month,and im probably playing better than ever,,if we stop it may get worse..but sorry to hear its gone that far for you YNWA

[@johnrainbolt6758]

❤

[@StickySyrupEverywhere]

👍💔❤

[@JackKirbyFan]

This IS the biggest star you've had Rick and you've had many. I idolize him. Not only for his talent but for his humility. What a treat to have a sit down with him.

[@jeanfrancois125]

👏

[@kenp9073]

WOW WOW WOW WOW. Rick you are leaving YOUR mark on music history. These interviews will be archived, studied, and enjoyed by people for DECADES. Thank you Rick, thank you so much for all you do. Alan Parsons. Just a musical genius on SO MANY levels. Enjoyed every second of this interview. David Gilmour next??? Please!!!

[@jameyehrman8163]

Rick Beato should be inducted into the Rock&Roll Hall of Fame!

[@stevetruth2696]

Gilmore? Has to be 90 minutes. And Rick can do it.

[@babylemonade2868]

If he managed to get Gilmour he’d surely be the king. We can hope but I seriously doubt it

[@GodOfDetailing]

@@stevetruth2696 Gilmour would have to be at least 2.5 hours. He is an absolute legend.

[@wirenutt57]

Gilmour, Lynne, McCartney, Glyn Johns, Quincy Jones... Add to the wish list!

[@markh2901]

My favorite underrated Alan Parsons work was on Al Stewart's Year of the Cat. Absolutely crystalline, unfussy production. Beautiful.

[@firecloud77]

Yes! And I still have my Al Stewart vinyl from the 70's.

[@edwardyazinski3858]

And Time Passages too!

[@edwardyazinski3858]

Al always has great musicians

[@louiebee6745]

I have both on vinyl, 2 great albums!

[@edwardyazinski3858]

@@louiebee6745 i have see Al a few times at Eddies Attic in Atlanta. After both show I spent a hour or two with him chatting . Super guy. Even gave me his telephone number in case I ever made it out his way in California.

[@kengaskin8304]

As a young newlywed with a wife who worked night shifts at the hospital I listened non stop to two records, The Original Soundtrack 10cc and I Robot. I was over the moon when six or seven years ago Alan and his guitarist were treated by my chiropractor son in law and gave him four backstage tickets for a concert in 21:34 Oakville, Ontario, Canada. What a lovely man to meet on a personal level. We met his wife and daughter as well as all of the band members. They invited us out to eat a post performance meal with them. A terrific experience I will never forget.

[@rommix0]

10cc were also quite innovative like APP were. You're probably familiar with Godley & Creme (the experimental half of 10cc). They had interesting albums of their own, and quite the impressive catalog of music video directing and some album covers (They did the "Turn of a Friendly Card" album cover).

[@joanneclarke771]

Wow! Lucky man.

[@franciasii2435]

I managed to find I robot in the bargain bin for 5 dollars! That was the greatest find in my whole life, 2nd to gunfighter ballads.

[@cynicaldodgyknees6248]

@@rommix0I saw 10cc live back in 1973. Having seen a lot of top bands, imo they were one of the very best, and hugely underrated.

[@ricardoespinoza4384]

The man has class and you don’t buy that kind of thing. Merit to his parents mostly for his upbringing that forge the man that Alan Parsons became a true gentleman and good human being

[@afrohawk]

My favorite interview yet. Alan Parsons is music royalty for all time. What a legacy and a gentleman. Fantastic!

[@louisrosario9522]

@@afrohawk It was a great interview but lm still grateful for the Sting and Police members interviews, that insight was super impressive, especially when Rick impressed Sting with his musical knowledge.👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@tmklunk]

And many people don’t realize it

[@BiBo24-]

couldn't have said it better! I agree 100%

[@beback_]

It's impossible to top the one with Brian May but this comes pretty damn close

[@laurencehastings7473]

Alan is a humble, gentleman, genius who started at the very bottom of recording studio work to reach the pinnacle and then proceeded to be an epic performer in his own right.

[@paulbrookes413]

Privileged background !

[@laurencehastings7473]

@@paulbrookes413 Many people come from a privileged background. On average they should probably have more success in life, depending upon what you deem success to be. Fact is that Alan is an icon in the music industry, whatever his roots are.

[@paulbrookes413]

@@laurencehastings7473 Oh ! I don't mind if they are SUPER privileged, as long as the opportunities are not wasted !

[@ChefRonnieBoy]

I think he’d make an excellent teacher.

[@user-lr4ht1uw1z]

​@@paulbrookes413 Having privilege doesn't mean you'll be a master at something. Look at the Kardashians. All born rich yet they are total wastes.

[@Feehan99]

These interviews need to be in the Rock n' Roll Hall of Fame. I learn more about rock history from this channel than anywhere.

[@chrisegbertky]

Absolutely!

[@paulgillespie542]

Agreed. Also , the Smithsonian should preserve copies

[@The10sjester]

AP is an intense person! Very much a sound engineer. Sits quietly listening to Rick’s playbacks of old tunes. Listens quietly and carefully. His answers were very calculated. Loved every minute of it! Rick can you get Jeff Lynne to appear?!! Those orchestrations with ELO and that distinct sound that resurrected so many famous careers (Wilburys of course!)

[@cjc363636]

Oh, perfect! Absolutely!

[@travkatz]

Yep. You're right. Jeff should be next.

[@jonathonmain9157]

It would be a treat to hear Rick interview Jeff! Maybe it will happen after this last tour of his is over.

