Memoirs of the Brightside of the Moon

by Ginger Gilmour

  Finally, the moment arrived when the circular screen was up and the sound system was ready. The audience deserved a merit badge for patience. It took ages to set all the gear up. It wasn't as straightforward because the equipment was wounded after an explosion of fireworks at the last American gig. They had no idea if it would be ok. Plus, all the other bands were using their PA and it was knackered along with their inspiration especially when Rick's Hammond died.

  The road crew were still struggling when the scheduled fly pass of two Second World War Spitfires buzzed the unsuspecting audience and the band. They were a bit unprepared and rushed in to starting. Timing was out but it still served to stun the audience into quiet attention as it always did. Unfortunately, the performance was not up to their normal standard. It dragged probably because of their jet-lag, equipment failure and Rogersang out of tune. The fans were sad. The press was relentless.

  The UK press knocked them again as they always seemed to do over the years. They complained that they let down their country for appearing infrequently. They were getting boring as they played the same songs again. However, despite the press, the American tour sold out to the surprise of many and so did this one. It was a mystery to them that this underground group was selling out faster than the Stones.

  At Knebworth, a sea of heads again sat before us. Many more than allowed for by the promoter's license. The perimeter fences came down to care for the large numbers, over 100,000 turned out instead of the 40,000 expected. Their profile had expanded since "Money" and forced them out of need to do larger venues. On top of which they and the management needed the money. Large concerts were more lucrative and they had the Norton Warburg affair looming to resolve.

  There was a growing feeling of agitation after the American tour. The growing numbers and the noise from their American fans' jubilation was changing the intimacy of what went before. It was becoming more a Rave party and not a concert whose intention was to take you on a journey. No longer could the subtleties of "Echoes" be heard. The cheering drowned the spaces between the notes. The alienation and the questioning of why are we doing this began to enter their conscious minds especially Roger's. The screaming could be deafening. The frustration of the waste of it all was loud in our hearts. Where had the Beauty gone? No longer to be heard.

  Roger is quoted as saying, "I cast myself back into how F***ing dreadful I felt on the last American tour withall those thousands and thousands and thousands of drunken kids smashing each other to pieces. I felt dreadful because it had nothing to do with us. I didn't think there was any contact between us and them." (1)

  In a peculiar way, this experience would later inspire the albums Animals and The Wall. However, for now, the return to an English audience was refreshing except that the gig did not turn out quite what they had wished to share.

  CHAPTER 13

  GONNA GET MARRIED

  7 July 1975

  As soon as we returned, it was back to the studio. The USA tour and Knebworth were behind us. Our life began to melt together in a more established home life mixed with the Floyd's growing fame as time passed. When I had said "Yes,"to come to live with David, I had no idea that "Yes" really had to do with something else. It had to do with saying "Yes" to something growing inside of me that would take many years to awaken, i.e., my own innate calling to be an artist.

  I was instinctively inspired by the creative power of the band, especially David's guitar playing and his voice. Most of all our love triggered an internal desire to create a child. So many times, I whispered softly in his ear that when he was ready I was ready to make a baby. I could not have dreamt of doing anything else but that at the time. My body screamed to have our child.

  But it seemed that we were drifting apart. A fear crept into my being. The fire was dimming a bit. It worried me. Living with a musician in a band was new to me. One day he was there. The next he was on tour or recording. I was not always aware of the tensions growing in the band. Moreover, just how much of that tension subtly influenced our relationship. David held most of these matters to himself.

  It is only now reading some of the stories that I realize more of what went on behind the scenes of our life. But the instinctive impulse to bear a child from our love remained the same, as something seemed to grow quiet between us. Or was it just the process of time, merging the hearts of two individuals and the blending of two cultures? I loved him that was for sure. Does one ever know about the cycles of Love for the first time? We were young learning about life.

