Pink Floyd in Montreal

In the annals of Pink Floyd’s illustrious history, Montréal emerges as a city where their music resonated and left an undeniable mark. Their initial rendezvous with the Canadian metropolis took place in November 1971, as they captivated a sold-out audience at CEPSUM (Centre Sportif de l’Université de Montréal). This magnetic connection drew them back time and again, filling the Montreal Forum, the Autostade, and culminating in a series of unforgettable nights at the Olympic Stadium.

The In The Flesh Tour etched Pink Floyd’s name in the annals of Montréal’s Olympic Stadium. On July 6th, 1977, a sea of 78,322 fans converged for a mesmerizing show, setting an unbroken record for the highest single-night attendance at the “Big O.” Their love affair with Montréal continued in 1994, as the Division Bell Tour brought three consecutive sold-out concerts to the Olympic Stadium. Over those enchanting nights in May, a staggering 187,302 people gathered, further cementing the band’s connection with the city. This performance marked their final curtain call as a group in Montréal.

The Wall, Pink Floyd’s acclaimed album, found its creative spark in a dramatic incident during their 1977 Montréal concert. Surrounded by chaos in the unfinished stadium, Roger Waters conjured a dark parable of dissociation and loss. Though other experiences informed the album’s genesis, Waters confessed that this ‘infamous’ night illuminated the metaphorical wall that had risen between the band and its fans. Despite the somber narrative that emerged from this performance, The Wall endures as one of Pink Floyd’s best-selling albums—a testament to their lasting impact on listeners around the world.