[@F4nTom_II]

Rick interviewing Jeff Lynne would be a dream come true!

[@gamerguildhd3529]

another legendary producer engineer musician singer all in one, would love to see Jeff Lynne on this channel specially once he's done with the tour

[@paulhunt4690]

My high school English teacher brought an album to play for us thinking it was a narrated book of Edgar Allen Poe. It was my first time hearing The Alan Parsons project. I was blown away, we all were. Even after hearing she had made a mistake she let us listen, to both sides. I think she enjoyed it. Of course this was the late 70’s. Thank you Mrs Kirk.

[@Quotenwagnerianer]

Best mistake to make.

[@spazimdam]

Great teacher. tales of Mystery and Imagination is a fantastic album.

[@LarsBjerregaard]

The first Alan Parsons album is sheer magic, incredible stuff.

[@josephneuman8969]

Fz ,

[@Darling-xy9qp]

Lucky day !!

[@ianboyle1026]

Talking about "The Air That I Breathe", Rick's tone and expression when he says, "And ... you recorded that?" A moment of visible awe.

[@BruceHoult]

I was hoping that might segue into something about Breakdown, but no...

[@TheGmatikMusic]

Absolutely

[@kevinevans6811]

Wonderful song but it’s such a harsh recording. Impossible to listen at volume. I suspect they expected some high end tone lose of quality as they done the first bounces but ended up add a bit too much too end.

[@rex-racer]

He and Ringo obviously go to the same Fountain of Youth depository

[@whiskersb5296]

I was gonna say they must use the same hair dye.

[@noelghallager4672]

sponsored by Just For Men

[@petermorris452]

Hard to believe he is 15 years older than Rick . He has definitely aged well.

[@GarySUPERTRAMPER]

Yes he only looks like he's in his forties not 75! Amazing!

[@thegreatstrogannofski3418]

Dude looks 40,the ponce de Leon of prog rock

[@willcorg1979]

I remember when the Best of Alan Parsons Project was released in 1984, I was 5 years old. My mom bought the album on cassette, I had one of those cassette players for children and I would play the song Time over and over. In 2011 when my mother died of cancer, I played it at her memorial during the slideshow.

[@mickylawless1941]

My condolences for your loss. The song "Time" is such a beautiful and timeless song. When you listen to that song, you are forever with your mom! Cheers!

[@GuilhermeSilva-rp2it]

The turn of a friendly card is one of my 4 all time favourite albums ever. Simply perfect.

[@babylemonade2868]

I also had that cassette and played that time over again too. I love that song and I hope you’re going ok now👍

[@DOUBLEJ-km7kk]

oh, you got me...:)

[@thermionic1234567]

Didn’t play Parsons when my mother died, but “Sentimental Lady” (both Fleetwood Mac recordings) got played a lot.

[@WilliamMoneyhun]

I'm a 60-year-old American. While I was growing up, Alan's name was on my radar screen, and I knew of the Alan Parsons Project, but until this interview, I knew not much about him. His obvious intelligence reminds me of that of David Gilmour and Ian Anderson.

[@andybittner3834]

THIS... is a precious interview. This makes the whole Internet worth it. What an absolute treat. I could listen to this guy talk about mic qualities and physical tape splicing indefinitely. The word "hero" is interesting, because I"m clearly not referring to some kind of fearless, lifesaving individual, but AP was one of my heroes. I wanted to be this guy or something like him. A friend of mine kind of managed that, but for me, it remained an unfulfilled dream. Late 1970s? The only sound production degree in the U.S. was at East Tennessee State. I so wanted to go there, but I was such a terrible student. Thank you, Alan. Thank you, Rick.

[@KarlosAlvarado]

"This makes the whole Internet worth it"👍well said

[@Kauffeebaby]

Rick, I really appreciate that you throw in a picture of the gear Alan is referring to - these are iconic mics and outboard gear that most of us will never see in person!

[@UndercoverNormie]

Just buy one from Neumann for 24,000 dollars 😆

[@adamsmith7058]

@@UndercoverNormie 24K? That's a steal. I'll buy two. One for serious and the other for mucking about with.

[@UndercoverNormie]

@@adamsmith7058 they even offer a 2 pack which costs even more per mic than buying 1. And they're still. So. Sexy.

[@bigbaddms]

@@UndercoverNormieI wonder if a 3 pack is available? Maybe that’s the sweet spot 😂

[@EnzoMoresi-mj8bc]

Raise your hand if just listening to Alan and Rick talk about it, got you itching to play your Dark Side album......✋

[@OneSkyWarrior]

✋🏻

[@EnzoMoresi-mj8bc]

@@OneSkyWarrior 🙏 high five....(the closest I could find 😂)

[@OneSkyWarrior]

​@@EnzoMoresi-mj8bc 😊 Works for me! ☮️ 💗

[@adriangroeneveld9341]

Actually more curious to hear Alan’s projects. I’ve heard Dark Side so often.

[@LonegunmenNZ]

Games people play, you take or you leave...... Turn of a Friendly Card was very underrated.

[@skirmantasstankevicius458]

Omg. THIS IS IT! THE MAN SHOWED UP. FINALLY! This is mega. Although, I do respect all the interviews that you've done, Rick, but this... It's Alan Parsons! Bloody hell... The man is truly genius.

[@paulbrookes413]

Too formulaic for me

[@artman6581]

@@paulbrookes413 What were you hoping for? How would you conduct an interview with Alan Parsons?

