PINK FLOYD - ARNOLD LAYNE

Released: March 10, 1967

Charted:  UK: #20 

"Arnold Layne" is a song written by Syd Barrett, released as the band's first single. It was not included on any album. In promotional materials for the single, EMI, the band's record company, clarified, "Pink Floyd does not know what people mean by psychedelic pop and are not trying to cause hallucinatory effects on their audience."

Syd Barrett wrote "Arnold Layne" inspired by a cross-dresser in Cambridge, England, who pilfered bras and panties from clotheslines. Growing up near Roger Waters, both their mothers fell victim to Arnold Layne's exploits. Radio London banned the song due to its subject matter, while the more conservative BBC played it, either unconcerned or oblivious. Barrett, the band leader and a talented songwriter, succumbed to drug use, becoming England's first high-profile acid casualty. The following year, he was ousted from the band, with David Gilmour taking his place.

Nick Mason offered insight into the selection of "Arnold Layne" by stating, "We aspired to be rock'n'roll stars and aimed to create singles, so it appeared to be the most fitting song to condense into a 3-minute format without sacrificing too much."

Scheduled to make their Top Of The Pops debut with this track in April 1967, Pink Floyd was dropped when the song fell three places on the UK chart that week. Their first appearance on the show occurred on July 6, where they performed "See Emily Play."

The black-and-white music video for "Arnold Layne" featured the band alongside Syd Barrett and was directed by Derek Nice. Shot in late February 1967 on the beach in East Wittering, West Sussex, England, the video captures Pink Floyd playfully interacting with a mannequin. Another promotional film was recorded on April 29, 1967, near St Michael's Church in Highgate. This footage remains the sole known recording of Barrett lip-synching to the song.