On This Day in 1967: Pink Floyd Started Recording “Arnold Layne”—Why It Didn’t Crack the Hot 100 in the US
via SOUNDS FROM A TURNTABLE / YouTube
On February 27, 1967, Pink Floyd entered Sound Techniques Studios in Chelsea, London, to record their debut single, “Arnold Layne.” This song, penned by Syd Barrett, tells the story of a man who steals women’s undergarments from clotheslines. The inspiration came from real events in Cambridge, where Barrett and bassist Roger Waters grew up. Waters recalled, “Arnold Layne was a real person. He used to steal bras and panties from clotheslines.”
Recording Session and Reception of “Arnold Layne”
The recording session, produced by Joe Boyd, also included the B-side track, “Candy and a Currant Bun.” Boyd noted the complexity of the recording process, stating, “It was a complex recording involving some tricky editing.” Released on March 11, 1967, “Arnold Layne” reached number 20 on the UK charts. However, its performance in the United States was less successful, failing to enter the Billboard Hot 100.
Several factors contributed to the song’s lack of success in the US market. The song’s subject matter was considered controversial, leading to limited radio play. Additionally, Pink Floyd was relatively unknown in the US at the time, and their promotional efforts were primarily focused on the UK audience. The band’s experimental sound also differed from the mainstream music popular in the US during that period.
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Legacy of “Arnold Layne”
Despite its initial commercial performance, “Arnold Layne” has become a significant part of Pink Floyd’s history. The song showcases Syd Barrett’s unique songwriting and the band’s early psychedelic style. Over the years, it has been included in various compilation albums and continues to be appreciated by fans worldwide.
In 2007, during a tribute concert for Syd Barrett at The Barbican in London, Pink Floyd members David Gilmour, Nick Mason, and Richard Wright performed “Arnold Layne” together. This performance marked the last time these three played the song live together. A recording of this rendition was released as a limited-edition single for Record Store Day in 2020, highlighting the song’s enduring legacy.