[@QziQza]

​​@@paulbrookes413Engineering is formulaic by its very nature. Engineers view pretty much everything through a formulaic lens. *edit grammer

[@paulbrookes413]

@@QziQza His music !

[@QziQza]

@@paulbrookes413 ahh, apologies.. i misunderstood your comment. But isn't the underpinning of all musical composition formulaic? individual expression is important; it can play into, with, or away from, that formulaic underpinning.. yet, any artist with a recognisable sound, has to have played into a formula, isn't that what defines their sound? all taste is subjective, but I can't imagine your favourite groups don't have an identity.. a sound formula they lean into? to be fair, I see interconnecting structures, and interactive systems everywhere, i like something, or i don't, it's formulaic either way.

[@MrSupro]

I can say from spending time working on his home studio Alan Parsons is one of the most pleasant people I have ever met in the music industry.

[@wonderbars36]

Very cool. Yeah he is super nice. He visited my school back in my college days. Answered so many questions, listened to student projects...very nice man in the industry.

[@PhilAndersonOutside]

Friend of mine met him a few years back. Said he was very easy to talk to. They had a long conversation about Brian Eno. :-)

[@LearnMadSkillsSigma]

The one next to the avacado field? 32 track Shelford console? My TKD master lives down the street from him. Nice neighborhood.

[@albrousssard429]

Thank you so much, Rick. It was a genuine treat to enjoy your interview with Mr. Parsons. A legend himself, you asked all the right questions. Thank you!!!

[@craigtaylor2788]

If Alan isn't in theRock and Roll hall of fame, he sure as hell should be.......

[@StickySyrupEverywhere]

I care for the artists, not for the Hall. I mean the inductions and recognition. Those in control of the Hall have damaged it with bizarre actions and slights over the years.

[@LowEarthOrbitPilot]

@@StickySyrupEverywhere Ditto!

[@johnmboon]

This!

[@packman5906]

The way Rick is going with these historic interviews, he should be too in the HOF!

[@TheSilmarillian]

@@StickySyrupEverywhere So true that indeed.

[@HBSuccess]

It’s almost impossible to leave a comment as I am completely blown away. Abbey Road and Dark Side? Not to mention all the rest - these are the most impactful popular recordings of the 20th century. Thank you Rick and Alan for putting us in the studio. This interview is Smithsonian worthy.

[@ludik2312]

Sweet beard and hairline at 75, with legendary titles after your name… masterful legend nearing immortality!

[@kurtisslystne5250]

Im 65 yrs young. I grew up enthralled with the Beatles music. I started learning guitar at 8 yrs old. I studied guitar, piano and mandolin. My influences were allman brothers, zeppelin, Jackson brown, elton john, beatles and everything in between. My 1976 senior year of highschool I heard Alan Parsons project. My musical life changed. Alan parsons project opened my entire musical world. His lyrics were spell binding. At 17 yrs old i began playing, writing and performing like never befory. To this day atat 65, when i hit the writers block, i ask myself ' What would Alan parsons do'. Hes been a great inspiration to me since 1976. God bless Alan Parsons and Rick. Alan opened up my musical heaven. What a treasure alan is. Lyrical brillanci too. I think JC approves❤

[@ministerofdarkness]

Alan is the complete package! Artist, Producer, Songwriter, Musician, & Engineer. "I, Robot" from 1977 is still my all time favorite APP album. PLAY LOUD

[@robertadams2857]

A favorite of mine too.. Album was cool too.

[@jimzcoi]

Me and my neighbors also like this album… whether they want it or not 😂

[@yam83]

It's such a banger album.

[@glezpik]

...and singer.

[@acaryadasa]

My number 1 also. but "Eve", "Ammonia Avenue", "Turn of a Friendly Card" are also top favorites.

[@unclesiebsamI]

Alan is the man. Worked with him as the leader of the house band for one of his recording seminars in Chicago. Effortless, perfect sounds out of the gate and a real gentleman. Thanks, Rick! Great interview!

[@11smallroaches1]

Alan Parsons has been a very important part of my life since the day my English teacher played us ToMaI. I was hooked. His albums got me through some very difficult times. I listened walking between high school classes, headphones on with my Walkman, ignoring everyone and everything. I felt safe. I started guitar at 22, I sing and have learned many of his songs I love over the years. I’m a lifelong fan. My daughter has fallen in love with his music too. We got to meet him in Vegas a few years back, a magical moment of my life. Alan, I love and respect you so much. Thank you, from the very bottom of my heart.

[@Tmoneyhoy]

Played ToMal? Or Time?

[@CorvusHyperion]

@@Tmoneyhoytales of mystery and imagination

[@Nwiss123]

My English teacher played that same album, we were studying poe,

[@dobieprime]

@@Nwiss123 My favorite Halloween album...:)

[@collieclone]

I can't believe I actually watched Rick Beato interviewing Alan Parsons. This must be what it's like to reach Nirvana. When he played 'I Wouldn't Want to Be Like You' it was a pity he stopped before the best guitar solo of all time, that you could gladly listen to on a loop for the last hours of your life. 'I Robot' still sounds as fresh and new as it did back then. It will never grow old (just like Parsons himself obviously!!).

[@spehnke]

yes.. the guitar solo!

[@garnerjoyce606]

I liked that song

[@Doug-nr3gh]

Just ask p. Diddy and jimmy page about that particular track ! A #1 remix hit back in the day !