  During their second leg of the American tour in 1974, I stayed behind. David asked if I would drive him to the airport. I said that I would, but that it most probably would be the last time. Getting to Heathrow from Essex around the North Circular can be painful when your heart is aching. I really missed him when he went off without me. We hugged goodbye and I went home. A week later, I decided to go to Lindos with two girlfriends, Cyndy Shirley, Jerry Shirley's wife, drummer of Humble Pie, and her girlfriend, Sharon, who had just come over from the States. We would stay in Melissa's house with another one of their friends Tony, a roadie for Humble Pie, who would join us.

  I was sick with Bronchitis most of the time and observed the girls from my window in the sala in their tight silk Chinese dresses and high-heels dancing in the courtyard. Ghetto-blaster blaring, a bit drunk with a few Greek soldiers, they were. The courtyards in Lindos are made of pebbles upright called Kuklaki. I could not figure out how they could dance without catching their heels between the stones. Maybe they floated? Anyway, they did, that is, dance in high heels without injury.

  The Greek Soldiers coming into the house was a concern to me because this was something not advised by Melissa or the Villagers. I didn't have the strength to deal with it, especially as I didn't want to throw cold water on their fun. They had no idea of the social customs of the village. Nor were they aware of the fragile inter- relationship we had as foreigners. During my time getting better, I drifted in and out of thoughts and feelings about maybe leaving David. So when I got home this was very much on my mind. What had started out as a dream come true was now changing. It seemed. A broken heart loomed in the corner.

  David called from the States and asked if I would pick him up the next day. I reminded him of my last statement about doing that. He said, "Please." And I did. I waited at the arrival point for him to come out full of alternating emotions. I was excited but nervous. Happy yet Hurt. Most of the band were first. They smiled as they passed by, anxious to get home, disappearing in the crowd.

  When David appeared, he walked straight up to me gently pushing me up against the nearby wall in a passionate embrace. With the return of his passion, I was stunned. Apparently, rumor has it he had had a fair amount to drink on the plane and had flirted with one of the royals. But here it was an embrace so big that it opened my heart once again. He was good at sending Love just whenever I was having a turn away. His timing was always perfect. And it worked for many years. It certainly worked that day. Warwick McCreddie had become their personal road manager for the tours. As he was a dear friend and neighbor, we gave him a lift home. He drove and stopped for petrol on the North Circular.

  When Warwick went in to pay, David asked me to marry him. I could not believe my ears. The day was warm and sunny so we laid in the garden sharing stories. We were so happy to be together, close, at home when again he asked me to marry him. I hadn't responded earlier with Warwick returning to the car. Truely, I was a bit in shock. I could't believe it. Did David actually propose? I questioned myself years later why I had said, "Yes,"for my heart had been so let down. But there I was nestled in his arms and I said, "Yes." I really wanted the dream to be real and continue, and it did. Another cycle began for us.

  The Floyd were recording Wish You were Here at Abbey Road Studios, in the afternoon, so David arranged the paperwork needed to get married in the UK in the morning. The Floyd had a gig at Knebworth on the 5 July, so our wedding plans were for the 7 July 1975. Willie Wilson, Ricki and
Linnie Wills were staying over for that weekend because of the gig. Both had been in one of David's first bands in Cambridge, Jokers Wild. Willie was doing the washing up, while Rick and Linnie were loading baby gear in their car for the return to London.

  David approached Willie and Rick in the kitchen to ask if they could stay another day because we were getting married in the morning. Both went into a bit of shock to the surprise. Willie said, "OMG then I will be the last one not married!" Rick went into the living room, meeting Linnie coming down the stairs and said to her that they had to stay. She asked, "Why?" He said, "David and Ginger are getting married tomorrow." Her face lit up with a smile and said, "Of course." David had previously scheduled a game of Squash with Jerry Shirley, drummer for Humble Pie. He called him in the morning to ask if he and Cyndy could meet us earlier. Just when Jerry was about to say that it might be a problem, David told him that we were going to get married in the Epping Registry Office. Well, he and Cyndy drove like the wind to get there. We waited in the long room lined with chairs against the wall for the moment to begin.

