Legendary Pink Dots

Truly!

also, please note that they just released US tour dates today! See ya in Portland OR on Oct 22nd!

they have almost no following in the UK

this is so weird to me

they had a Bandcamp sale to help fund the tour, not sure if some things are still discounted or not but I picked up a bunch of excellent miscellaneous things (like Seismic Bleats Of Quantum Sheep) that I had not heard

Does there exist any kind of like 2cd anthology/overview of these guys? Or have any of you guys assembled one for your own use? I know next to nothing about them but i have a feeling I’d take to them…

they do have something like that!

https://legendarypinkdots1.bandcamp.com/album/the-stone-age-1980-89
https://legendarypinkdots1.bandcamp.com/album/a-ticking-clock-1990-99
https://legendarypinkdots1.bandcamp.com/album/a-string-of-zeroes-the-legendary-pink-dots-2000-2010

also see Ned's "theshfl" link above for a good overview of individual albums

What do you think these shows will be like? Debating whether to shell out the $65.

Who has seen them?

I've seen them several times, always worth it imo (altho $65 seems very high compared to the $27 face charge in Portland!

Normally they slip in a few reworked versions of oldies in their set, which otherwise typically consists of songs from their most recent album or two, whatever they are touring on.

Every time I've seen them has been very involved and fascinating. And as with any truly veteran band like this, who knows how many more chances you might get, so...

uh

A chapter closes and another begins as Phil - The Silverman - has decided to retire from live performances with the Pink Dots, while our long term friend, Randall, is joining the band.

In reality it’s a story we’ve known for many months inside The Dots as we plan for our first long tour since early 2022, but it was the sheer physical demand of such an adventure that led to Phil making his decision.
Do wish Phil well in his choice of a path - it’s been a glorious four decades.

Randall is no stranger to life on the road with The Pink Dots having opened with his own project, Orbit Service, on many tours ( and he will be delivering a set on the forthcoming outing). Still, we’re excited to welcome an old friend into the band, composing new music with him as well as exploring some new corners of the planet together.

this is... not great as far as I am concerned, sorry to the band

Oof, yeah, would have to agree. I'm very glad I caught them on the anniversary tour in late 2019 now. I do have tickets for next month but I'm a touch unsure now. But I'm not going to begrudge Phil's choice to call time -- it's a hard life on tour, and that's a hell of a run.

yeah for sure. I do wish this had been announced before tickets were sold.

Well, maybe it was a half play by ear situation. But after the Soft Cell tour transmogrification as well, a bit disappointing.

sad!

if you still go, please do report back on how the phil-less LPD are.

oh I'm totally going still, had tix for a while, just surprised at this (and how bummed out I am, maybe just shock of the new)

otoh I do like Randall's work and it will be interesting to see a different approach. I wonder if he's using any of Phil's gear?

for years I missed Stret Majeste Alarm's guitar sound in the band, but these days I have fully come around to Erik, so I can definitely adjust

also re: Randall, Orbit Service played at my house once, good lord I just looked it up and it was 17 years ago

i.e. he is a lifer as well

Merry Christmas, of course

https://legendarypinkdots1.bandcamp.com/album/the-legendary-pink-dots-christmas-special-2022

so freaking excited to read this book covering them through the 80s

https://legendarypinkdots1.bandcamp.com/merch/close-your-eyes-you-can-be-a-space-captain

Ah, thanks for that -- just snagged one of the last two copies there!

cheers!!

it looks like Soleilmoon.com has copies for the US market as well if anyone else is looking

i just snagged the very last one opn bandcamp. thanks sleeve.

how was the recent gig?

not as loose as they were with Phil, much more of a regular setlist on the shows from what I saw, no improv section, but the sound was great and they all seemed to be enjoying themselves. they brought out "Grain Kings" for the encore and also played "Rainbows Too" which I guess counts as an oldie now, my god 14 years since 2008.

ok! thanks.

so pleased that Ned and stir got those last two copies of the book! I am ridiculously excited for it, apparently it is done oral history style

Hey that's pretty cool -- Edward K has put up the actual first ever LPD home recorded tape on Bandcamp, with full liner notes:

https://legendarypinkdots1.bandcamp.com/album/only-dreaming

A lot of familiar tracks from compilations and reissues but here's the actual thing.