[@elliotmarks06]

Every time I see an interview with Alan Parsons, I gain even more love and appreciation for TAPP. Eye in the Sky, Pyramid and Ammonia Avenue are some of my favorite albums of all time, and it's really awesome to hear the background on how these amazing works of art were created. Oh, and he seems like an awesome guy too!

[@gageguy]

Rick! Please ask Alan to come back for a part 2! I'd love to hear Alan talk bout his solo stuff, all the way through Vulture Culture to today. Days are Numbers is one of my favorite TAPP songs and I wanna hear about it. Love you, love Alan. He's a BEAST!

[@akipan]

When i was 8-9 years old I heard for the first time "Eye in the sky", that was the day I said "who mixed that?" It was a revelation to me. I've never thought about the other people involved in a record. Alan is the reason that I became obsessed with the sound! And eventually studied sound engineering and producing music for me and other people.

[@beeemm2578]

I was 11 when it came out. It had a dour vibe. You can absolutely hear his personality in it...and for that matter DSOTM too. Its weird how you can hear someone's personality in playing and production.

[@akipan]

@@beeemm2578 you put it very well! You can hear his personality! Exactly!

[@jeremiahglass8262]

I’ll never forget the first time I heard that song….and even now it never gets old to me. Pure musical genius

[@offshoretomorrow3346]

You were 8 or 9 and said "who mixed that"? You're kidding, right?

[@akipan]

@@offshoretomorrow3346 no! I started going to the conservatory when I was 4, and I was always searching who wrote that song and who's playing and how was recorded! And I had a lot of older friends and maybe I heard something from them...

[@ronniebononcini8649]

I met Alan in San Antonio,Tx. He was the most absolute coolest dude ever.. He had been one of my music idols since I was like 7yrs old back in 1978, so I was a bit wacky and he made me feel comfy and we talked a bit and I got some pics with him and it was one of the best days of my life and luckiest to have ran into him in S.A. of all places and he wasn’t on tour.. Just vacation I guess…

[@KingBeevr]

One of those guys who's so integrated in the fabric of the music I love, and I had no idea how much until later in life. What an amazing human being.

[@joaoserapili]

I've said it once and I'll say it again, Alan Parsons is a God of sound engineering and a great artist, thank you for being my reference, bless you!

[@Martha-jl6eu]

@MichProgNerd True, but would Dark Side have been as good if Alan Parsons has not existed? I don't think so.

[@musicbro8225]

@@Martha-jl6eu We can never know for sure, but most would agree, it came out Exceptionally well with him.

[@achoice2bmade]

I'd love to see Alan and Steven Wilson having a conversation!!!

[@dr.emilschaffhausen4683]

@@achoice2bmade This! Steven Wilson is probably the most unknown yet incredibly gifted musician/writer of the last 50 years.

[@achoice2bmade]

@@dr.emilschaffhausen4683 Absolutely!!!

[@thechuckster6838]

I played a festival in Italy a few years ago with Alan, and what blew me away was how well organized the chemistry was between him and the band. He stood in the center of the stage towards the back playing an acoustic guitar and he let the band do what they do best. Needless to say, the band sounded incredible! Alan is a true perfectionist.

[@-dugair]

"Breakdown" from "I Robot" I did in my 1st band... A Great song. Go listen to it! I was singing it & "Wouldn't Wanna Be..." Annoying the neighbors In the hotel I'm in watching this interview. A P. Has a Box Set that's on my list along with "Camel" and "Horslips" boxes. Cheers

[@-dugair]

Thomas Dolby also had one of the first few Fairlight CMI's* in England. He said it cost more than his house. £90,000+ I think. Cheers. *CMI- Computer Musical Instrument.

[@zapveresepa1]

I am proud to be a Rickhead. His channel is educational, entertaining, and satisfying. These interviews are fantastic whether I know the artist or not.

[@filldrummin42]

LMAO @ Rickhead!!! 😄😆🤣😂🤓🥳🤘

[@christophermitchum6829]

Good one...😎🎵🎶

[@binksterb]

I started following Alan Parsons in Wales in the late 70's I thought Pyramids was amazing at the time. How amazing was this interview Rick. Thank You!

[@alphabeets]

This was probably the most perfect interview I have ever heard. This should go into the National Archives.

[@yrmthr]

Rick's interviews are a studio engineers dream

[@JB-ti7bl]

I preferred the Butch Vig interview, but this one's cool, too. The fact that Butch had his small studio recording church choirs, etc., then slowly became a giant in the industry was inspiring.

[@polbecca]

I got the feeling that Alan somehow wasn't totally relaxed; all of the interview effort was on Rick's part, less a conversation and more a series of good questions and intensely thoughtful answers. Maybe it's just Alan's way?

[@sferguson1130]

I’m amazed with how sharp Alan’s memory is, recounting all of these technical specifications, from 50+ years ago.

[@Danny-sd5vm]

A total English gentleman in every sense of the word. Alan totally has the same calm, analytical mindset as David Gilmour. I can totally see David and Alan having a cup of tea while discussing the task at hand. They even sound alike.

[@davewills148]

True, they both are never in a rush, you can see them mulling over the questions, AP has a great body of work to choose from.

[@Docsjeff]

This is one of the best interviews Rick has shown us. I could watch these for 24hrs a day. He always knows the right questions to ask. This is a Top Notch channel,especially for musicians. Thank You Rick for all that you’ve done and will do in the future.