  I wore a simple white cotton summer dress and espadrilles and David wore his trusty blue jeans and "Welcome to the Machine" black T-shirt. There was a rectangular wooden table in the middle with a little red velvet cushion on the top. Finally, the registrar who was to perform the wedding walked in wearing a tan colored suit with a sky blue shirt and matching tie. He looked at us with anticipation. Everyone was quiet, sitting against the wall in a row except for David and I who had walked up to the table. Time stood still waiting for the ceremony to begin. While clearing his throat, the registrar leaned over towards David and said, "Excuse me, Sir, the ring?" We both looked at each other with a look of... OH NO. I had waited all my life for this moment and we had forgotten to get a ring! Linnie came up to us from behind and offered for us to use a ring she had gotten from a box of Crackerjacks. An American sweet popcorn, which always had a surprise gift inside and she had just happened to eat on the way. God was on our side, even if we didn't realize it. David eventually had a ring designed in white gold with two interlocking hearts by a friend who was a designer of jewellery.

  The registrar did turn a few shades of red at the thought but proceeded. When the words, "You may put the ring on her finger"was said, neither of us knew which finger or which hand David should put it on. Once my embarrassment settled, I remembered that it was the fourth finger but not which hand. Boy, were we well rehearsed. I had both fourth fingers up. We both teetered between them as we tried to get it right and hold our pride intack. Linnie said in a low whisper trying to say it just low enough for us to hear, "The right one, the right one." David looked relieved and chose the right. Phew, at last we heard the words, "You may kiss the bride." We all went on to celebrate at our local pub with a giggle and good cheer. What a tale, it has made a sweet story ever since and brought smiles to my kids' faces many years later.

  David had to go to Abbey Road to continue recording Wish You Were Here. I went with him so that we could share the day together. The band had no idea until we walked in. There always seem to be stories within stories in our life. You will see why as you read further. Just to add to the day's event, when we arrived, Roger walked up to David pulling him aside and whispered to him, "Look who is sitting on the sofa." They both went slowly over to the place Roger was referring, Nick and Rick following discreetly.

  There is a huge sofa in front of the mixing desk in that EMI recording room. I don't think any of them were completely certain who was sitting there until David confirmed it. David looked and his face clouded over with the reality of what he saw. Under his breath, he said, "It's Sid." The atmosphere in the room went silent as they digested the moment. Roger, especially, who is quoted to have had many mixed emotions for the past came flooding back.

  There was Sid pear shape, hairless and overweight. They stood silently in disbelief. Old memories rushed into their hearts. What happened? His timing was uncanny! Their lost love and the tragedy of Sid inspired the creation of "Shine On". And there they were in the middle of recording it when Sid appeared weather worn and without hair. They stumbled to have a conversation, inviting him to listen to a track. Sid just sat there lost, on the sofa, wondering why? What a day to ponder. What a day to Remember.

  CHAPTER 14

  PARADISE ON YOUNG ISLAND

  1976

  The band was building and designing Britannia Row, which would be their own private studio where they could work in seclusion. Therefore, David and I decided to go away to St. Vincent in the West Indies. I was six months pregnant and still ok to fly. We were to stay on a private island near St Vincent called Young Island. All the rooms were little self-contained huts. Our showers were out doors in a private garden similar to Lindos, Rhodos, and Greece. We ate in the open restaurant amongst the sweet songbirds and the fragrance of the flowers.

  I had my first papaya with fresh lime juice and a pineapple- coconut smoothie each morning for breakfast. The westward winds kept us cool as we baked in the sun. Steel bands played in the night from across the waterway, which separated us from the main island. We could hear voices singing their country anthem, St Vincent, Land so Beautiful, drifting across the gentle winds, along with the melodies of Reggae.