[@brendangilmore4297]

Alan's work shows up in so many places. I have a special regard for Al Stewart's 'Year Of The Cat' which to my mind is one of the best produced albums of the 70's

[@katesjanice]

Yes! It’s my 2nd favorite album of 1976. I was just listening to it as I made dinner tonight!

[@vitord.f.]

Al Stewart's albums with Alan are all fantastic.

[@tonybekx2891]

Oh my! Did not know Year of the Cat is AP. Same as this interview he did The Hollies Air That I Breath, Both have that "magic" ...

[@davidl570]

@@tonybekx2891 Ditto for Time Passages! Easily Al Stewart's best album.

[@TonyRestaino-q3d]

Albums just don't sound like that anymore. The aural experience just drew you into a whole different World.

[@Ultra54able]

Superb interview. I can thank my oldest brother, may he rest in peace for introducing me to Allen when I was 12 years old. He would return every summer from university and bring all his stereo equipment home along with all his albums. I couldn't wait until he got home each summer.

[@nmd14723]

‘Turn of a Friendly Card’ is one of the best albums I’ve ever heard, closely followed by Year of the Cat which AP produced and engineered, what a legend !!

[@paul38501]

That could be my favorite Alan Parsons album. Still listen to it frequently.

[@DoctorWho1983]

Absolutely.......and like AP pointed out during "The Air That I Breathe" , lots of great orchestral sections with heavy french horn presence.....

[@elizabethmcleod246]

I LOVE that album. It’s epic. ❤

[@nicj99]

@@paul38501 somethings been going on there may be a price to pay!

[@dcf4psu]

"The game never ends when your whole world depends on the turn of a friendly card."

[@PaulSchuster-yj4zb]

"The Air that i Breathe" was my girlfriend's favorite song, and I loved listening to it with her. I had no idea this was from Alan Parsons, so this part of my life is now monumental.

[@vagpap85]

i danced to it with my wife when we married a few years back ;)

[@jodiver3]

IT was mixed and produced by Parsons. But it was written and composed by Albert Hammond

[@TheVeganVicar]

It's a wonderful song. It was on the first album I ever owned.

[@barrieainge4937]

"The Air that I Breathe" was one of the Hollies greatest songs ( they got so much better as time passed) and I also had no idea Alan was involved in that song.

[@MikeKincaid79]

Awesome interview! At 45, I'm a little young for this stuff but it's where my passion was in music as a kid. I loved The Alan Parson's Project from the moment I first heard his stuff. It was a joy to listen to him recall details of his life in the recording business. Thank you!

[@kirkplissken8454]

Alan Parsons is a musical and sonic genius. His first run of albums in the 70s and early 80s, especially Tales of Mystery and Imagination and I Robot, were monumental for me as a child discovering music back then. Looking forward to watching this tonight and spinning the LPs!

[@Martha-jl6eu]

All music Parsons is involved with is on a higher production level. It just is. It's like listening to music through kicker speakers, it's just better.

[@paulbrookes413]

​@@Martha-jl6euLacks character !

[@suztok]

It was a surprising Friday morning when I saw Alan Parsons in the thumbnail of the usual Rick Beato channel. I wanted to express my excitement with the deepest gratitude. There’s no doubt that Alan Parsons' music recordings and works shaped my musical sensibility as a junior high and high school student in Japan. Even now, and always, I have no doubt that I will continue to enjoy listening to Alan Parsons' work. The interview on my favorite Rick Beato channel has become a cherished treasure in my daily life. I belong to the generation that was captivated by concepts and soundscapes of the Alan Parsons Project, starting from the Beatles, then moving on to Pink Floyd and the pop music of the 80s, and this year I turn 55. As I read the lyrics of the Alan Parsons Project again, I deeply appreciate the profound expressiveness and philosophy, which at times remind me of hope. Having just passed his 75th birthday, Alan still radiates youthfulness. His unwavering dedication to the craft of recording engineering, his incredible attention to detail, and his willingness to embrace new things are truly inspiring. Thank you, I will continue to support you.

[@themusicolumnistmusictrave4071]

Hey Rick, I just wanted to say this interview with Alan Parsons was truly beautiful. I’ve admired Mr. Parsons ever since I was a kid and in my opinion, he is one of the most talented recording engineers/producers of all time, if not number one in my book. I loved to see his eyes gaze off into the distance when you played back his work. He truly has a golden ear. Thank you so much for your hard work and relaxed interview style, documenting these gems will be priceless for future generations of music lovers.

[@AstorSkywalker]

I had the pleasure to see and listen to Alan Parsons in my country of Honduras on the 23rd of September 2005. You gotta understand that in my country we don't have any big name concerts play here. So we are very grateful and happy to have seen him live at home. Thank you Alan!

[@EricSmaug]

I HAVE LOVED HIM SINCE I WAS 13!!!!! IM 61

[@qmagic5864]

Same here ❤😂😂😂

[@jaimhaas5170]

Same here...grew up with I robot.

[@trevortamboline279]

Same and same age!

[@nataliewilliams9741]

Me too 👍❣️

[@neuronmind]

It was your turn of a friendly card

[@travisbickle2004]

I wish i discovered this band sooner in my life, i was aware of who Alan Parsons was because of his work with Pink Floyd, which is my favourite band. After this interview i bought the Eye In The Sky Album, absolutely loved it after a couple of plays. I listened to their other albums on spotify and started to buy them too, spotify is nice and all but I’m a physical media guy. I’ve just become obsessed with APP lately, what an amazingly talented band. They are currently the soundtrack to my night shifts and are helping to keep me sane in this crazy world we live in. Thank you Mr Beato for doing this interview and helping me discover this incredible man’s work.

[@noso_stephen3095]

Thank you for all you do @RickBeato , I was just discussing mixing with a buddy of mine. Your dedication, passion and work is sincerely appreciated

[@noso_stephen3095]

Also, I’m completely geeking out right now. Legend.

[@tomdulle1707]

I've been shouting from the mountaintops for years Alan Parsons belongs in the rock and roll hall of fame. His contributions are enormous. I've seen Alan with his project a couple times, met him once and two things: a very polite, humble man, and physically a HUGE man. It looks like he's lost some wight, but he used to be the size of an NFL defensive lineman.

[@mcasteel2112]

He can be there next to Abba, Celine Dion and NWA

[@58BURST]

That joke of an organization, is not worthy, of him.

[@tomdulle1707]

@@mcasteel2112 and Janet Jackson and Madonna.

[@garnerjoyce606]

Few family members were too

[@herbiecactus6687]

Parsons is relevant, RRhoF is not.

[@sanjeevmraman]

Firstly, thank you Rick Beato for this and other interviews with iconic musicians; your work will become a historical record that will be treasured by generations to come. Godspeed! When I listened to the APP song “As Lights Fall” released in 2019, I was concerned about Mr. Parsons, as it seemed like a “swan song” of sorts. I wondered if that would be his last musical offering, as if in some way he was telling us he was terminally ill. I am therefore happy to see Mr. Parsons looking well, and hope that he will continue to delight the world with his iconic music (and the music of others) for years to come. Here is a true personal experience I hope people will enjoy- In July 2021, during a trip to Big Sur in California with my family, we stopped at the wonderful (and well-deserved “tourist-trap”) Nepenthe restaurant. For those that have never visited this iconic restaurant, it is a truly spectacular location, perched on the side of the hills, and overlooking the Pacific Ocean and coast. This was our second trip there (after about 16 years) and the first with our kids. As we waited for our table, we went down to the gift shop and were browsing around. In the aisles, ambling slowly in obvious pain, was a very tall man, who looked very familiar. It took me a minute to realize this was Mr. Alan Parsons, from the innumerable videos I had seen on YT. As my kids, then 11 and 7, browsed around, I was awestruck, uncertain if I should “chat him up”, when he seemed so obviously to be in (what probably was) back pain. He found a small alcove and sat down. I went about my business, and whispered to my kids- “see kids, that is Alan Parsons, whose band composed “Eye In The Sky”, and “Oh by the way, you know how I listen to so much Pink Floyd, right? He was the sound engineer for The Dark Side, and also for the Beatles”. My kids nodded some acknowledgment but were more interested in the tchotchkes at the gift shop and didn’t realize the importance of the man they had just seen. When later I saw him walking around again, I mustered up the courage, and went up to him, and obeying the COVID-19 related social/ physical distancing rules, said, “I don’t mean to bother you, but aren’t you Alan Parsons? I was just telling my kids about you. Your music is the soundtrack of my life as I was growing up in Mumbai, India”. He looked at me, shook my hand, and with a glint in his eye, and in his clipped British accent, very kindly said, “Thank you. Yes, I am. I’m just here with my family. I live nearby, in Santa Barbara”, and then sat down again, in obvious pain. I wanted to get his autograph, but decided against it, or the obligatory selfie, deciding that just the memory of that short encounter would be enough for me. It is now 2024, and that memory from 2021 is still burned in my mind. It is even more poignant, as I play my role as the lead guitarist and backing vocalist of a Salt Lake City, Utah, based Pink Floyd tribute band, called “Quiet Desperation”, which has performed “The Dark Side of the Moon” in its entirety on stage over the past year.

[@frankschneller2627]

I can almost see that scene. Been to Nepenthe 3 times. Lovely story. Greetings from Germany. I love the Alan Parsons Project until (incl.) Eye in the Sky. And I love his work with the Beatles, Pink Floyd, The Hollies and Al Stewart. In Germany, everybody knows 'Music' by John Miles - but nobody knows, who was behind that song. It is so obvious - soundwise ...

[@ecyfoto]

Interview flew by so quickly. Could have easily listened to another 50 minutes with the legendary Alan Parsons!

[@johnemerson-musiccomposer]

No doubts: we'll need a few more hours of interview with Alan... One of my biggest Music influences when I was a teen! Rick, please get him to do Parts 2 and 3!!!!!!!!!

[@christophermitchum6829]

Start a new show!!! Classic stars giving back to the next generation... they are ready for the upload 👍👆✌️💯

[@richarddoan9172]

Looks like a lot of editing out the pauses. Not a natural conversation. I bet this interview was 90 or 120 minutes.

[@petermorris925]

This guy has been colouring the background of my life since I was 8, and I just turned 60. Beato, I cannot imagine losing all this insight and story telling, thank you so much. Amazing.

[@AudiophileTubes]

Absolute GENIUS! The Alan Parsons Project came out with some of the best pop/rock music in history, bar none! Incredible, well crafted, gorgeous songs!

[@davidfairchild1640]

What a legend! And he looks great at 75.

[@MuzixMaker]

He looks 55.