  Often we would go across to the mainland in a little covered motor boat provided for people who stayed at Young Island. We took a local taxi and went on adventures into their forests to various gardens and sites. The island of Saint Vincent is volcanic and includes little level ground. The windward side of the island is very rocky and steep, while the leeward side has more sandy beaches. In 1902-1903, devastating volcanic eruptions from Soufriere of St Vincent hindered their agricultural abundance, and over time, the volcanic lava formed black sand. Our first trip was to the black sand beach.

  The road wound up and down through the forest, abundant with Banana trees and their phallic purple seed-pods extending down over the road. They reminded me of the 1962 movie Day of the Triffids, which scared the lights out of me as a teenager. David and I always seemed to be comfortable in sharing our adventures in silence. We spoke when necessary, allowing us to savor the moments of every experience. This was not out of conscious intent. It seemed to be where our natures met in unison.

  After a long drive, we came around a corner where before us, lay the volcanic black sand beach sparkling in the sunlight. We walked barefoot among its crystalline form. I played with it between my toes and fingers watching the sunlight twinkle in my hands. It was hotter than normal sand. The black color absorbed the heat so we could not stay barefoot for long. Its unique beauty remains in my memories like black crystal.

  As we both loved to snorkel and be one with the water, we decided to purchase the needed gear to do so. Just beneath the twinkling satin surface of the Caribbean water is a world of wonder. Schools of fish of a thousand different shapes and colors lie below its surface. One would never know unless you entered. The rays of sunlight that filtered into this underground world played upon all the colors as we swam amongst the fish and the coral. Little puffer-fish with their puckered-lips would come up to us hovering seemingly wondering who we were. Gentle beings who, when frightened, blow up to double their size. We swam so as not to disturb. Angelfish and seahorses carried by the current would pass by amongst the splendor. Growing up I always had a tropical aquarium. To see these fish in large numbers and swim with them was special. Everywhere I swam there would be another familiar fish. I especially loved to see the Lionfish fluttering in between the coral; their wing like fins moving like fluid chiffon. The most beautiful for me, for it is my favorite color, was to see schools of Blue Tangs feeding on the plant life.

  Lots of them moving together, not just one in an aquarium that I had in the past. I was in a state of bliss as I saw groups of Blue Tangs moving slowly over the reef snacking on bits of algae. Apparently, this helps keep the reef clean and healthy. In case you are not aware of what they look like, go see the Disney movie Finding Nemo. A Blue Tang was Do
ry who has become a star amongst children and divers.

  We were lost in this wonderland for hours when it was time for us to return. We had stayed around the water between Young Island and the mainland thinking it was safe. We didn't notice that the current was getting stronger as the afternoon tide was changing. We were strong swimmers with our flippers but on this occasion, I wasn't. I was pregnant and the flow was too strong for me to make it back. I was losing strength and about to pass out when the fear gripped me, imagining myself, swept out to sea. Terrified, I shouted to David for help. I do not know to this day, where he got his strength. He held on to me and we swam and swam against the tide as the waves splashed in our faces. We were exhausted by the time we returned but alive. Our baby was safe! One day we visited the oldest Botanical Garden in the Western hemisphere; The Botanical Garden of St. Vincent founded in 1765. It originated by transplanting a variety of flora and trees from around the World, primarily from the Caribbean. In the early days, the gardens planted many Mango trees, Cinnamon and Nutmeg trees. I was captivated to finally see a breadfruit tree and hear about its historical story.

  The establishment of breadfruit on St Vincent was actually delivered by Captain William Bligh, formerly of the HMS Bounty, which was a ship designed for botanical missions. (1) Marlon Brando appeared in my mind as we looked at the trees. Mutiny on the Bounty came alive, though it took place in Tahiti. Obviously, Bligh initially came to St Vincent. Amazing how we think in terms of movies these days. I seem to be repeating myself with that realization. Dr. Bronowski once said, "Documentary movies are becoming our new Myths." I think he was right.