[@LarsRyeJeppesen]

Understatement

[@gabotdf]

Alan Parsons is one of the most underrated songwriters. Still in my heavy rotation. Thank you Rick! Now it's time for Nile Rodgers

[@brendangilmore4297]

Yes!

[@da5idnz]

And Eric Woolfson even more so...

[@PhilAndersonOutside]

I felt the same way. I wish Rick would have talked with him more about APP and his solo work, as well as writing with Eric Wolfson. To me those were Alan's glory days, more than Dark Side, which is a Pink Floyd album.

[@ciaranocraobhach]

​@@da5idnzhe died in 2009 😢

[@da5idnz]

@@ciaranocraobhach Yes, I was aware. V sad.

[@kerrycanfield332]

Not specific to this, but I am just suddenly inspired to say how much I am blown away to realize there’s all this music history recorded that i’ve got access to theoretically forever. Thank you thank you thank you Mr. Beato!

[@TURMYTE]

Another great interview, Rick! I still recall my strange introduction to The Alan Parsons Project. I was a young kid during the 70’s, and one day walking a dirt road home to my house, a white cassette tape lying alongside the road immediately caught my attention. Picked it up, dusted it a bit, and was very curious about the band and title. The cassette was “I Robot”. Took it home and cleaned it a bit more. The little felt pad under the tape was missing, so I snagged one from an old blank cassette and glued it in place. The tape played fine and I played the heck out of it. What a gem to find! And I believe I still have that same cassette. Later on I purchased “I Robot” on vinyl, and it was the ultimate experience all over again. Pink Floyd’s “TDSOTM”, and Alan Parsons Project “I Robot” was a huge influence on me, and what I would consider the beginning of my fascination and journey into synthesizers and Electronic music. The rest is history…

[@danacoleman4007]

what a neat story! you just never know what life will throw your way if you're paying attention!

[@audio_guy]

I went into watching this thinking an hour interview was going to be too long, when it was over I'm thinking why wasn't it longer? Mad respect for Alan Parsons. Rick, you knocked it out of the park on this interview.

[@unstrung65]

Exactly , the time passed much too quickly , and I wanted more , but grateful for what I got !

[@joelsom]

I sat through the full 53:05 fascinated by the whole thing. Great interview!

[@TheZotmeister]

Oh wow, this is one of my favorite legends right here. I listen to the entire APP discography, start to finish, regularly. Honestly, to me, the only way you could top this is to interview Jeff Lynne.

[@stevehurley479]

Jeff Lynne isn't in the same league as Alan Parsons. Compare Year of the Cat with anything from ELO in the 70s. Jeff Lynne productions always sound over-bright and scratchy to me.

[@trevortamboline279]

Have LOVED Alan since his first album, "Tales of Imagination and Mystery: Edgar Alan Poe". A musical genius. No one has ever blended rock, orchestration and electronic music better.

[@jamesholland8057]

I loved that album.

[@FlatEarthMath]

I played that LP to death! Thank goodness for durable vinyl.

[@thepanicroommastering2062]

This album is mind blowing..✨…what a Journey and listening Experience. ☯️

[@rhenmerchant5715]

Damn, I didn't know half that about Alan Parsons. What an amazing life. Amazing music.

[@runeskogstad6927]

I am so lucky I met Alan Parson at a a music fair at the Earls Court in the 90` He is such a gentle and polite guy you almost never meet in the music business. And you see, his calm reaction to the music played in this video, it´s just ordinary for him. Respect.

[@davis9971]

I was introduced to the project by my high school English teacher. He inspired us to read Poe by playing Alan’s first album (newly out when I was in HS) for us and assigning us to read the story and then to write a paper explaining why the song fit the story. A brilliant teacher. I not only learned Poe, I became a life long fan of Alan’s music.

[@b.dingeldey5193]

exactly the same my English teacher did in 1978

[@willon50]

23:04 I can imagine Mr. Parsons thinking and remembering all those moments when recording this song... Must be just incredible to live all the experiences he lived.

[@TheEnderBand]

Alan Parsons Project is seriously underrated- I, Robot and Turn of a Friendly Card in particular are two of my favorite records ever

[@unstrung65]

He relies heavily on nostalgia and melancholy , as it happens I like that type of music . Most people like 'upbeat' music , It's usually ' creative ' people that relate to APP .

[@TheEnderBand]

@@unstrung65 I was born in September so that's some of my favorite stuff lol

[@wouterlevering4296]

Alan Parsons has been one of my heroes since 7, 8 years old. My dad made a cassette of I Robot and i played it all the time on my walkman. It was my way to escape all the stress at home and create a vacuum to disappear into. The man saved my life...

[@leemccurtayne9489]

Parson’s skills elevated a musical input that forever changed the listening spectrum. The depth, the rich qualities and an unswerving dedication to the musical experience is heart felt to our generation.

[@budgetkeyboardist]

The Alan Parsons Project was my favorite band since Ammonia Avenue, but Alan's other "solo" albums are also very good. GREAT interview as always - nobody is better at interviewing these icons. I love this channel so much!

[@unstrung65]

Love the 'Alan Parsons Project' , but most likely they are far down the list of Rick Beato's favorites , so he concentrated on what HE liked .

[@kathym6603]

I have chills. Magic happened here. The magic of two way communication and understanding between two geniuses.

[@PomGratz]

My fav album of his Edgar Allan Poe .. have it on vinyl .. been listening to it since the 1970's .. love his triple live album in South America .. great interview, thank you .. Alan is such a humble reserved person .. in awe listening to him ..

[@mountainmikemusic]

Rick! I hate to be greedy, but I need more Alan Parsons!! So much history with that man/that band! The late, great songwriter/composer Eric Woolfson! The great orchestra leader Andrew Powell (check out his soundtrack for the film Ladyhawke)! The rotating door of lead vocalists! His feud with David Paton (bass/vocals). His decision to tour, his "A Walk Down Abbey Road" live Beatles tribute! The album Freudiana, contractual obligations, etc. This man deserves at least two more full-length interviews!! His views on modern recording techniques, the future of music, etc. "Please, sir, may I have some more?"

[@psimonchess]

Im totally agree!

[@georgespencer3973]

Yes, please!

[@juanguzman1292]

Sure! At least he mentioned Ambrosia!

[@gethappycyclingcampingoutdoors]

Rick, thank you for these interviews. As a 60 year old male who grew up with this music and it was magical sounds, although I didn't realise it at the time. Now these interviews are explaining everything but not taking away the magic. A big thank you to you and all your guests, ✌❤ to the World.

[@GLHerzberg]

22:50 Alan's foot starts tapping along with "I Wouldn't Want To Be Like You". Alan Parsons, I WOULD want to be like you. You've been a tremendously positive influence in my appreciation of music.

[@Shreddah]

Back in 2016 found Alan Parsons Project albums in the vinyl collection I inherited from dad back in 2005. Didn't listen to them until I fixed his vintage vinyl player in 2016. The moment I put on the Eye in the Sky record I was blown away by the sound and the music. Sonically one the best sounding record I have ever heard.

[@jagster59]

The incredible diversity of content: deep dive song breakdowns, chart list analyses and critiques, interviews, instructional segments and more deserve 10 MILLION subscribers!! Thank you Rick for making so many lives that much more muscially enlightened.

[@danhackley6730]

My dream interview!! Finally!! Bravo Rick!! 🤘🤘

[@FultonsReviews]

Can we for second marvel at the fact that Rick has balanced the side table and his guitar with the coffee mugs!? He cares about this stuff more than we ever can imagine! And Holy Crap! There's Alan Parsons! BRAVO!!!

[@maxface1]

Once again, America’s Music Historian adds another gem to the collection. Thank you Rick.

[@mattoja5313]

Kudos to Rick for letting his interview subjects answer questions thoughtfully, instead of rushing in with uh-huhs or new interrogatories. Alan is an introspective but descriptive talent, I've been waiting for this full interview to come out for some time now.

[@jeremycarlson1189]

Holy hell! I started watching just because I love Eye in the Sky so much. I had NO idea Alan recorded so many hits. Money, The Air That I Breath....and freakin' Magic? He obviously knew his stuff. So...now I'm thinking of a world where he could have worked with Brian Wilson on something like Pet Sounds. Simply blown away that this guy did so much and most likely no one even knows. Being from Chicago, and lived through the Bulls era, no one knew that intro song was from him. To find out he engineered all these other hits is simply incredible. Outstanding interview, and really shows how creative he had to be to get certain things to work.

[@christianlee1637]

His life's work is absolute genius. Brilliant. Heroic. Always the benchmark for all others. Alan, your legacy will reign forever.

[@dalejr183]

Alan Parsons hasn’t aged a day he hit the fountain of youth.

[@sacredcowbbq1326]

I'm not even a musician yet I find these interviews so fascinating. You're a tremendous interviewer- always well prepared and willing to show your guest in the very best light. Thank you.

[@susano-o]

Alan Parsons has given so much to the music and I'm so happy to see him here. What a great interview! My only complaint is the focus being too much on the Beatles and Pink Floyd stuff. I'd love see more about the APP and their own albums. And let's not forget about Eric Woolfson as well. :')

[@JRVillarUK]

Alan Parsons, absolutely a genius. I play Sirius/Eye in the Sky many times as opening my own - amateur - gigs. Immediately fills the rooms with the most powerful sounds. Only someone who knows exactly what he is doing can remember exactly what equipment he used 40 or 50 years ago. Fabulous to witness, when they are listening to the tracks, the complete silence of both of them. Enjoying it, assimilating it, feeling it. Thank you, Rick. What a joy you are bringing us.

[@Booszhius]

What an amazing guest - the technicality, the creativity, the influence, the insight - I must say Bravo, Mr. Beato!

[@2001pl]

interviews on this YT channel are becoming crazier & crazier. this is making history, really. a huge thank you !

[@metairieman55]

I "discovered" Parsons when I somehow ran across his "Poe" album and I was even more interested learning his history with the "giants." Then his "Project" material flowed out of his brilliant mind and I've never looked back. Such a humble, low key interviewee is astounding for the contributions he's made to the music industry over the years. Great job, too, Rick, for talking with this legend!

[@vicveco]

There are no words to describe the significance of this moment in history. It's incredibly gratifying to listen to a conversation between people who love their work in such a humble and natural way. This has been the best 53 minutes of my day, and it will stay with me forever. By the way, I'm 43. Thank you very much, Rick and Alan, for leaving behind your legacy in your own unique ways.

[@adriantyte]

A Brilliant interview, thank you. I met Alan at a party in 1997 at the home of Wicked Will artist Gray Jollife in Henley, I was introduced to Alan and I talked about his album Pyrimid, completely oblivious that he had such a Pivitol Role in Dark Side of the Moon, the first album I ever bought aged 11. What a wasted opportunity. He was the perfect gentleman.